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.
