Gothic Flashcards
figures based on geometric shapes
Villard de Honnecourt
God as architect of the world.
Properties of Gothic architecture
Gothic –
- attempt to minimize wall, reduce mass by cutting/perforating. reduction of wall surface.
- taller churches, achieved by pointed arches
- presence of ribbed vaults
Sense of flow and unity
Organic, unified facade
Vs.
Romanesque –
presence of barrel vaults
rounded arches
Compartmentalized
Benefits of pointed arch
Flexibility of height regardless of span.
Weight channeled down more efficiently
Can be perforated
Gives illusion of verticality
Lighter / does not required heavy piers
Reims Cathedral
Reims, France
Notre-Dame
Paris, France
Flying buttresses on exterior only, to support the thin, tall walls.
Elevations of Gothic interiors
Moves from gallery to triforium
Moves from 4 part elevation to a 3 part elevation
Chartres Cathedral
Tall ceilings
Stained glass windows
Stained glass window at Chartres Cathedral
Rose and lancets
Madonna Enthroned with Angels and Prophets
Florence, Italy
Cimabue
Byzantine influences, but adding context
Madonna Enthroned
Florence, Italy
Giotto
Student of Cimabue
Uses intuitive perspective
Heiratic scale
Added on Cimabue’s work by overlapping heads
More naturalistic hold on baby
Lack of bodily definition in Mary’s body
Arena Chapel
Giotto
Padua, Italy
Buon Fresco
Aisle-less
barrel vaulted
Three tiers:
- Life of the virgin Mary
- Life and ministry of Christ
- Passion of Christ
LATE GOTHIC
Lux nova
“New light”
Not meant to illuminate, meant to transform
Mandorla
Spiritual vehical, such as in Giotto’s Arena chapel
Enrico Scrovegni
Enrico Scrovegni, a wealthy Paduan banker, erected the Arena chapel, which he intended for his family’s private use, in part to expiate the bankers’ sin of usury (very high interest).