Gothic Flashcards

1
Q

Characteristics of trans gothic and example

A

Very like Romanesque
Slightly pointed arches
Heavy look of Romanesque
Eg. St Denis, Paris. Opened by Abbot Suger

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2
Q

Characteristics of flamboyant gothic

A

Complex, highly ornamental, intricate, carved decoration
Sculpture everywhere
Eg. Rouen cathedral, north west tower of Chartres

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3
Q

Characteristics of classic gothic

A

‘Most perfect phase’
More elegant than trans
Light airiness
Eg. Chartres cathedral

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4
Q

Name the 7 main elements of gothic structure

A
Pointed arches
Rib vaulting
Flying buttresses
Thin columns 
Thinner walls
Large windows
Tracery
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5
Q

Explain vertical visual emphasis

A

Architects wanted the buildings to be tall and light filled.
The higher they were, the closer they were to god.
Everything in cathedral pointed upwards
Everything vertical, draws eyes upwards

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6
Q

What parts of Chartres are transitional gothic

A

Most of western facade:
Royal Portal
Twin towers
Three lancet windows

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7
Q

In what year did a fire burn down Chartres

A

1194

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8
Q

Why was Chartres rebuilt so quickly and magnificently?

A

Santa Camisia unharmed in fire : seen as a sign from god

Wealthy people donated money for the building (patrons)

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9
Q

What was the result of building the church so quickly

A

It is unified in structure and decoration

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10
Q

Describe the classic gothic elements of Chartres. (5)

A

Ribbed vaulting= simple and elegant
Columns extend up to be anchor points for vaulting
Rows of flying buttresses support these columns
3 huge rose windows
Rows of lancet windows

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11
Q

Describe the flamboyant features of Chartres

A

Northwest tower
Complex and detailed decoration
Fussy and visually busy
Pinnacles, tracery, mini flying buttresses

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12
Q

How many original windows were there in Chartres and how many survived

A

183, 145 still exist

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13
Q

What two types of patrons were depicted on the stained glass windows

A

Wealthy people and guilds

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14
Q

Explain the didactic function of stained glass

A

Taught illiterate pop. about bible stories.

Some windows dedicated to a particular saint. (Eg, St Martin)

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15
Q

What stage of gothic is the Blue Virgin from

A

Transitional. It survive the fire of 1194

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16
Q

Describe the Blue Virgin

A

Mary sits on a throne, Jesus in her lap.
Crown on her head (queen of heaven)
Gown and halo are a rich luminous blue
Deep red background

17
Q

What did the Blue Virgin represent in Chartres

A

The special relationship between Chartres and Mary.

18
Q

Characteristics of gothic sculpture x5

A
Compared to Romanesque:
Calm
more orderly
more realistic
Natural style
More correct body proportions, slightly elongated
19
Q

What phase of gothic is the Royal Portal from

A

Transitional, so there are elements of the less realistic Romanesque style

20
Q

Who are the figures on the columns of the three doorways (Royal Portal)

A

Kings and queens from the Old Testament

21
Q

Describe the figures on the columns of the Royal Portal

A

Stylised poses, elongated to fit with the vertical visual emphasis
Lengthen slightly from door outwards to make false perspective
Formal and serious
Static, ordered, serene, regular

22
Q

What is above the columns of the Royal Portal

A

A freeze of small carved figures, almost 200 in total.

These serve as the capitals of the columns

23
Q

Describe the right tympanum

A

Christ is a child on Mary’s knee

24
Q

Describe the left tympanum

A

Christ is ascending though the clouds to heaven

25
Q

Describe the middle tympanum

A

Christ is triumphant at the end of time.

He is surrounded by the symbols of the evangelists

26
Q

What is between the frieze and the tympana?

A

A carved lintel ( double lintel on side arches)