Gothic Architecture and Its Contexts

GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE

  • Timeframe: 1150 - 1500 CE

  • Origin of the Name:

    • The term 'Gothic' was first used by Renaissance critics.

    • It referred to the lack of conformity with classical standards.

    • The name is derived from the barbaric tribe 'Goths' from the north.

  • Other Names: Known as 'Opus Modernum' or 'Opus Francigenum' (French Style).

  • Cultural Spread:

    • Gothic culture spread to England and Spain,

    • Italy was hesitant and never fully embraced Gothic architecture.

  • Societal Context:

    • Dominated by the feudal system, transitioning to new centralized governments.

    • Emergence of nation-states.

  • Influence of Religion:

    • Religion played a significant role in the Gothic architecture.

    • The Church gained power, capable of disposing of kings or emperors.

    • Establishment of the Holy Office led to rampant church abuse, initiating inquisitions.

    • Formation of new religious orders such as that of St. Francis of Assisi, known for missionary work.

  • Primary Building Type: Cathedral.

  • Periods of Gothic Architecture:

    1. Early Gothic (1140 - 1200 CE)

    2. High Gothic (1200 - 1250 CE) and Rayonnant style (1240 - 1350 CE)

    3. Late Gothic or Flamboyant (1250 - 1450 CE)

  • Architectural Innovations:

    • Development of the pointed arch, facilitating better force distribution vertically (downward) vs. horizontally (sideways).

    • Resulted in thinner walls; reduced necessity for thick wall buttresses.

    • Flying Buttress:

    • A half arch resting against a wall at points of lateral thrust,

    • Transmits thrust to a lower level masonry body.

COMPONENTS OF A GOTHIC CATHEDRAL

  • Triforium: Shallow passageway above the nave arcade and below the clerestory.

  • Set Off (Off Set): A ledge on a wall marking a decrease in thickness above it.

  • Respond: Support (corbel or pilaster) affixed to the wall to support one end of an arch or rib.

  • Compound or Cluster Pier: Combination of engaged piers or pillars often including a capital and base attached to a central shaft.

  • Cusp: Intersection of two arcs in tracery.

  • Rib: Moldings projecting from the surface that separate roof or ceiling panels.

  • Boss: Projecting, richly carved ornament at intersections of ribs, groins, or beam ends.

  • Pinnacle: Ornamental body or shaft topped with a pyramid or spire, adds weight to the buttress.

  • Finial: Ornament capping the point of a spire or pinnacle.

  • Crocket: Decorative stylized carving of leaves or flowers on sloping edges of spires and pinnacles.

  • Gargoyle: Grotesque waterspout projecting from the roof gutter of a building, believed to ward off evil.

  • Stained Glass: Colored glass arranged in a mosaic to form images.

  • Chevet: The apse, ambulatory, and radiating chapels of the church where relics are housed.

    • The presence of numerous relics elevates the cathedral's power.

  • Development: The pointed arch's addition was significantly influenced by the creation of the chevet.

EXAMPLES OF GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE

Early Gothic Style

  • Basilica of Saint Denis (Paris, France):

    • Founded in the 7th century by Dagobert I; burial site of French monarchs.

    • Choir built in 1140 CE by Abbot Suger, advocating that light mediates divine connection.

    • Had three portals but one tower was destroyed and never rebuilt.

Laon Cathedral (Picardy, France)

  • Rebuilt between 1160 - 1230 CE; pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

  • Features:

    • Six towers, only four complete.

    • Façade symmetrical, employing quadripartite and sexpartite rib vaulting.

Notre Dame de Paris

  • Built from 1163 to 1250 CE; situated on the Ile de la Cite.

  • Commissioned by Bishop Maurice de Sully; former site of St. Etienne Basilica.

  • Design:

    • Tripartite elevation in its façade, symmetrical.

    • Features flying buttresses, bar tracery in windows emphasizing glass over stone.

High Gothic Period (1200 - 1250 CE)

  • Dominance of French art and architecture across Europe.

  • Transition to rectangular bays with quadripartite vaulting.

Chartres Cathedral (Centre, France)

  • Built from 1134 to 1220 CE; a prime example of High Gothic architecture.

  • Dedicated to Virgin Mary and John the Baptist.

  • Dimensions:

    • Total length: 130m; total width: 32-46m; nave height: 37m.

  • Features:

    • Early use of flying buttresses, plate tracery in windows, renowned for blue stained glass, and labyrinth.

Amiens Cathedral (Paris, France)

  • Built between 1220 - 1402 CE;

  • Commissioned by Bishop Evrard de Fouilly; largest French cathedral.

  • Key Features:

    • Nave height: 42.30m; contains replicas of John the Baptist's head.

Reims Cathedral (Champagne-Ardenne, France)

  • Rebuilt in 1211 CE; linked to Rayonnant style,

  • Coronation site for French kings.

Rayonnant Style (1240 - 1350 CE)

  • Developed toward the end of the High Gothic period.

  • Characterized by flamelike pointed tracery, rich visual effects, and open tracery.

La Sainte Chapelle (Paris, France)

  • Built from 1239 to 1248 CE; finest example of Rayonnant style.

  • Houses relics of importance including Christ's Crown of Thorns.

  • Architectural Features:

    • Monumental rose window, extensive clerestory coverage.

Late Gothic Period (1250 - 1450 CE)

  • Also referred to as the Flamboyant Period, indicated by flame-like forms.

  • Marking decline of Gothic style influenced by cultural downturn during the Hundred Years' War.

Beauvais Cathedral (Northern France)

  • Built in 1225 (unfinished), choir collapsed in 1284 CE, reaching limits of structural design.

Cologne Cathedral (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany)

  • Construction from 1248 to 1880; tallest cathedral in the world.

English Gothic Architecture (1200 - 1530 CE)

  • Developed distinctly due to French influence from Normans.

  • Emphasis on horizontal structure, limited use of rose windows.

  • Phases/Styles:

    1. Early English (1200 - 1275 CE)

    2. Decorated (1275 - 1375 CE)

    3. Perpendicular (1375 - 1530 CE)

Early English Period

  • Notable for pointed lancet windows utilizing quadripartite ribbing.

Decorated Period

  • Known for geometric, curvilinear styles with foliage, less emphasis on lancet windows.

Perpendicular Period

  • Identification with fan vault ceilings and emphasis on vertical elements.

Italian Renaissance Architecture (Including Mannerism and Palladio)

  • Timeline: 1420 - 1600 CE.

  • Meaning: Derived from Italian word xüsusi "Rinascimento," translating as rebirth.

  • Architectural revival focused on ancient Greece and Rome.

  • Began in Tuscany, reflecting cultural reawakening in various disciplines.

EARLY RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURE

Filippo Brunelleschi

  • Lifetime: 1377 - 1446; significant architect of the Early Renaissance.

  • Influences: Trained as a Goldsmith, heavily inspired by Vitruvius.

Ospedale degli Innocenti, Florence

  • Timeline: 1419 - 1445.

  • Known as Hospital of the Innocents; first structure in Florence to use classical elements.

Dome of Florence Cathedral

  • Timeline: 1420 - 1435; largest dome in the world post-Pantheon.

HIGH RENAISSANCE

  • Transition from Florence to Rome as the art capital.

Notable Figures

  • Leonardo da Vinci: Multifaceted genius, famed for works like the Mona Lisa.

  • Donato Bramante: Prime architect, renowned for St. Peter's Basilica design.

POST-MODERN ARCHITECTURE

  • Emerged circa 1950’s, solidifying as a movement by the 1970’s.

  • Countered International Style's monotony, embracing complexities in design.

  • Notable architects include Philip Johnson, Robert Venturi, Michael Graves.

DECONSTRUCTIVIST ARCHITECTURE

  • Developed in the late 20th century; characterized by fragmentation and unpredictability.

  • Influential figures like Rem Koolhaas and Frank Gehry.

CONCLUSION

  • History of architecture showcases a progression from Gothic to Modernism, eventually highlighting Post-modernism and Deconstructivism, reflecting the evolving cultural contexts and technological advancements within architectural designs.