Cultural Renaissance and Gothic Art: 11th to 15th Century

Cultural Renaissance from the 11th Century

From the 11th century, there was a cultural renaissance that manifested in several ways:

• The development of written literature. Notable examples include epic songs about the exploits of heroes (such as The Song of My Cid), books about horses (fantasy adventures for gentlemen), and romances.
• The creation of urban schools, driven by the bourgeoisie.
• The emergence of universities in the mid-12th century as associations of teachers and students to defend their interests. Studies were divided into four colleges: Liberal Arts, Law, Medicine, and Theology. Teaching was scholastic, involving reading a text, posing a problem, discussing it, and reaching a decision. The most famous universities were those of Paris, Oxford, and Bologna.

Gothic Art

Gothic art flourished from the mid-12th century until the 15th century. It was thought in the 16th century that this style was introduced by the Goths, hence its name. It was an urban style reflecting the splendor of the cities. Gothic architecture emerged in northern France. Its features include:

• The use of stone pillars and supports.
• Pointed arches, which were safer and more capable of achieving great heights.
• Vaulted ceilings.

This system allowed for tall buildings with windows fitted with stained glass, which provided a light and colorful interior. The cathedral was the main building and a symbol of power. Its construction lasted for centuries and was carried out with financial contributions from urban groups. It had a Latin cross plan with one, three, or five aisles, a transept, and a well-developed apse with an ambulatory. It typically had three levels (arcades, triforium, and clerestory windows). The exterior facade was H-shaped, consisting of two towers framing a central body where there were gates, topped with a rosette (circular window). Other buildings included auction houses, municipalities, and palaces.

Features of Gothic Sculpture and Painting

Gothic sculpture and painting showed a greater emphasis on beauty, realism, and movement, and the figures displayed emotions. True portraits appeared in tombs and paintings. The subjects were primarily religious, drawn from the New Testament, the lives of saints, and the Virgin Mary.

Sculpture

Sculpture was initially dependent on architecture and was placed on the portals and capitals of cathedrals. However, the figures gradually became more independent of the architectural framework. In freestanding sculptures, Christ was depicted nailed to the cross with three nails, wearing a short robe and a crown of thorns, conveying suffering. The Virgin Mary was often shown holding the Christ Child in one arm, adopting a maternal attitude that inspired tenderness.

Painting

Painting moved away from the walls of churches and was executed on wooden panels. These panels could form retablos (large altarpieces placed behind the altar). The colors were bright, with gold used to enhance the luminosity. There was a greater interest in representing volume and space. Miniatures illustrating books and stained glass windows gained importance. Stained glass windows had a structure formed by lead rods and colored glass, symbolizing the divine light emanating from the scriptures.