7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 1/23
Gothic Architecture
Following the Romanesque style in Europe was the Gothic era, which spanned the twelfth to fourteenth
centuries in Italy and continued into the sixteenth century in northern Europe. The Gothic style included
a return to greater naturalism, as focus shifted back to the natural world in many ways.
Learning Resource
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 2/23
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 3/23
Saints Martin, Jerome, and Gregory
Author: User “Jedhunsaker.†Source: Wikipedia. License: Public Domain.
Figural forms began to reflect the observation of physical facts, and a phase of artistic evolution began
that would eventually culminate in the intense naturalism of the Renaissance, especially in Italy from the
fourteenth to the sixteenth centuries. Along the way, however, conventions of representation in Italy
and in northern Europe diverged, producing increasing different cultural styles. For example, the “Court
Style†was prevalent in the royal works of the Late Gothic era (late fourteenth to sixteenth centuries),
particularly in France, and lingered into the early Renaissance of the late fifteenth century in northern
Europe. The approach reflected the prominence of aristocratic tastes and the exaltation of earthly rulers
and the conception of God and the saints (especially the Virgin Mary; see image) as the court in Heaven.
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 4/23
The Virgin of Paris
Notre-Dame, Paris
While there is a clear change from the Romanesque style, the figures are not yet really naturalistic, with
an emphasis on elegance and aristocratic attitude dominating the figural imaginings. As seen here, there
is often abundant drapery falling in rich and graceful folds, so exaggerated that one cannot discern the
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 5/23
space for a full figure beneath. The hips and knees, rather than showing the classical contrapposto
positioning that the ancient Greeks developed, are gracefully swayed into an S-curve, connoting
sophistication and refinement.
Perhaps the most familiar basilica or Latin Cross churches are those in the Gothic style in Europe that
began in 1144 (see image).
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 6/23
Amiens Cathedral Floorplan
Artist: Georg Dehio. Author: User “Mattis.†Source: Wikimedia Commons. License: Public Domain.
When these structures were being built, they were not called “Gothic.†Instead they were called “opus
francigenum†or “work of the Franks†because of their origination at the Abbey of Saint-Denis (see
image). The term “Gothic†was coined in the sixteenth century, originally meant as an insult, by artist and
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 7/23
historian Giorgio Vasari (1511–1574, Italy). He wanted to distinguish the architectural style, based on
forms from ancient Greece and Rome at that time practiced in Italy, from medieval Christianity and its
associations with the destruction of classical learning and culture. The Goths were Germanic tribes that
he believed had invaded and destroyed the refined culture of ancient Rome. His pejorative name has
persisted but without its originally negative connotation.
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 8/23
Saint Denis Basilica
Author: Andrew and Annmarie. Source: Flickr. License:
CC BY-SA 2.0.
The style represented giant steps away from the previous, relatively basic building systems that had
prevailed. The Gothic grew out of the Romanesque architectural style, when both prosperity and peace
allowed for several centuries of cultural development and great building schemes. From roughly 1000 to
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 9/23
1400, several significant cathedrals and churches were built, particularly in Britain and France, offering
architects and masons a chance to work out ever more complex problems and daring designs.
Gothic cathedrals are characterized by the pointed arch, the ribbed vault, flying buttresses, and stained
glass windows. Unlike the Roman circular arch, the Gothic or pointed arch is formed by two arcs with
parallel sides (see image).
Roman and Gothic Arch Comparison
Author: Jeffrey LeMieux. Source: Original Work.
License: CC BY-SA 4.0.
A ribbed vault is formed at the intersection of two barrel vaults, with stone ribs sometimes added to
support the weight of the vaults. The flying buttress is a load-bearing component located outside the
building, connected to the upper portion of the wall in the form of an arch (see images).
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 10/23
Flying Buttress Diagram
From the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Amiens
Author: User “BuzzWikimedia.†Source: Wikimedia Commons. License: Public Domain.
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 11/23
Bourges Cathedral
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 12/23
France
Author: User “sybarite48.†Source: Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0.
The most fundamental element of the Gothic style of architecture is the pointed arch, which was likely
borrowed from Islamic architecture that would have been seen in Spain at this time. The pointed arch
relieved some of the thrust, and therefore, the stress on other structural elements. It then became
possible to reduce the size of the columns or piers that supported the arch.
The combination of the pointed arch, ribbed vault, and flying buttress allowed the height of the interior
spaces to be dramatically increased and the thickness of the outside walls dramatically decreased. This
development led to the widespread use of stained glass throughout the church and the addition of the
rose window, a circular stained glass window dedicated to the Virgin Mary, usually found above the
main portals (see image).
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 13/23
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 14/23
Reims Cathedral, France
Author: Magnus Manske. Source: Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 1.0.
The much larger number and size of windows allowed natural and multicolored light to flood the interior
of formerly dark churches (see image).
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 15/23
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 16/23
Basilica of St. Denis Ambulatory
Author: User “Beckstet.†Source: Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0.
Gothic churches were built throughout continental Europe and England, with regional variations. They
were usually located in the center of their communities, especially if they were cathedrals or Bishop’s
churches. Whether viewed from a distance approaching a town or from within the cathedrals
themselves, the buildings soared above all others as they reached to the heavens. They were filled with
architectural and sculptural ornamentation to teach the doctrines of the Church, Bible stories, and the
accounts of Mary, the apostles, and the other saints. Portals were especially the focus of sculptural
effort. Standing figures in high relief of prophets, kings, and saints graced the sides of the jambs, or
upright supports to either side of a door (see image).
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 17/23
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 18/23
Chartres Cathedral Martyrs
Author: User “Ttaylor.†Source: Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0.
Many other sacred and secular figures, relief sculptures, often of Jesus and symbols of the Four
Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, were included in the tympanum above the doors (see
image).
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 19/23
Chartres Cathedral Central Tympanum
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 20/23
From the Royal portal
Author: Guillaume Piolle. Source: Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 3.0.
The architects, masons, and sculptors responsible for these monumental buildings were highly skilled
and creative, and Gothic cathedrals remained the dominating forms of the Western urban landscape
until the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when the modern structural steel skyscraper
surpassed them in height and scale.
The overall effect of walking into a Gothic cathedral is to be drawn upward into a vast, light, and airy
space, dislocated from the physical and drawn into the spiritual (see image).
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 21/23
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 22/23
Salisbury Cathedral Nave
Wiltshire, UK
Author: User “Diliff.†Source: Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0.
This effect is the epitome of the Gothic Christian view that the physical and sensual world is to be
ignored or even disdained in favor of chastity, spiritual awareness, and religious devotion.
After the great flowering of Gothic style, tastes again shifted back to the neat, straight lines and rational
geometry of the Classical era. It was in the Renaissance that the name Gothic came to be applied to this
medieval style that seemed vulgar to Renaissance sensibilities. It is still the term we use today, though
hopefully without the implied insult, which negates the amazing leaps of imagination and engineering
that were required to build such edifices.
Licenses and Attributions
Chapter 4: Describing Art (https://www.oercommons.org/editor/documents/3690) by Jeffrey
LeMieux, Rita Tekippe, and Pamela J. Sachant from Introduction to Art: Design, Context, and Meaning is
available under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International
7/23/2021 Gothic Architecture
https://learn.umgc.edu/d2l/le/content/581995/viewContent/21912336/View 23/23
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) license. UMGC has modified this work and it is
available under the original license.
Chapter 7: Form in Architecture (https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/introduction-to-artdesign-context-and-meaning) by Jeffrey LeMieux, Rita Tekippe, and Pamela J. Sachant from
Introduction to Art: Design, Context, and Meaning is available under a Creative Commons AttributionShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) license. UMGC has
modified this work and it is available under the original license.
Notre Dame de Paris (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgin_of_Paris) by Sailko is available under
Creative Commons 2.5 Generic (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/) license. UMGC has
modified this work.
Saint Denis Basilica (https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrew_annemarie/5134501335) by Andrew
and Annmarie from Flickr is available under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic
(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/) license. UMGC has modified this work and it is
available under the original license.
© 2021 University of Maryland Global Campus
All links to external sites were verified at the time of publication. UMGC is not responsible for the validity or integrity of information located
at external sites.
Get Professional Assignment Help Cheaply
Are you busy and do not have time to handle your assignment? Are you scared that your paper will not make the grade? Do you have responsibilities that may hinder you from turning in your assignment on time? Are you tired and can barely handle your assignment? Are your grades inconsistent?
Whichever your reason is, it is valid! You can get professional academic help from our service at affordable rates. We have a team of professional academic writers who can handle all your assignments.
Why Choose Our Academic Writing Service?
- Plagiarism free papers
- Timely delivery
- Any deadline
- Skilled, Experienced Native English Writers
- Subject-relevant academic writer
- Adherence to paper instructions
- Ability to tackle bulk assignments
- Reasonable prices
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Get superb grades consistently
Online Academic Help With Different Subjects
Literature
Students barely have time to read. We got you! Have your literature essay or book review written without having the hassle of reading the book. You can get your literature paper custom-written for you by our literature specialists.
Finance
Do you struggle with finance? No need to torture yourself if finance is not your cup of tea. You can order your finance paper from our academic writing service and get 100% original work from competent finance experts.
Computer science
Computer science is a tough subject. Fortunately, our computer science experts are up to the match. No need to stress and have sleepless nights. Our academic writers will tackle all your computer science assignments and deliver them on time. Let us handle all your python, java, ruby, JavaScript, php , C+ assignments!
Psychology
While psychology may be an interesting subject, you may lack sufficient time to handle your assignments. Don’t despair; by using our academic writing service, you can be assured of perfect grades. Moreover, your grades will be consistent.
Engineering
Engineering is quite a demanding subject. Students face a lot of pressure and barely have enough time to do what they love to do. Our academic writing service got you covered! Our engineering specialists follow the paper instructions and ensure timely delivery of the paper.
Nursing
In the nursing course, you may have difficulties with literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, critical essays, and other assignments. Our nursing assignment writers will offer you professional nursing paper help at low prices.
Sociology
Truth be told, sociology papers can be quite exhausting. Our academic writing service relieves you of fatigue, pressure, and stress. You can relax and have peace of mind as our academic writers handle your sociology assignment.
Business
We take pride in having some of the best business writers in the industry. Our business writers have a lot of experience in the field. They are reliable, and you can be assured of a high-grade paper. They are able to handle business papers of any subject, length, deadline, and difficulty!
Statistics
We boast of having some of the most experienced statistics experts in the industry. Our statistics experts have diverse skills, expertise, and knowledge to handle any kind of assignment. They have access to all kinds of software to get your assignment done.
Law
Writing a law essay may prove to be an insurmountable obstacle, especially when you need to know the peculiarities of the legislative framework. Take advantage of our top-notch law specialists and get superb grades and 100% satisfaction.
What discipline/subjects do you deal in?
We have highlighted some of the most popular subjects we handle above. Those are just a tip of the iceberg. We deal in all academic disciplines since our writers are as diverse. They have been drawn from across all disciplines, and orders are assigned to those writers believed to be the best in the field. In a nutshell, there is no task we cannot handle; all you need to do is place your order with us. As long as your instructions are clear, just trust we shall deliver irrespective of the discipline.
Are your writers competent enough to handle my paper?
Our essay writers are graduates with bachelor's, masters, Ph.D., and doctorate degrees in various subjects. The minimum requirement to be an essay writer with our essay writing service is to have a college degree. All our academic writers have a minimum of two years of academic writing. We have a stringent recruitment process to ensure that we get only the most competent essay writers in the industry. We also ensure that the writers are handsomely compensated for their value. The majority of our writers are native English speakers. As such, the fluency of language and grammar is impeccable.
What if I don’t like the paper?
There is a very low likelihood that you won’t like the paper.
Reasons being:
- When assigning your order, we match the paper’s discipline with the writer’s field/specialization. Since all our writers are graduates, we match the paper’s subject with the field the writer studied. For instance, if it’s a nursing paper, only a nursing graduate and writer will handle it. Furthermore, all our writers have academic writing experience and top-notch research skills.
- We have a quality assurance that reviews the paper before it gets to you. As such, we ensure that you get a paper that meets the required standard and will most definitely make the grade.
In the event that you don’t like your paper:
- The writer will revise the paper up to your pleasing. You have unlimited revisions. You simply need to highlight what specifically you don’t like about the paper, and the writer will make the amendments. The paper will be revised until you are satisfied. Revisions are free of charge
- We will have a different writer write the paper from scratch.
- Last resort, if the above does not work, we will refund your money.
Will the professor find out I didn’t write the paper myself?
Not at all. All papers are written from scratch. There is no way your tutor or instructor will realize that you did not write the paper yourself. In fact, we recommend using our assignment help services for consistent results.
What if the paper is plagiarized?
We check all papers for plagiarism before we submit them. We use powerful plagiarism checking software such as SafeAssign, LopesWrite, and Turnitin. We also upload the plagiarism report so that you can review it. We understand that plagiarism is academic suicide. We would not take the risk of submitting plagiarized work and jeopardize your academic journey. Furthermore, we do not sell or use prewritten papers, and each paper is written from scratch.
When will I get my paper?
You determine when you get the paper by setting the deadline when placing the order. All papers are delivered within the deadline. We are well aware that we operate in a time-sensitive industry. As such, we have laid out strategies to ensure that the client receives the paper on time and they never miss the deadline. We understand that papers that are submitted late have some points deducted. We do not want you to miss any points due to late submission. We work on beating deadlines by huge margins in order to ensure that you have ample time to review the paper before you submit it.
Will anyone find out that I used your services?
We have a privacy and confidentiality policy that guides our work. We NEVER share any customer information with third parties. Noone will ever know that you used our assignment help services. It’s only between you and us. We are bound by our policies to protect the customer’s identity and information. All your information, such as your names, phone number, email, order information, and so on, are protected. We have robust security systems that ensure that your data is protected. Hacking our systems is close to impossible, and it has never happened.
How our Assignment Help Service Works
1. Place an order
You fill all the paper instructions in the order form. Make sure you include all the helpful materials so that our academic writers can deliver the perfect paper. It will also help to eliminate unnecessary revisions.
2. Pay for the order
Proceed to pay for the paper so that it can be assigned to one of our expert academic writers. The paper subject is matched with the writer’s area of specialization.
3. Track the progress
You communicate with the writer and know about the progress of the paper. The client can ask the writer for drafts of the paper. The client can upload extra material and include additional instructions from the lecturer. Receive a paper.
4. Download the paper
The paper is sent to your email and uploaded to your personal account. You also get a plagiarism report attached to your paper.
PLACE THIS ORDER OR A SIMILAR ORDER WITH US TODAY AND GET A PERFECT SCORE!!!
