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The development of Gothic architecture and its impact
Gothic architecture lasting impact on the world
The development of Gothic architecture and its impact
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I chose two cathedrals for my post, the Durham Cathedral and the Chartres Cathedral. The Durham Cathedral, my example of Romanesque architecture, was built from local sandstone in 1087-1133 CE (the east wing was replaced in 1242) and is currently located in Nothern England. The Gothic style structure, the Chartres Cathedral (also known as the Cathedral of Notre-Dame), was mostly constructed between 1194 and 1220 CE due to a fire causing it to be rebuilt. Assembled utilizing limestone, this colossal structure is currently located in France and is known for it’s strikingly beautiful stained-glass windows. These structures share a few similarities, like their ribbed groin vaults (the crossing segments on the ceiling of the hallways), the high-placed windows as well as their huge circular window that were added to provide light and a …show more content…
sense of spaciousness. Although the groin vaults and window lighting are later contributed to Gothic structure, the architects of the Durham Cathedral added them to the building as a sort of experiment in order to adopt different style solutions to architectural planning (Stokstad & Cothren, 2014). Externally, the cathedrals share very few similarities, one of them being that the window ledges bear a slight resemblance due to the fact that have somewhat protruding archways as well as the previously mentioned circular window that are amazingly identical. Although both cathedrals share similarities, it is also important to acknowledge their differences.
Aside from the obvious differences in the amount of stained glass between the two buildings, the Chartres Cathedral displays pointed archways along its hallways (a typical Gothic structural device), whereas the Durham Cathedrals are rounded. Also, the Durham Cathedral displays columnar piers that are carved with chevrons and the Chartres’ columns are much smaller and smooth, lacking any noteworthy carvings or ornaments. Externally, the cathedrals closely resemble their respective architectural styles. The Chartres Cathedral presents a distinguished and majestic appearance with strikingly large windows and severe lancets, plate tracery (holes being cut into the wall and filled with stained glass) was utilized in order to its luminousness. Contrarily, the Durham Cathedral displays a sturdy and rugged appearance, even though it possesses some Gothic aspects that were added to it (the window lighting). Although it has been altered many times, the nave of the building retains its Norman character and its robust columns are daringly
ambitious. References: Stokstad, M., & Cothren, M. W. (2014). Art history. Boston: Pearson Education.
The original Chartres Cathedral was designed by Fulbert and lasted until 1194, when a fire destroyed almost the entire church. The townspeople pulled together to make a large contribution to the reconstruction of the cathedral (Miller, Malcolm, Chartres Cathedral, Riverside Book Company, 1980, p.5). The present Chartres Cathedral is largely the work of the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries. However, there are substantial remains of older monuments, notably in the crypt and on the wes...
In conclusion, I admire the work ethic of the individuals who built this cathedral because it shows work ethic, precise with mathematics, and a strong religious faith. During this Gothic time frame in history majority of their art resembled images that the Holy Bible describes. Religion during this time period was represented very well even experts are still amazed as to how this cathedral were built so tall and high. Even though this cathedral has been exposed to stress, with the assistant with the flying buttress, ribbed ceiling, and metal this cathedral will be an ongoing restorative process so that it will be around for generation here to come to admire its beauty.
John and many other French Gothic cathedrals. Chartres Cathedral shares the same basic layout of St. John with the nave, arcades, ribbed vault ceiling, and transepts. The triforium above the nave in Chartres Cathedral are done in the classic French Gothic style of a shallow gallery within the stone wall which contrasts with the painted triforium of St. John the Baptist. The arcade is supported by piers rather than columns but both cathedrals have pointed arches connecting the arcade to the nave. The transepts jutting out on either side create a cruciform structure of the cathedral. Chartres Cathedral has three rose circle windows above the north, south, and west entrances that are much greater and more intricate than the one of St.
As the timeline of humans progressed since the very first settlements, so did the way humans built structures. Human beings became smarter and the planning behind enormous structures became more intricate and marvelous. Further back in history, places of worship played an enormous part in the everyday lives of everyone in those times. Different civilizations have built great temples of worship that have expressed their love of a deity (or deities). These great buildings embody the very best that those people can offer: their best engineering, their best carpentry, their best architecture, their best decoration. Two great examples are the Romanesque Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy and the Gothic Chartres Cathedral. While these two structures are
The Pantheon and the Cathedral of Chartres differ in structure and design. The Pantheon consists of two different parts the first is a porch surrounded by classic Greek architecture columns made of marble. The second part of the building is a circular Roman style made entirely of brick and concrete with dome as a roof. The only sources of lighting in the Pantheon are the two large bronze doors and the oculus at the top of the dome. Where the Cathedral of Chartres resembles French gothic style architecture made completely out of stone. The Cathedral of Chartres is built in the shape of a cross like most of the Cathedrals in the gothic period. It contains pointed arches, chapels, and sculptures. Unlike the Pantheons two sources of light the Cathedral of Chartres contains 176 stain glass windows along the exterior walls (Encyclopedia Britannica).
After walking inside and trying to first experience, the church, and all its beauty and ornateness, I began examining the floor plan and elevations of the cathedral. Grace Cathedral was build in a gothic style, which it represents in its architecture inside and out. There were three huge rose windows. One at the very top of the main entrance and one on either end of the transept. There wer...
This cathedral was built during the Medieval Period for the worshipers of God. To this day pilgrims come to see the pure, Gothic cathedral. The massive cathedral seems to loom overhead as if a symbol of God watching over the worshippers that visit. The earlier church burned in 1194, it was rebuilt and has gained a much more appreciated and admirable character distinction, statuary, and stained glass. The distinct character of the thirteenth century was captured, through the “Age of Faith” period. The architecture is Gothic which was very popular in the 1200s. Gothic architects created a frame of support with columns and arches so that the walls no longer need to support the ceilings, but are freed up to hold windows. The Gothic structure allows for plenty of windows. Chartres has a significant collection of medieval stained glass, with over 150 early thirteenth century windows. The windows allowed sunlight to enter the dark, Gothic cathedral in order to highlight the story of Christ through the stained glass windows told throughout history to pilgrims alike. These windows create a spiritual and promising place for thought and prayer. Stained glass was used to help teach the stories of Christ to people that were illiterate during the medieval times. While most worshippers of that day were illiterate, comprehending the symbolism of the story of Christ in each of the windows was vital and gave meaning towards adversity during the medieval ages, as they struggled through their dark and dreary lives, which were filled with hopefulness, while viewing the story through the stained glass windows. The windows are also...
In building the interior of this temple, it shows how the Romans brilliantly were able conceive the idea and realize the quality of spaciousness. While the Florence Cathedral incorporated some newer ideas that evolved allowing for better, lighter construction materials to be used that centered on the Gothic style, allowing for larger window construction which later allowed stained glass to be included and a better support system; the flying
In the beginning of the story, the narrator feels very uncomfortable knowing that he will
You may think today “Hey, I totally wonder sometimes what the Middle Ages Churches and Gothic Medieval Cathedrals where like. What were they important for? Were they Churches like the ones today? How long did it take to build? “ Well that may be SOME of the questions you may have but you may have more. In this essay you're about to find out why the Medieval Gothic Cathedrals were so important for, and how much rule and and wide range of power they had over the people in the Middle Ages, and last but NOT least, the creative sublime (I’ll delete this comment later on if you see this but “sublime” is my own words not internet word) of the Gothic style windows of the Cathedral. First, the one I like most, the Gothic stain glass windows of the Gothic Cathedral. Stained glass is argued to an opinion or belief, one of the most important aspects of Gothic cathedrals. As its popularity rose, mainly during the mid 12th century, the increased existence of stained glass presented large changes to the way the general residents were learning about the religion. The windows became illuminated optic (“Optic” is my own wording) talk of biblical stories, which may have had an even greater impact than the spoken word of the priest. In this research paper, I will be primarily focusing on the stained glass windows and architectural styles employed in five Gothic buildings in France, each having their own unique and worthy attention and characteristics to the development of stained glass windows. By looking at the architectural improvements shown in these structures built during the Gothic time frame, we are able to see the impact all over the place to itch for increase...
Flying buttresses do not have direct contact with the walls, rather they incorporate arches leading away from the building. This made it possible for the walls to be constructed much thinner and lighter, since they no longer bore the responsibility of supporting the roof of the structure. Additionally, the walls could contain massive openings where windows could be inserted, flooding the building with immaculate light. In Gothic Cathedrals, stained glass was used expansively to welcome and celebrate this new architectural achievement. The immense amount of light that enters these spaces was a new development that truly brought places of prayer together in an exciting new way.
They were almost like a fortress. Romanesque cathedrals had few windows as a result of their thick walls, so the churches were very dark. In a sense, this echoed the life that was outside of these sanctuaries’ walls during the Middle Ages. Some Romanesque characteristics in architecture were stone barrel vaulting or groin vaulting, thick and heavy pillars, small windows so less natural light, round arches, multiple towers, wooden roofs, and painted decorations, like frescoes, throughout the interior.... ...
In the story, “cathedral” Raymond Carver, is a story about bringing people together. This story has three main characters. However, the story mostly focuses on the blind man and the narrator. The narrator was a very narrow-minded and didn’t want to get involved or have any relationship with anyone else. However, through the course of the story, the narrator was able to make a friendship with his wife’s friend the blind man by using a cathedral, which brought them together. Carver uses exposition to develop his plot and characters. Exposition is used to introduce background information to the story’s audience. The tone of this story will lead into major character developments. The exposition will help the audience understand where each character
The windows were of stained glass showing bible stories and saints lives in them, And the design structure enabled cathedrals to rise higher than ever. It even became a contest for architects – who could build a cathedral as tall as possible. A cross shape was used for windows allowing crossbowmen to shoot attackers from the inside, and a cross plan was also used for the shape of a cathedral as seen from a bird’s eye view.
Another difference separating the two were that Romanesque style buildings had limited light whereas Gothic cathedrals were flooded with natural light. The architectural reason for this was due to the walls being made primarily out of stained glass. This was now achievable with the Gothic design because of the flying buttresses that supported the walls from the outside of the building. Thus making the three most defining characteristics of the Gothic style, that differ it from Romanesque to be the ribbed vault, the flying buttress and the pointed arch.