Gothic art

Where and when did gothic art appear?

- Gothic style began in the mid 12th century in France, and then spread all over Europe. This

artistic style was succesful in the continent until the 15th century.

- Romanesque style did not disappear suddenly. Both styles co-existed for a few years, but Gothic

substituted Romanesque little by little.

Gothic art

- Gothic was a urban art. Cities were becoming prosperous when gothic appeared.

- Every city wanted to have its own cathedral, the most characteristic symbol of gothic art.

Cathedrals were symbols of prestige for cities.

Gothic architecture

Main characteristics of gothic architecture

Gothic temples were higher than romanesque temples.

Characteristics of gothic architecture

This was possible thanks to the use of new building techniques.

The use of pointed (or ogival) arches

In order to build the arches, wooden structures called falsework had to be erected. Then, bricks were placed over the falsework, and thus an arch was created.

Arches

The use of ribbed vaults

Thanks to the use of pointed arches and ribbed vaults, walls were

not so important to sustain the weight of the vault as they were during the Romanesque period.

Gothic buildings have many more windows, and thus they are brighter

inside.

Stained glass was inserted in the window panes

White light coming from the sun trespassed the stained glass thus creating an intense atmosphere

inside the temple

Buttresses and counterforts were used on the outside to support the

weight of the vault

At the top of the counterforts, pinnacles were erected as decoration

Gothic cathedral section

Apses were enlarged

There were usually 3 or 4 storeys inside

A rose window covered with stained glass was situated on the facade

Gargoyles were used for getting rid of rainwater, and for decoration

Gothic sculpture

Both reliefs and free-standing sculptures were made

Facades were decorated with reliefs

Capitals...

Tympana

Columns on the facades...

And archivolts

Saints and sinners were represented

Gothic sculptures are more natural and full of expression than Romanesque

Wooden retables were placed behind the altars. This one is in a

convent in Burgos (Cartuja de Miraflores)

Tombs could be very beautiful, too

Gothic paintings

Main characteristics

- Paintings on the walls (al fresco) were not as important as they were in Romanesque.

- Basically, gothic artists painted on wood.

- The main motifs were religious, but portraits were common, too.

- Retables were painted, too.

- And they illustrated religious books.