“He therefore turned to mankind only with regret. His cathedral was enough for him. It was peopled with marble figures of kings, saints and bishops who at least did not laugh in his face and looked at him with only tranquillity and benevolence. The other statues, those of monsters and demons, had no hatred for him – he resembled them too closely for that. It was rather the rest of mankind that they jeered at. The saints were his friends and blessed him; the monsters were his friends and kept watch over him. He would sometimes spend whole hours crouched before one of the statues in solitary conversation with it. If anyone came upon him then he would run away like a lover surprised during a serenade” quote from The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by …show more content…
While having a book to illustrate the grandeur of Gothic cathedrals is advantageous one only has to look at them to see that they have impressive designs throughout and an imperious presence. The quote above does well to describe some of the artwork found in cathedrals, all the biblical and royal effigies as well as the gargoyles that are housed within the cathedral. There are many different types of art interwoven within Gothic cathedrals, all of which have a way of moving the viewer to feel as if they are escaping to a spiritual plane. A cathedral is a Christian church that contains the seat of a bishop. Gothic cathedrals first flourished in Europe during the Middle Ages, specifically in France. The name Gothic is derived from the name of the people who invaded Europe in the fourth and fifth century, they were known for their cruelty and …show more content…
The new features that were introduced in the Gothic cathedrals allowed for the walls to soar to new heights and coupled with all the added stained glass windows creating a completely awe inspiring space. Gothic architecture has ribbed vaulting, these are thin intersecting ribs that were developed after the Romanesque barrel vault. In combination with the ribbed vaults pointed arches were used with the intention of the materials exerting less pressure. “The thin vaulting and pointed arches contribute to those unique soaring effects that constitute Gothic architecture’s most dynamic expression.” To counteract the remaining pressure flying buttress was used, these are thin half arches that intersect two different walls to provide support. With a change in the vaults the supports also had to change, piers, columnar supports designed to hold vertical pressure were the supports used. These piers created a vertical unity that lead the observer’s eyes to the clerestory windows and upward sweeping arches.Unlike the Romanesque architecture that was meant to conceal the piers, the Gothic architecture exposed those structures. The style was essentially turned inside out, the roof was not supported by walls, but by piers, arches and buttresses that kept all the pressure so that stained glass could be
Taller than the ancient pyramids in Egypt, large enough to hold the statue of liberty. 100 pounds of weightless stones, heavy enough to hold the Empire state building are the Great Cathedrals (PBS, 2011). Intrigued by the beauty in structure but puzzled by the very construction, without technology for building purposes has researchers mind wondering. In reference to the NOVA program, building of Gothic cathedral begin as a race of height, which over time this plan backfired because of the recent architectural discoveries in the foundation. The NOVA program pointed out that in this race of constructing the tallest building wasn’t the only concern between two rivalry cities in Europe; it purpose was recognized as a scared space for spiritual reasoning to bring ordinary someone closer to God (PBS, 2011).
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
Nearly 400 miles south of Chartres is the charming town of Toulouse, France. Now home to one of the most well-known of the Romanesque churches, Toulouse was once an important site for pilgrims traveling across Europe on a journey down to Old Saint Peter’s. During the Middle Ages into the Gothic period, the pilgrimage to Rome was less about the end result than it was about the journey there. Europe was littered with dozens of pilgrimage churches, each housing precious relics that had once belonged to Christ, the Blessed Virgin, and the saints. The difficult trek made it the ultimate way to atone for one’s sins, particularly if one was determined and visited all of the correct churches in Europe. And yet, the pilgrims were all united as they attended Mass at each church; no matter where they were on the continent, the Eucharisst was celebrated in Greek, and then in Latin towards the end of the period (Fischer). In the case of Toulouse, it was home to Saint-Sernin. Like most churches on the pilgrim’s path, it was massive, capable of holding a large number of pilgrims. It’s q...
This work is typical for this era because the architectural style Gothic is known for its height being tall and made from stone and tall flying buttress...
The history of Architecture started long time ago. The nomadic were groups of people whom move from one place to another in order find shelter and food to survive. As they progress, their techniques to survive evolve. The need for a permanent shelter became vital for a better stability of the group. This is the time when the first structures that provided protection appeared. Post and lintel were the first forms of Architecture, that satisficed the basic needs. Architecture evolved to be more sophisticated and fulfill the people’s needs. Consequently, Architecture evolved throughout different periods such as: Ancient architecture, Romanesque, The medieval, Renaissance, Early modern, and the industrial age, Modernism and Contemporary architecture. During the Medieval period a style of Architecture named Gothic Architecture was very notorious. The concept of this type of Architecture still continuous now days, in the city of Los Angeles many building have taken this concept of Gothic Architectural Style and have developed to a new level of experience and expression. Some of them have recreated in a modern way the features of the physical aspects of this style. Other structures have taken this concept beyond the physical features and used the emotional concept behind Gothic Style to connect people feelings with magnificent elements of the Cathedrals.
Imagine a Christian cathedral. The image conjured up by the phrase “cathedral” is probably a massive stone building with soaring towers and spires, intricate ornamentations covering the building, and beautiful stained glass windows. If one imagined such a building in response to being asked to imagine a cathedral, one would be accurate. Why exactly are these attributes associated with cathedrals? Well, many cathedrals such as these were built during the Gothic period in medieval Europe. The Gothic style of architecture is an easily recognizable one with its unprecedentedly tall towers and wide windows. Before the Gothic style was the Romanesque style, which is represented in the traditional castle in Europe: wide, short, with thick walls and
The church in the Middle Ages was a place that all people, regardless of class, could belong to. As a source of unity, its influence on art and architecture was great during this time. As society drew away from the feudal system of the Romanesque period, a new spirit of human individualism began to take hold; alas, the birth of Gothic. Here, the Church became a place where humanity became more acceptable, alas becoming the ideal place to visual such new ideals. The beauty and elegance of Gothic architecture is depicted most in the great cathedrals of the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries—St. Denis, Notre Dame, Chartres, Salisbury, Durham, Amiens, and more. The experience of looking at one of the great gothic cathedrals is to look up towards God. Indeed, most Gothic structures emphasize the vertical, drawing one’s eyes upwards toward the heavens with the awesomeness of God. These cathedrals were built with towering spires, pointed arches and flying buttresses giving impressions of harmony and luminosity. One of the major accomplishments of the 12th and 13th centuries was to develop the engineering mastery of the ribbed vault, pointed arch and flying buttress to create a great cathedral that is at once taller, lighter, wider, and more elegant than the ones before. Even though the pointed arch could support more weight than its predecessors, there was still the problem of finding a way to support the heavy masonry ceiling vaults over wide spans. In order to support the outward thrust of barrel vaults, vertical support walls have to be very thick and heavy. What makes possible the extensive use of ribbed vaulting and pointed arches to “open” and “lighten” the walls and space of the cathedral is the flying buttress—“an arched bridge above the aisle roof that extends from the upper nave wall, where the lateral thrust of the main vault is greatest, down to a solid pier.”
The Medieval period, which occurred in the years 401 until 1500, is a time in European history that fostered the development and widespread use of various architectural styles. Many structures built during this time still survive to this day, including St. Michael’s Church in Germany and Chartres Cathedral in France. Two of the most common and famous types of architecture during this period were the Romanesque and Gothic styles. Romanesque architecture borrows many of the same innovative engineering techniques the Romans used to build the structures of their vast and powerful empire, such as the rounded arch. Jackson writes, “In the eyes and judgment of the great masters of the Renaissance in the 15th and 16th centuries Roman architecture was
The Romanesque and Gothic architecture period both occurred during the Middle Ages with the Gothic period taking place during the later half. Gothic and Romanesque architecture were related in many ways, but they also contrasted in style too. Over time, masons began to test the waters and push the limits. They thought of new ways to add lighting and ways to allow more height to the building without it being to heavy and weak. Many of the reasons for the change in styles had a lot to do with society and the changes it faced. There was a greater intensity occurring in piety and literature. The Gothic style embodied this new urban society. Romanesque and Gothic shared similar characteristics, but Gothic architecture was a greater departure from its previous predecessor.
Gothic architecture, though also used in secular buildings, is most associated with the great cathedrals of Europe. The Basilica of Saint Denis is a large medieval abbey church on the outskirts of Paris, France. The building is of significant importance historically and architecturally because it is considered to be the first Gothic church ever built. The building of gothic cathedrals grew as design techniques progressed. Over time, as new techniques combined with new materials, cathedral architecture increased in complexity and sophistication into a recognizable gothic style.
The Gothic fiction was popular during the middle Ages. Gothic horror is commenced in the Western and Eastern Europe. Gothic horror is a genre of literature that combines the elements of fiction, horror, and romance. Many of these stories are set in medieval castles or churches, in which the name "Gothic" refers to. A basic plot of gothic horror generic traits includes trapping, hidden passages, and a threatening mystery.
Neo-Gothic transitional style is also known as Gothic Revival style. This style can be seen in most of the buildings from mid- 19th- century Europe and United States and it has become one of Europe’s outstanding artistic eras. Initially, the word “Gothic” is used to describe the monuments of the Middle Ages during the Italian Renaissance as they belong to the barbarian goths but the term was then used to described art and architecture for those centuries following the Romanesque period and early Renaissance. The tallest part of the cathedral is the Moorhouse Tower which is 96.7m. The Western towers and spires soar at 56.0m, while the choir under central tower reached a height of 28.6m. The exterior length of the cathedral is 84.2m, while the interior of the cathedral is 78.3m. Different types of materials are used to build the St Paul’s Cathedral.
Gothic art evolved from Romanesque art and lasted from the mid-12th century AD to the end of the 16th century. It was a particular style of Medieval art and was led by the concurrent development of Gothic architecture, established by the Basilica of St Denis. Through the influence of historical design methods, such as Islamic/Romanesque architecture and the impact the spread of Christianity had on Europe, Abbot Suger was able to develop a new style of architecture through his reconstruction of St Denis. This led to the development of taller buildings with thinner walls and bigger rooms on the inside.
All over the world people still come to admire the beauty of European cathedrals. Many of the cathedrals are fragile due to age, neglect, pollution, and insufficient funds available to restore these historical and beautiful buildings. Nevertheless, visitors to these architectural masterpieces are fascinated by the design and structure of these churches. The cathedral builders using their own ingenuity, expertise, and limited resources were able to defy the laws of gravity and time. (Icher 30)
The Cathedral Church comprises of features typical of Gothic architecture which were developed from the Romanesque style. Gothic cathedrals prior to the 20th century were landmarks by definition and were thought of as sky scrapers of their time. These cathedrals generate a new building style using a distinctive arrangement of prevailing technologies. Technologies such as the pointed arch, the ribbed vault and the buttress. When applied to an ecclesiastical building, the Gothic style lays emphasis on verticality and