Gothic Architecture and Art: Evolution and Characteristics

Gothic Architecture: Key Features

Its salient features were: the elevation (the weight is achieved by diverting to the side) and lighting (weight shifting is achieved, so we can neglect the walls and put big windows). All this gives high slenderness. Gothic building elements:

• Arches: ogee and evolved into carpaneles.
• Vaults: transept formed by the skeleton (nerves) and elements (cloths, between nerves).
• The walls are narrower and the forces are released into the pillars to the ribs (columns attached to the piers that connect to nerves) and are also thrown into the buttresses with the flying buttresses (buttress together with the wall).
• Above the buttresses are placed pinnacles to reinforce.

The architecture remained primarily religious, but with the rise of cities there began a tremendous growth of civil architecture. Civil architecture focused on castles, palaces, hospitals, municipalities, and auctions. Moreover, religious architecture revolved around the cathedral, which had 3 or 5 naves, large terraces, and towers with pyramidal (spire) and large rosettes covered with stained glass.

Origins of Gothic Architecture

The origin of Gothic architecture was in the Ile-de-France, around the Paris area, in the twelfth century.

Gothic Architecture in Spain

Beginnings: proto-Gothic began in the late stage of the twelfth century in works such as the cathedral of Avila. In the thirteenth century buildings, the French model, are fully gothic, best examples are the cathedrals of Toledo, Burgos, and Leon.

The Gothic Mediterranean

It takes particular importance in the fourteenth century and is characterized by a tendency for the horizontal and a taste for austerity. There are two types of church: one with 1 nave and another with 3. The main work is the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar and auctions (Valencia and Palma).

Fullness of Spanish Gothic

Occurs between the fifteenth and the first quarter of the sixteenth century, was initially characterized by little decoration, but the Reyes began a massive decorated with stellate and ogee arches, Elizabethan or flamboyant style. They emphasize the cathedrals of Segovia and Salamanca.

Gothic Sculpture: Characteristics

Characterized by a large naturalism, realism, and humanity. The religious theme remains the most common; reasons are: the Crucifixion, the Virgin and Child, the lives of the saints, and the group of piety. On the cross, Jesus shows suffering, which inspires compassion.

The places which are usually sculpted are the tympanum (Doomsday, life of the Virgin or saints’ lives), the mullion (Figures from the Lord, the Virgin, or the local saint), tombs, chapels, and stalls.

Spanish Gothic Sculpture: Phases

• Twelfth century: cathedral portals of Burgos and Leon. They develop their graves.
• Fourteenth century: home of Forgiveness in Toledo. In Catalonia, Italian influence is noted, whose best work is the tomb of Peter IV the Ceremonious in Poblet.
• Fifteenth century: Italian influence in the French Mediterranean and central areas. Pere Johan stands at the east and Gil at the center of Siloam. The graves were abundant, the chapels and stalls in the chorus.

Gothic Painting: Styles and Evolution

As low walls had to paint in altarpieces and miniatures. The general characteristics are: religious themes, figures more expressive and natural, and neutral or gilt funds. 4 styles are distinguished:

• French-style Gothic or Gothic linear: thirteenth century, the painting focuses on the thumbnail and the windows. In our country, stood out with the Bibles and Psalters.
• Italian-Gothic style: the thirteenth century, it was felt a Byzantine influence, although they tried to give vitality, dynamism, and perspective. It was divided into 2 schools: the school of Florence, which stands Giotto, departs from the Byzantine style, and the Sienese school, which is more linked to Byzantium, notes Simone Martini. In Spain, this highly influential school first and then Castilla Catalonia.
• International style: in the late fifteenth century, this style fused the two. Predominate curvilinear movement, styling, color, bright and varied interest naturist and everyday scenes. In Spain, Lluís Borrasá stresses.
• Flemish school: is the most important of the fifteenth century. Bourgeoisified was developed in the cities of Flanders. The painters are: the Van Eyck (Arnolfini marriage portrait), Hieronimus Bosch (El Bosco, work: the Garden of Delights). Bosch reflects a satirical and scathing society of his time.