8 CHARACTERISTICS of GOTHIC art: painting, sculpture, architecture ...

The name "Gothic" was applied for the first time in the century XVI as a term under which to encompass all medieval art. A term used by Giorgio Vasari as a derogatory way of qualifying it by considering it a barbarian art versus classicism. It will not be until Romanticism, in the 19th century, that Gothic is valued. Gothic is an artistic style that emerged in France, on the Île-de-France, in the mid-12th century. A style that spread throughout Europe for three more centuries, from the twelfth to the middle of the fifteenth.

In this lesson from unPROFESOR.com we offer you the main characteristics of gothic art so that you can distinguish and know his main works in architecture, sculpture and painting.

The Gothic art it's a European architectural, sculptural and pictorial style, being a Christian art and ranking among the medieval romanesque and the Renaissance. Among the characteristics of Gothic art we highlight:

1. The Gothic reached its maximum expression in architecture, especially in the Gothic cathedrals of northern France. One of its earliest examples is the Basilica of the Royal Abbey of Saint Denis. A work built by Abbot Suger, starting its construction in 1140.
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2. Among its aesthetic principles, the consideration of light as a representation of theocentrism stands out, identifying light with God.
3. The main constructions were the cathedrals and the monasteries.
4. The pointed arch, pointed and transmitting that sensation of elevation and light, becomes the most characteristic construction element. A type of arch that was used in doors, windows, and domes.
5. In this search for larger windows to multiply the amount of light inside, the wall is lightened and counteracted the thrusts with buttresses and flying buttresses to the outside and closing the windows with stained glass and rose windows that let the light.
6. The stained glass windows let in the light and also the vivid colors of the glass, multiplying the sensation of light and moving to meditation and transcendence.
7. The stained glass windows are inspired by the Bible and achieve a color and expressiveness that surpasses that of paintings.
8. The Gothic style consolidated the relationship between art and religion that the Romanesque had already set in motion, serving both transmit the message of God and instill the fear of man in the face of divine power, as if to materialize the power of the Church.

Stages of Gothic art

The Gothic is divided into:

• Early Gothic (1150-1250)
• Middle Gothic (1250-1375)
• International Gothic (1375-1450)

Now that we know the main characteristics of Gothic art, we are going to analyze discipline by discipline. Here are the most general elements of Gothic architecture:

• The most important construction elements of Gothic They were:
• The pointed or pointed arch as a constructive element that allows a better distribution of roof loads. Its pointed end highlights the feeling of height.
• The flying arches They are external structural elements in the shape of a semicircular arch that collects the tensions structural elements at the beginning of the vault, transmitting it to a buttress attached to the walls sides.
• The ribbed vaults It is a system of interlocking vaults, in turn, crossed by pointed arches. A support system that helped distribute the weight of the structure towards the pillars.
• The stained glass. Extensive stained glass walls located in the upper half of the building, framed by a system of columns. The stained glass windows represent religious images and in bright colors whose reflection inside creates a environment full of light and color that moves to the meditation and awakens emotions and sensations of the most spiritual.
• The rosette It is a circular shaped window with ornamentation and openwork. Although they were also used in the Romanesque, in Gothic art they open on the main façade, more open and with more spectacular stained glass windows and as a way to create lighting effects on the altar.