Gothic Architecture

Gothic architecture began in France, and expanded through Europe from the twelfth
century to the fifteenth century A.D. Much of it is religious art, focused on the tall
cathedrals that began to be built at this time. In general, Gothic artists begin to move
away from hieratic art, and towards greater realism.

Architecture:
Cathedrals. The most important elements are the pointed arch, the groin vault, and
the flying buttress. Walls become thinner, and architects are able to build churches with
larger windows, and, therefore, with more light. They can also build much higher
cathedrals.
The facade of a Gothic church is elaborately decorated. You can often see a rossette
—a circular stained glass window—above the main entrance.
Gothic architecture varies between countries. In France, the country where Gothic
began, the churches of Amiens (the tallest Gothic church in France), Chartres (that has
important sculptures and stained glass windows), and Notre Dame (whose flying
buttresses are characteristic of the Gothic) are very important. In England, Gothic
architecture evolved differently: in Bath Abbey, for example, you can see intricate fan
vaults. In Spain, Burgos and Leon are two examples of Gothic churches. The most
important one, however, is the cathedral of Toledo.

Sculpture:
Gothic sculpture is almost always religious, and seeks to teach a lesson. Scenes of the
Last Judgment, for example, are common above cathedral entrances. Representations of
the saints or the virgin are quite common.
Gothic sculpture continues to be closely associated with architecture. Sculptures
decorate doorways, columns, etc.
Realism became more and more important during the Gothic period. The sculptures at
Reims cathedral demonstrate this evolution, from static, hieratic figures, to more natural,
realistic ones. At Reims there is a famous smiling angel, which is one of the most
important Gothic sculptures. The angel demonstrates that Gothic artists were paying
attention to real figure again.
Claus Sluter is the greatest of the Gothic sculptors. He worked in France, and “The
Fountain of Moses” and “The Tomb of Philip IV” are some of the most beautiful Gothic
sculptures. Sluter’s work is similar to that of later Rennaissance artists.

Painting
Stained glass windows are very important, and decorate almost every Gothic
cathedral.
Altarpieces are also common. Toledo, for example, has a beautiful Gothic altarpiece.
Also important is the illustration of manuscripts. Although these are often Biblical
texts, there are also a few examples of secular art. The “Tres Riches Heures,” an
illustrated calendar, shows how Gothic artists were trying to paint a convincing picture of
the seasons.