10 The Church Triumphant: The thirteenth century Flashcards
Chief innovation of gothic architecture?
Use of vaulting alone to support weight of roof and walls, allowing walls to be made of glass. Like a greenhouse made of stone.
Kind of arch used in Gothic period?
Pointed arch
What purpose do flying buttresses serve?
They hold in place the walls of the high nave, like the spokes of a bicycle.
Origin of word ‘cathedral’?
Cathedra = bishop’s throne
Latin - seat
Work starts on rebuilding St Denis Basilica in which year?
1135
In the middle ages how were portraits made?
They weren’t really. There was no tradition of drawing from life. A king (sceptre and crown) or a bishop (crosier and mitre) were depicted as conventional figures with the corresponding insignia of office.
Giotto di Bondone dates?
1267-1337
In the 13th century, Italian craftsmen looked to ___________ rather than __________ for inspiration and guidance.
In the 13th century, Italian craftsmen looked to Constantinople rather than Paris for inspiration and guidance.
For all its rigidity, Byzantine art had preserved more of the discoveries of the ____________ painters than had survived the picture-writing of the Dark Ages in the _____.
For all its rigidity, Byzantine art had preserved more of the discoveries of the Hellenistic painters than had survived the picture-writing of the Dark Ages in the West.
“Nothing like this had been done for a thousand years.” What had Giotto done?
In his frescoes, created the illusion of depth on a flat surface –using foreshortening and shadows.
What was the purpose of Giotto’s realism?
To create the illusion that the sacred story was happening before our eyes.
Where was Giotto based?
Florence
What was novel about Giotto as a figure?
He became famous for his works, while medieval artists were generally anonymous.
Giotto introduced which important new technique in his work, and what were its results?
The practise of drawing from life – leading to more realistic depiction of figures
Giotto’s masterwork?
Giotto’s masterwork is the decoration of the Scrovegni Chapel, in Padua, also known as the Arena Chapel, which was completed around 1305.
Giotto was responsible for which work of architecture?
The bell tower of Florence cathedral
One difference in style between Giotto and Duccio?
Giotto’s figures less stylised - not elongated in Byzantine manner.
Who was the founder of the Dominican order, and why did he found it?
St. Dominic de Guzman –his order was approved by pope in 1216.
Had a vision for an order of preachers who could combat the rise of heresy, particularly the Albigensian heresy of the Cathars.
Founded the first Dominican monastery, Santa Maria degli Angeli, in Prouille, France.
What did Cathars supposedly believe?
There are two equal and opposite principles in the universe, one good and one evil, and that the physical world was inherently evil. They rejected authority of Catholic Church and the sacraments, and believed only way to salvation was through asceticism and self-denial.
What is the advantage of the pointed arch over the round arch?
The pointed arch has a more acute angle at its apex, and the more acute this angle, the more efficiently the weight of the structure is directed downward onto the vertical supports and the less horizontal thrust is created at the base of the arch. This allowed for wider spans without additional support structures, which facilitated the construction of larger and more complex buildings during the Gothic era.
Identify, date, describe
Nave of Amiens Cathedral, 1247
Gothic style
Interior structured out of shafts and ribs supported by pillars.
Identify, date, describe
Sainte-Chapelle, Paris, 1248
Ribs spread out into tracery over windows.
Meant to embody vision of the divine, or of heaven.
Identify, date, describe
Notre Dame de Paris, 1250
Tracery in gallery.
Identify, date, describe
Melchizedek, Abraham and Moses, Chartres Cathedral, 1194
Each figure clearly marked by an emblem that can be recognised by the faithful.
Figures also individualised.
Identify, date, describe
Death of virgin, tympanum, south transept, Strasbourg Cathedral, 1230
Gothic sculpture
Looking to nature for first time since classical period
Expression of emotion in poses AND in facial expressions.
Complex composition, with some individuation
Draperies show structure of body, possibly modeled on Roman tombstones and triumphal arches
Identify, date, describe
Ekkehart and Uta, founders of Naumburg Cathedral, Germany, 1260
Striking realism of poses
Draperies show structure of body
Identify, date, describe
Entombment of Christ, 1300, From Psalter manuscript, Bonmont Abbey, Switzerland
Emphasis on expression of feeling –Virgin bending over Christ, St John wringing hands.
Hieratic scale –servants much smaller.
Hats are those worn by jews in Middle Ages.
Focus on composition and pattern, but leap forward in realism from Romanesque art.
What is a psalter?
Volume containing Book of Psalms, often with other devotional material bound in as well, such as a liturgical calendar and litany of the Saints.
Identify, date, describe
An elephant and keeper, Matthew Paris, 1255
Rare example of medieval drawing from life –which only occurred when no established model to copy.
Shows that medieval artists did understand proportions, just didn’t think them important.
While in 13th century France, the gothic style was flourishing, Italian churches were still decorated with _______ in the ‘_____ manner’
While in 13th century France, the gothic style was flourishing, Italian churches were still decorated with mosaics in the ‘Greek manner’
Identify, date, describe
Nicola Pisano dates?
1220-1284
What were the two main influences on Nicola Pisano?
1) French gothic sculpture
2) Classical sculpture (sarcophagi)
Why is it easier for sculptors than painters to create realistic work?
Sculptor doesn’t need to worry about creating an illusion of depth through foreshortening and modelling in light and shade.
Statue stands in real space and real light.
What two main features of ancient art did Byzantine art preserve, which allowed it to inspire the Renaissance?
1 Modelling in light and shade.
2 Correct understanding of foreshortening.
Why are frescoes so named?
Because painted on wall while plaster is still fresh (i.e., wet)
Identify, date, describe
Faith, Giotto di Bondone, 1305, Capella dell’Arena, Padua
Gives illusion of statue –foreshortening of arms, modelling of face and neck, shadows of drapery.
Nothing like this done for 1000 years –rediscovery of creation of illusion of depth on flat surface.
Identify, date, describe
The Mourning of Christ, Giotto di Bondone, 1305, Capella dell’Arena, Padua
Witness real event as though happening on stage.
Expression of emotion in faces and poses.
