Romanesque/Gothic Architecture

What does Romanesque mean?

"in the manner of the Romans"

What is the main design feature of Romanesque Architecture?

Roman Basilica: triumphal arches, descriptive columns, the barrel vault, and the open space of
the Atrium

In what way did Islamic Architecture influence the Romanesque Style?

Altering of voussoirs- different colored wedge shaped stones of the arch

What are the components (floor plan) of the Romanesque Cathedral?
(9)

Facade, portal, narthex, aisle, nave, transept, the choir, ambulatory, the apse

What is the Barrel Vault?

Rounded arch used to construct an open, high ceiling meant to direct eyes to heaven.

What is a Buttress?

Is a thick vertical support beam

What is a portal?

The main entrance

What are the various design features of the Romanesque Portal? (3)

The tympanum, the lintel, the jambs

Why do most Romanesque Portals display relief sculpture depicting a memento mori?

Shows what happens if you don't believe in God, and aren't a good Christian

To what does the term Goth refer?

German people inhabiting the northern lands of Europe.
a member of a Germanic people that invaded the Roman Empire from the east between the 3rd and 5th centuries

What basic design feature characterizes Gothic Architecture?

Stained windows and pointed arches

Who is Abbot Suger and how did he contribute to Gothic Architecture?

First to use the Gothic style

Why is the Beauty of Light emphasized in Gothic Architecture?

To show the light of Christ

What is stained glass and how was it manufactured and installed in the Gothic Cathedral?

The glass is fused with color, it is installed with lead in between each piece

What purpose did the stain glass windows serve?

They told stories, helped those who couldn't read

What is the name of best-preserved stained glass window from Sainte-Denis Cathedral?

The Moses Window and is associated with French rulers

What design innovation allowed for more stained glass windows to be installed in the walls of the Gothic Cathedral?

Rib Vaulting

What is a Spire?

Tall slender pyramidal design that can be seen from miles away

What important relic was stored at the Cathedral at Chartres?

Virgin's Tunic believed to be worn during the birth of Jesus Christ, and is believed to have healing powers.

How was the Cathedral at Charters destroyed, and why was the Cathedral rebuilt?

burned some of it and rebuilt because of Mary

Which surviving stained glass window from the Cathedral of Notre Dame is symbolic of the virgin?

The Rose Window

What is Rib Vaulting?

Rib vaulting was a way to enhance aesthetic beauty while providing extra support.

How is the Gothic Portal different from the Romanesque Portal?

Romanesque portals are rounded top; gothic are pointed top

What is a Flying Buttress?

pointed arch that allowed larger stained glass windows to be inserted into walls of cathedrals

What is a Chimera?

Grotesque creatures sculpted and placed at the top of cathedrals

What is a Gargoyle?

they are just chimeras with a purpose i.e. waterspouts

Why were Chimeras and Gargoyles included as design features of Gothic Architecture?

These sculptures were made with the purpose of keeping out evil spirits.

What is Gothic Jamb Sculpture, and what ancient Greek sculptural innovation is reintroduced in Gothic Jamb Sculpture?

The Gothic Jamb structure is the support structure associated with the portal. Naturalism
was reintroduced.