GOTHIC ART

Theories & Interpretations

• Art and architecture focused on the close relationship with God in the Christian faith. All designs and layouts aimed at reflecting the ideas of divine light and symbolizing the path to salvation.

• The use of stained glass with its vast colors was intended to symbolize the presence of the divine within the earthly realm and is often associated with purity, holiness, and God.

• Sculptures, altarpieces, manuscripts, and stain glass often depicted narratives of the Bible; serving as a means to educate a largely illiterate population.

• Churches often reflected the political and social developments of the time, signifying growth and wealth of a city, the power of the monarchy, and the influence of the Church adminstration.

• There was a strong focus on innovative architectural advancements resulting in taller and complex structures, thinner walls, expansive interiors, more windows, etc. Specifically this was a time for pointed arches, ribbed vaults, stain glass, and flying buttresses.

Style Characteristics

• Focus on Verticality or soaring heights. It can be seen through the very tall columns, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses of the Gothic cathedrals. It was meant to draw worshippers to look up to the heavens above and inspire awe.

• Unlike earlier Romanesque style which emphasized stylized/ abstract figures and motifs, artists had the freedom to express their own oranate styles, reflecting individualism.

• The pointed arch replaced the Romanesque rounded arch, allowing for greater height and symbolized the "ascent" towards the divine.

• Gothic sculptures were more naturalistic and expressive compared to Romanesque and aimed at evoking more emotional responses.

• More attention to anatomy, drapery, and facial expression was valued as artistians were looking back to Greek and Roman art.