Gothic Art: characteristics, architecture, sculpture, painting

We explain what Gothic art is and what its main characteristics are. Plus, examples of famous works, architecture and more.

What is Gothic art?

Gothic art is an artistic style that predominated in the religious architecture, sculpture and painting of Europe between the 12th century and the 15th century, until the emergence of the Renaissance cultural movement. Romanesque art preceded it (11th and 12th centuries).

The Basilica of the Royal Abbey of Saint Denis in France is considered the first listed monument in the Gothic style. It was built starting in 1140 by Suger, the abbot or superior of that monastery, considered the promoter of Gothic art.

Originally, the term Gothic was used in a derogatory manner by classicist Italian Renaissance writers who considered everything that was not classical to be ugly. Gothic art was attributed to the barbarian tribes that had destroyed the Roman Empire. and its classical culture of the 5th century AD. C. Gothic art was only valued from the 19th century AD. C. and was considered grandiloquent and imposing.

See also: Romantic art

Characteristics of Gothic art

Among the main characteristics of Gothic art are:

• The principle of the aesthetics of light as the foundation of all art. He was able to represent the theocentric idea of ​​the light of God.
• Its application in religious architecture, such as monasteries and cathedrals.
• The use of the pointed arch, which ended in a pointed shape and created a sensation of great height. It was used for domes, doors and windows.
• The application of innovative architectural techniques allowed for the unique style of high ceilings, flying buttresses and extensive stained glass walls.
• The design of extravagant shapes applied both in sculpture and in architectural decoration.
• The decoration with shiny materials and the use of bright colors, to exacerbate the concept of luminosity.
• The application of extensive colored windows that reflected different types of light into the interior of cathedrals and monasteries.

You may be interested in: Neoclassical art

Main Gothic works

Among the main works of Gothic art, the cathedrals stand out as architectural works par excellence. Among the most representative are:

• The basilica of the royal abbey of Saint Denis in France.
• The cathedrals of León, Burgos, Toledo, Gerona, Barcelona and Seville, in Spain.
• The cathedrals of Cologne and Strasbourg in Germany.
• The cathedrals of Gloucester, Salisbury and Lincoln, in England.
• The cathedrals of Chartres and Reims, in France.
• Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna.
• The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence and the Cathedral of Milan in Italy.

It may be useful for you: Renaissance art

Gothic architecture

The architecture was the highest expression of Gothic art, It was based on the concept of light as the foundation and symbol of divinity.Gothic art was born from the theocentric idea in which God was the center of reality and considered that everything that made up the universe was a reflection of God’s light.

The elements of the Gothic period became symbols of spirituality. In addition, new sophisticated techniques were developed in architecture to exacerbate the theocentric concept, such as:

• The ribbed vaults. They consisted of a type of roof made up of a system of intersecting vaults which, in turn, were crossed by pointed arches or arches with pointed ends. This system served as a support to distribute the weight of the structure towards the pillars.
• The flying buttresses. They consisted of a half arch built on the outside of the building and supported by the side walls. They were a support guide for the interior vaults.
• The pointed arch. It consisted of the pointed finish of the windows and doors that accentuated the feeling of height. This architectural ornament was used in geometric contrast and repeatedly towards the interior, that is, towards the limits of the door or windows.
• The stained glass windows. They consisted of extensive stained glass walls located in the upper half of the building and contained by a system of columns. The stained glass windows had bright colors and religious images that reflected sunlight inward, recreating an emotional and expressionist experience that reinforced the concept of theocentrism.

gothic sculpture

Gothic sculpture It was characterized by natural representations as they were perceived in the real world, without applying symbolic meanings as happened with architecture and the management of luminosity.

Among the main characteristics of Gothic sculpture are:

• The realism in the figures and body postures that were not as upright or solemn as those of Romanesque art.
• The expression of feelings of pain, tenderness, empathy, among others, through realism in the expression of gestures.
• The high level of detail in the human representations, both of the body and the accessories.
• The use of Gothic architecture as an ornament in columns and mullions (columns located in the middle of gates or windows).
• The use of techniques to recreate the depth of objects and the level of details.
• The manifestation of art in altarpieces (works located behind an altar), miniatures, tombs and images of virgins and saints.

gothic painting

Gothic painting It was recognized as such from the 14th century onwards.. He excelled in religious works for representing Christ, saints, angels and virgins, figures that were used to decorate imposing architectural constructions. Gothic painting is considered a representation of the narratives of the Bible and the Gospels.

Among the main characteristics of Gothic painting are:

• The techniques of fresco murals, painting on board, tempera and oil.
• The representation of light and the games of backlighting that generated the sensation of volume and realism.
• Improvements in perspective techniques.

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