Gothic and Renaissance Arts FINAL

Gothic Arts

  • Style in European art and architecture that flourished from about 1140 to late 16th century.

  • Applies to religious and secular buildings, sculpture, stained glass, illuminated manuscripts, and decorative arts.

  • Originally a derogatory term for medieval art, used by Italian Renaissance writers.

Development of Gothic Art

  • Gothic Age is viewed as a significant artistic era in Europe, immediately following the Romanesque style.

  • Evolved into a more secular style known as International Gothic in the late 14th century.

  • Notable example: Lincoln Cathedral, completed in the late 14th century.

  • Gothic Revival occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries, rooted in nostalgia and romanticism.

Characteristics of Gothic Art

  • Predominantly architectural with other arts influenced by it.

  • Visual aesthetic characterized by vitality, linearity, and activity.

  • Reflects medieval scholasticism, mysticism, and religious intensity.

Gothic Architecture

  • Architecture style from mid-12th century to 16th century, popular in Northern Europe.

  • Initially associated with barbarian Gothic tribes that sacked the Roman Empire.

  • Emphasized pointed arches, flying buttresses, and elaborate tracery.

  • Art associated with architecture was largely ornamental.

Key Figures in Gothic Art

  • Benedetto Antelami: Last great northern Italian sculptor; influential in Parma, known for his work on the Baptistry of Parma.

  • Nicola Pisano (ca.1220-1284): Combined Classical and Byzantine-Islamic traditions; influenced Christian narrative with his sculpture.

    • Notable works: Adoration of the Magi relief.

  • Giovanni Pisano: Son of Nicola, developed a more expressive Gothic style.

International Gothic

  • Style in painting, sculpture, decorative arts from c.1375 to c.1425, popular in Western Europe.

  • Emphasized courtly elegance and naturalistic details.

  • Notable artists: Luis Borrassa, Simone Martini, Gentile da Fabriano.

  • The "Wilton Diptych" is considered a prime example of this style.

Notable Artists

  • Simone Martini (circa 1280-1344): Influential Sienese painter, introduced refined techniques and frescoes.

    • Known for the Virgin and Child altarpiece.

  • Stefano da Zevio (c.1374-c.1438): Principal Veronese painter, inspired by Gentile da Fabriano.

Gothic Revival

  • Mid-18th century movement reviving Gothic styles, also represented a literary movement with works like Horace Walpole's "The Castle of Otranto".

  • Strawberry Hill, Walpole's home, exemplified Gothic architecture.

Key Figures of the Gothic Revival

  • Horace Walpole (1717-1797): Introduced the Gothic fiction genre; inspired by his home, Strawberry Hill.

Neo-Gothic Art

  • Art movement from the early 1980s linked to punk and fantasy; emerged in the late 1990s.

  • Coined by Charles Alexander Moffat, known for the "Neo-Gothic Art Manifesto."

  • Prominent themes: the bizarre, obscene, mysterious, and gender confusion.

  • Artists: Marilyn Manson, Judith Weratschnig, Floria Sigismondi.

Charles Alexander Moffat

  • Canadian artist born in 1979, founded the Lilith Gallery in Toronto.

  • Gained recognition for "United States Censorship" painting, inspired by protestors against censorship.