Gothic Art and Cathedrals

Author

Institution

Introduction

Gothic architecture refers to the architecture started in late medieval period. The architecture of this period is characterized by the utilization of the pointed arch and was based on the spirituality of the middle Ages (Crossley, 2000). It was a reflection of the suffering, religious intensity, as well as the self-intoxication with rational formalism that characterized the medieval times.

Gothic architecture has varied characteristics. Gothic architecture usually emphasizes on height than width, with the verticality reflecting an aspiration to heaven. In addition, a wide part of the buildings is taken up by windows of extremely large size (Crossley, 2000). It has pointed arches, ribbed vaulting, stained glass windows and elaborate sculptures.

Abbot Suger is considered the father or pioneer of gothic architecture and art. He is an extremely important figure in the beginning of gothic art, as he undertook the repair of the Abbey Church of Saint Denis which is considered the first gothic building (Crossley, 2000). The Abbey Church of Saint Denis and Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Chartres are related in their blend of Romanesque architecture and Spain’s Moorish architecture and elaborate stonework.

Part B.

Gothic architecture has its origins in the medieval times. It underlines the medieval architecture that laid emphasis on light and verticality, in which case its height was disproportional to its width, while the larger part of its walls was occupied by enormous individual windows (Morris, 2001). While its main feature is the pointed arches and elaborate sculptures, it had stained glass windows, as well as flying buttresses that supported the exterior walls.

Abbot Sugers is fundamentally seen as the pioneer of gothic architecture. He was a friend and confidant of the French Kings who had been given to the Abbey of Saint-Denis at 10 years of age. He received his appointment as Abbot of Saint Denis in 1922 and began rebuilding and rebuilding the Abbey of Saint Denis from 1137 to 1144 (Morris, 2001). The resultant building is considered the first gothic architecture. While Abbey of Saint Denis and Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Chartres are separated by a number of centuries, they are related in that they both combined Romanesque architecture with the elaborate stonework pertaining to Moorish architecture from Spain.

References

Crossley, P. (2000). Gothic architecture. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.

Morris, W. (2001). Gothic architecture. London: Electric Book Co.