History of the Gothic style

In this article, Fallon talks about the history behind the Gothic style.

History of the Gothic style

By: Fallon Rosebraugh

The word “Gothic” often evokes thoughts of dark, haunted houses– or even spooky individuals who wear black nail polish and fishnets, who fancy all things dark and morbid. However, the origins of the Gothic style could not have been more opposite. Gothic designs were initially established with the intention of bringing more sunlight into spaces, specifically churches– leading to the construction of some of the world's most gorgeous buildings. It is Gothic architecture that paved the way for a dark genre of fashion, film, music, art, and of course, literature.

The word “gothic” was first used as a synonym for the word “barbaric,” referring to the Gothic tribe that destroyed the Roman empire in the 5th century AD. The word was later coined by the Italian writers of the Renaissance, who used it as a term to describe Gothic architecture. Known for their tall spires, gargoyles, and endless corridors, Gothic architecture is an architectural style that originated in the early 12th century and progressed through the 16th century. The style first appeared in France, and was used on churches and cathedrals, mansions, and castles. It was strongly influenced by Romanesque architecture, and consists of these necessary components: pointed arches, stained glass windows, flying buttresses, and overall vertical proportions. A couple of the most famous Gothic Cathedrals are the Notre Dame de Paris located in Paris, France, and Duomo di Milano, located in Milan, Italy.

Notre Dame de Paris

Emerging in Europe in the 18th century, Gothic fiction is a literary aesthetic that grew out of the romantic literary movement– revolving around ideals of horror and fear. Heavily influenced by Gothic architecture, Gothic fiction often associates itself with these medieval buildings to characterize the settings of early Gothic writing. Gothic authors use elements of the supernatural, suspense, and especially forms of Romanticism to write pieces that convey the darkness that inhabits our world. One of the most relevant figures in Gothic literature was Edgar Allan Poe, famous for his poetry and short stories. According to Reedsy, some of the most famous pieces of Gothic literature include: The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte, Dracula by Bram Stoker, and Edger Allan Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher.

Gothic music is a subgenre of rock that was established in the late 1970s. Having taken inspiration from Gothic literature, Gothic music possessed themes such as melancholy, dark Romanticism, tragedy, and morbidity. The themes were often portrayed in poetic lyrics, followed by dark and dramatic melancholy melodies. With bands like Bauhaus, The Cure, The Sisters of Mercy, and Joy Division– they helped influence Gothic fashion and subculture. According to Fallout Magazine, “The adoption of dark eyeliner and dressing in black, outside of the direct connection to punk, can be found in the inherent melodrama of gothic and romantic literature coupled with its visual representation in the art of Ruskin and Everett Millais.” When put into perspective, Gothic style has evolved greatly over the long time it has been around– as it is still something that is acknowledged and seen to this day.

All in all, the Gothic style has impacted the arts in so many ways. From architecture to literature, art, film, and music– the style helps artists embrace the Romanticism in Gothic elements, whether it is being conveyed verbally or visually.

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