GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE

12th-13th century

The Roman empire continued to decline by

Society

The rulers, the church, and the townspeople spent wealth building more castles, cathedrals, and monasteries. Likewise, the towns competed with each other to produce the best architecture. Some towns even became centers of trade, namely Paris, Milan, Florence, Venice, and Naples

Religion

During this period most Europeans were Catholics and the church under the Pope brought Christians together. Likewise, during this period, the entire Christianity were united against Muslims.

Gothic

is actually a term used in reproach to this style. It was used in reference to the "barbaric" tribes (i.e., tribes that used to be outside of the Roman empire) such as the Goths. This reproach is due to the departure of this style from the classic lines. This is also one of the reasons why this period is referred to as the "Dark Ages" or "Middle Ages".

Medieval Architecture

Another term for Gothic architectural style is

Gothic

despite some differences in characteristics, in general this style can be identified by the general use of pointed arch

Primaire ('“A Lancettes"), Secondaire (“Rayonnant) and Tertiaire (Flamboyant)

The Gothic Architecture in France is commonly divided into the 3 period

A Lancettes

is distinguished by pointed arches and geometric tracery windows

"A Lancettes"

Primaire (12th century AD

"Rayonnant"

Secondaire (13th century AD)

Rayonnant

is distinguished by circular windows with wheel tracery

Flamboyant

Tertiaire (14th-16th century AD)

Flamboyant

is distinguished by flame-like window tracery or free-flowing tracery

Gothic Architecture

is characterized by the use of pointed arch to cover rectangular bays and the use of flying buttresses weighted by pinnacles.

The verticality of the structure

further enhanced by the use of tall, thin columns which are often described as "stretching up as if to heaven".

Gothic Architecture

The wide use of colored, stained glass windows were utilized to adorn window-walls.

Notre Dame

was begun under Bishop Maurice de Sully

Notre Dame

is one of the oldest French cathedrals. Its facade feature successive tiers of niches with statues of Christ and the French kings

Amiens Cathedral

was started in 1220 under Bishop Evrard de Fouilloy. This was the tallest Gothic church and largest cathedral in France and its plan is similar to Reims, Chartres, and Notre Dame in Paris

Chartres Cathedral

this cathedral is its mismatched west spires

Beauvais Cathedral

is located approximately 100 miles from the English Channel where the gale-force winds threaten the stability of its flying buttresses.

Laon Cathedral

was designed to have 6 towers.

7 periods

The Gothic Architecture in England is commonly divided into

Norman, Transitional, Early English, Decorated, Perpendicular, Tudor, and Elizabethan.

7 periods in Gothic Architecture