HID 2 - Gothic & Renaissance

Romanesque Architecture

had a major influence associated with the Gothic style

An architectural style that preceded Gothic architecture, characterized by thick walls, rounded arches, and small windows.

early gothic

laon cathedral

key features:

• increaesed exaltation of light

• opening of walls

• use of stained glass

• flying buttresses, pinnacles, and sprires

• removal of tribune

high gothic

reims cathedral

key features

• new radiating window design

• piercing of rose windows

• monumentality was abandoned

• series of supports increased in height without the depth

late gothic

prague cathedral

key features

• embellishment of technical and decorative elements

• incorporation of plant forms

• exuberant freedom curving

• twisting lines

• pointed tracery

• richest and most imaginative decorative themes

pointed arch, ribbed vault, and buttress

defining features of the architecture

Fan Vault

A decorative vaulting style in English Gothic architecture, characterized by a series of concave sections spreading out from a central point.

Buttress

A projecting support of stone or brick built against a wall to give additional strength.

Clerestory

The upper part of the nave, choir, and transepts of a large church, containing a series of windows.

Verticality

A characteristic of Gothic church architecture emphasizing height, both absolute and in proportion to width, symbolizing an aspiration to Heaven.

Light

Utilized in Gothic architecture to symbolize a path to the Divine, with glass windows and the incorporation of light as a representation of divinity.

Tapestry

Woven decorative fabric used in Gothic architecture to cover furniture, walls, or floors, often depicting figures or groups against elaborate backgrounds.

linearity

new building techniques enabled to spread the weight of taller walls and loftier towers

vaulted ceiling

distribution of force within the vaulted ceiling enabled vaults to be built in different shapes and sizes

Furniture

Gothic period furniture evolved from simple to more architectural designs, characterized by painting and carving, with local variations in wood used for construction.

Lack of Spread of Gothic Architecture

Gothic architecture was limited to Europe due to the expertise required in construction and the cost, with the Catholic Church being a major patron.

Renaissance

A period of incredible artistic production from the late 14th century to the early 16th century, characterized by a revival of Classical forms and a focus on humanism, centered mainly in Italy.

Classical forms

Artistic styles of ancient Greece and Rome that were reinvigorated during the Renaissance.

Raphael

A renowned Renaissance artist known for his frescoes and paintings, symbolizing the ideals of the Renaissance.

Feudalism

A social system that dominated medieval Europe, characterized by a hierarchical structure of land ownership and obligations.

early renaissance

rational inquiry was believed to be the key to success

therefore efforts were made to discover the correct laws of proportion for architecture and for representation of the human body and to systematize the rendering of pictorial space

High Renaissance

A period within the Renaissance known for its unity, balance, and harmony in art and architecture, exemplified by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

late renaissance

mannerism encompasses a variety of approached influenced by and reacting to, the harmonious ideals associated with artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, and early Michelangelo

Palazzo

Renaissance residences in towns, characterized by multiple stories, symmetrical designs, and classical influences in interior decoration.

piano nobile

level above in the palazzo;

provided the large and richly decorated salons for formal life

Circle

A fundamental geometric shape that Renaissance architects and artists looked to for creating harmony, balance, and ideal proportions in their works.

Villa Rotonda

A significant example of Renaissance architecture located in Vicenza, designed by Andrea Palladio with humanist values and classical elements.

Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore

Constructed by Brunelleschi, it is a remarkable architectural achievement of the Renaissance known for its balance and harmony.

Flippo Brunelleschi

constructed the dome over the Florence Cathedral - one of the most significant architectural achievements of the entire Renaissance

Linear Perspective Method

Introduced by Brunelleschi, it revolutionized art by creating realistic illusions of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface.

furniture

seen as a symbol of social status

had a restrained character with simple designs and a moderate ornamentation

bed

furniture;

symbol of wealth (expensive)

Plan

Renaissance buildings feature a square

symmetrical appearance in which proportions are usually based on a module

facade

symmetrical around their vertical axis

generally surmounted by a pediment and organized by a system of pilasters, arches, and entablatures

Arches

Renaissance architecture uses semi-circular (mannerist style) segmental

often used in arcades, supported on piers or columns with capitals

vaults

without ribs

semi-circular or segmental and on a square plan

Columns & Pilasters

Roman and Greek column orders are utilized

orders can be structural, supporting an arcade or architrave or purely decorative

dome

used frequently, both as a very large structural feature that is visible from the exterior and also as a means of roofing smaller spaces where they are only visible internally

Exterior Materials

Stucco and stone are common in Italian Renaissance homes, with hipped roofs, terracotta tiles, and classical architectural features.

Interior Materials

eature hardwood, marble, and terracotta floors, with marble countertops, fireplace mantels, and Venetian plaster for walls.

Linear Perspective

A technique in art where parallel lines appear to converge at a single point in the distance, creating the illusion of depth and distance on a flat surface.