2. 1. INTRODUCTION
Gothic art was a new style of art developed in Europe
between the 12th and the 15th centuries.
It was called Gothic because during the Renaissance it
was believed that Goths introduced this type of art.
In fact it had its origin in the north of France and from
there it spread throughout Europe.
It is an urban type of art that wanted to show the power
and wealth of cities. The most representative building
was the cathedral. Cities competed with each other to
build the biggest and tallest cathedral.
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5. 2. ARCHITECTURE
The most important buildings were town halls, markets,
palaces and cathedrals.
They were built using new architectural techniques:
Pointed arches and rib vaults were used. The weight of the rib
vault did not rest on the walls, but on the pillars inside the building
and on the flying buttresses outside.
Thus, thick walls were no longer necessary and large windows
could be built. Those windows were made of stained glass , and
there were rose windows in bright colours.
Design of a Gothic cathedral:
The Latin cross shape continued to be used.
The central nave was taller and wider than in Romanesque art.
Inside cathedral there were three storeys (nave arcade, triforium and
windows)
There was a lot of light inside cathedrals.
15. The weight of the rib vault did not rest on the walls, but on the
pillars inside the building and on the flying buttresses
outside
16. The weight of the rib vault did not rest on the walls, but on the
pillars inside the building and on the flying buttresses
outside
17. The weight of the rib vault did not rest on the walls, but on the
pillars inside the building and on the flying buttresses
outside
18. Thus, thick walls were no longer necessary and large windows could be built.
Those windows were made of stained glass , and there were rose windows
in bright colours.
26. SCULPTURE
Gothic sculpture still had a religious and educational
purpose. However, it introduced new elements:
Figures became independent from the walls, more realistic and
natural.
Clothes and gestures were more detailed.
Curved lines were used to show movement.
There was an interest in showing feelings (Christ suffers on the Cross
and the Virgin is happy with her child).
New types of sculpture were introduced:
Altarpieces
Choir stalls
Funeral sculptures
Gargoyles
Stone was the most important material but wood became
increasingly popular.
33. New types of sculpture
Funeral sculptures Gargoyles
34. PAINTING
Mural painting became less common because it was
replaced by stained glass windows.
Painting on wood or wooden tables became popular
(altarpieces)
Paintings still represented religious themes but portraits
became important.
Other features:
Bright colours.
Use of gold.
Background landscapes.
Greater realism.
Movement of figures.
