Medieval Art in France: Gothic Period
Gothic Art
The term “Gothic” was first used during the Renaissance to refer pejoratively to the art of the Middle Ages. It was considered barbaric and inferior in comparison to classical art. Gothic art was born in the heart of France, in the Île-de-France (although the word comes from the Germanic people, the Goths).
Gothic was born around 1140 in France. The first monument of this movement is considered to be the Church of the Royal Abbey of Saint-Denis (built by Abbot Suger, advisor of Louis VII of France). This movement is usually divided into three periods:
- Training Period (second half of the 12th century and the 13th century): Romanesque buildings reminiscent of heaviness and robustness.
- Period of Fullness (13th-14th centuries): More slender, light, and elegant forms predominate. There is richer ornamentation.
- Period of Decline (15th century): Ornamentation is exuberant and loses the property line of the previous stage. Also known as Flamboyant Gothic.
Architecture
The Gothic style was born around 1140 in France. The first monument of this movement is considered the Church of the Royal Abbey of Saint-Denis (built by Abbot Suger, counselor of Louis VII of France).
- Plants of the cathedrals have three or five longitudinal naves.
- Pointed or ogival arch, lighter and more dynamic than the typical Romanesque arch, resulting from the crossing of pointed ogival arches.
- Flying buttresses and buttresses to counter the charges of the vaults.
- Walls perforated with stained glass windows, leaving behind the massive walls of the Romanesque.
- Pinnacles have a great decorative function.
- Great verticality and lightness, which transmit to the faithful the feeling of Christian spirituality characteristic of the time.
Type: The most iconic Gothic buildings are cathedrals, auctions, palaces, castles, and town halls.
Sculpture
Sculpture is closely linked to the architecture of the period, focusing mainly on the doorways of cathedrals.
- Natural frame that replaces the symbolism of the Romanesque.
- Humanity of the characters regarding the Romanesque.
- Slenderness of figures.
- Cross-religious themed.
Key materials used are stone, wood, and ivory.
Painting
- Virtual disappearance of genuine Romanesque mural painting and dissemination of painting on wood because of the reduction of the walls of Gothic cathedrals.
- Religious theme of preference, but also profane.
- Naturalism and expressiveness of figures.
Painting Styles
- Linear or Franco-Gothic (second half of the 12th century to the 13th century): The line assumes more importance than color. The figures are flat and the backgrounds are often golden.
- Italo-Gothic (13th century to the first half of the 14th century): More prominence is given to the perspective and volume of figures.
- International (second half of the 14th century to the end of the 15th century): There is a concern for the figures to represent a more stylized and painted everyday scene.
- Flamenco (during the 15th century): The theme is remarkably secular and its main clientele is the bourgeoisie of the most important Flemish cities.