Exam 1 Flashcards
Explain the importance of the location of the church of St. Denis and how the church is connected to the kings of France.
- location where the martyr St. Denis died and was buried
- French royal monastery
- kings of France buried here
What are some of the spiritual goals and architectural precedents that influenced Abbot Suger and his vision for building a new church at St. Denis?
- Temple of Solomon
- writings he though were by Denis
- Hagia Sophia
How much of the church of St. Denis was completed during the Early Gothic Phase?
- west façade
- choir in east (lower level)
How does the plan of the Gothic church of St. Denis compare to the older 8th century Carolingian church?
larger and taller, but still keeping a similar shape and orientation
What are the characteristics of the interior elevation in the final Gothic phase of the church of St. Denis?
3 levels: arcade, triforium, and clerestory
What does “Notre Dame” refer to? Why are there so many medieval churches with this name?
French for “Our Lady”, refers to The Virgin Mary
What are the main parts of Laon Cathedral’s plan and how does this relate, practically and symbolically, to the purpose of a Gothic cathedral?
pronounced transept gives it a cruciform shape
What are the four parts of the interior elevation of Laon Cathedral? What is the major structural development seen here?
aisle arcade, GALLERY, triforium, and clerestory
What is particularly notable about the sculpture of the openwork towers on Laon Cathedral? What does this tell us about the process of building of the cathedral?
oxen, used beasts of burden to transport the large stones
Who is Chartres Cathedral dedicated to? What relic survived the fire of 1194 and how does this play a role in the rebuilding of the church after the fire of 1194?
Virgin Mary
tunic worn by Mary, sign from God that the church should be rebuilt
Describe the interior elevation of Chartres. How does the structure of the interior relate to the exterior?
- arcade with aisle
- triforium (roof over aisle marks the start of this level from the exterior)
- clerestory (buttress fliers on exterior of this level)
Who built the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris and why? What purposes does it serve, both practically and symbolically?
Louis IX added the church to the royal palace in Paris as a reliquary.
-displayed the relics Louis IX had acquired from Constantinople
Describe the plan and support structure of the Sainte-Chapelle; how does this allow the walls of the upper chapel to be almost completely filled by stained glass windows?
wall buttresses linked together by iron tie-rods transfer the weight of the glass down
Abbey Church of St.-Denis
near Paris, France
1137-1144 (Early Gothic phase)
1231-1281 (Rayonnant Phase)
Notre Dame Cathedral of Laon
France, 1155-1205
Notre Dame Cathedral of Chartres
France, 1194-1230
Sainte-Chapelle
Paris, France, 1243-1248
Canterbury Cathedral
England (United Kingdom)
1175-1184 = Early English Phase
14th-15th century = Perpendicular Phase
Describe the plan of the Early Gothic church at Canterbury. How does it relate to the earlier Romanesque (Norman) church that burned down?
- Nave, 2 transepts, choir, and the chapels on the sides of the apse follow the earlier Norman church’s plan.
- Trinity Chapel and Corona Chapel added after fire.
Why did Canterbury become a destination for pilgrims and how did this influence its design when it was rebuilt?
St. Thomas a Becket was murdered in the church before the fire. Had to be designed to handle the steady flow of pilgrims.
What are some of the characteristics of the Early English Gothic Style seen in the interior of Canterbury Cathedral?
- lancet windows
- quadripartite rib vaults
Salisbury Cathedral
England, 1220-1258, tower 1334-1380
What are the characteristics of the Decorated Style?
- decorative ribs in vaults (not for support)
- window tracery taking on more decorative geometric designs
What are some of the types of houses built in the medieval period and who would have lived in them?
- Longhouse: most common type of house in the countryside
- Manor House: landowners with greater wealth
- Townhouse: urban house
How are the townhouses in England and France designed for their urban setting? What types of rooms are found inside and how do they differ from a house in the countryside?
- compact design that is built up, not out
- ground floor used as a shop
- upper floor is living quarters
Westminster Hall
London, England, 1394-1402
What architectural complex was Westminster Hall originally a part of? What was its purpose?
royal banquet hall
(Westminster Hall) What materials and techniques were used to construct the roof of this building and why?
Hammerbeam trusses
- made of wood
- could span wider areas without additional support