Examples of Gothic architecture: What is it?
Gothic architecture is a form of artistic expression that defined Gothic art. This artistic style is shaped by Romanesque and Renaissance. It was developed in Western Europe by Latin Christianity in the Middle Ages. From the late twelfth century to the fifteenth century, the exponents of Gothic art continued until the early sixteenth century.
In the 16th century in Spain, the Gothic style was described as a way of building in the modern style. In the same century, the architecture of classicism was considered as a way of building in the Roman style.
On the other hand, the adjective Gothic was derogatory, probably similar to the word vandalism. It recalled the invasions of the Middle Ages and indicated that it was not in harmony with the ancient traditions.
Gothic art was the art of the Goths, an art of the “barbarians” who had forgotten Roman construction techniques and canons.
In Gothic architecture, we find two basic structural elements: the pointed or pointed arch and the ribbed vault. These allow the transmission of loads to be vertical, which allows a better distribution of loads and a much greater height. Unlike the semicircular arch.
This Gothic architecture originated in Normandy, then spread throughout the kingdom of France and later to the Germanic Roman Empire and the Christian kingdoms of northern Spain.
The medievalism generated by the romanticism and nationalism of the 19th century led to the re-elaboration of this architectural style. Transforming it into a neo-Gothic architecture that reproduced the architectural language of the style with more genuine forms of the period.
What is Gothic architecture?
Gothic architecture is an architectural style that developed during the 12th to 15th centuries of the Middle Ages that placed great emphasis on structural lightness and illumination of the interior naves as opposed to the massiveness and poor interior lighting of Romanesque churches. Its main development was in the construction of churches, cathedrals and monasteries.
This architectural style was very predominant and of great importance. It represented a major step forward from the previous, relatively basic building systems that had prevailed.
The essential architectural concepts of Gothic are luminosity and elevation, both ideas in the service of spirituality. Gothic architecture represents the triumph and predominance of faith. Therefore, the material aspect of existence is obliged to submit to the spiritual aspect.
The contributions of Gothic architecture periodically solved the problems of Gothic architecture of being able to integrate Romanesque art by using new architectural techniques: the pointed vault and the broken arch.
Gothic cathedrals aim to communicate to believers that life after death is the true end of human existence.
Their particular and strong identity is both philosophical and architectural. From both points of view, it undoubtedly represents one of the greatest artistic achievements of the Middle Ages.
History of Gothic Architecture
As part of the background of Gothic architecture, late Gothic emerged from the Romanesque architectural style. It allowed for several centuries of cultural development and major building projects.
Several important cathedrals and churches were built, particularly in Britain and France. This gave Gothic architects and builders the opportunity to develop ever more complex and daring designs.
Before the introduction to Gothic architecture arose and from the late 10th century onwards, Romanesque style churches were built. They were commonly covered with barrel vaults. The walls were thick and supported by massive buttresses located on the exterior.
The Gothic architecture of the Middle Ages, however, was the last stage in the development of medieval art. During the Renaissance, the term “Gothic” was introduced as a pejorative designation for all architectural art of the Middle Ages.
In order to forget the various definitions accumulated towards the Gothic art of the architecture of the past centuries, it was best to return to the very beginning of the word Gothic and the style that bears the name.
The term “Gothic” was attributed to the style that characterized European architecture between the first half of the 12th century and the end of the 15th century. It evokes both the Germanic origins and those that predominantly spread in German lands.
It was then that in the revaluation of medieval art the name lost that negative characterization. And, for a short time it was the subject of a dispute between two German scholars.
They claimed that the German character of Gothic was the authentic one, while a small group of French scholars wanted to rename it.
The Duchy of Normandy developed its own version of Gothic in construction. One of these was the Norman chevet, a small apse or chapel attached to the chancel at the east end of the church, which typically had a half-dome.
Some of the historians of Gothic art now refute this judgment and show that, in comparison to Romanesque architecture. Gothic architecture is not so much a rupture as an evolution.
The first buildings with characteristics of Gothic architecture appeared in the region of France. It then spread rapidly north of the Loire and established itself in Europe until the middle of the 16th century.
Before it was replaced by Renaissance architecture. In this sense, religious monuments, secular and upper-class housing were built.
Religion and worship formed a major component in the life of the faithful and the spread of technological innovations. It made Gothic construction work more productive.
Finally, cities and commerce were developing. This led to the emergence of a wealthy bourgeoisie and thus, population growth required an increase in the size of religious buildings.
The Gothic cathedrals of the mid-13th century include the Paris Chapel of St. Chapel with many stained glass windows. The Crusaders, on the other hand, brought the principles of Gothic architecture to Rhodes, Syria and Cyprus.
