Gothic Flashcards
what was the gothic style most used for
churches and cathedrals
where did the style originate
Paris, France 12th century
what are the most prominent features
rib vaults and flying buttresses, stained glass and rose windows
what is the purpose of the rib vaults and flying buttresses
allows the weight of the roof to be counterbalanced by buttressing on the outside of the building, giving greater height and more space for windows
what is the purpose of the rose windows and stained glass
to bring light and colour to the space
what was the first notable example of a gothic styled building
saint-denis cathedral, the choir and facade was redecorated with gothic features
Amiens cathedral
maximise internal dimensions to let more light in and ‘reach for the heavens’
Chartres cathedral
‘high point of French gothic art’ ‘a masterpiece’
heavy flying buttresses which helped architects to increase the window size
Salisbury cathedral
buttressing system under the roof
historians suggested the masons were ‘behind the times’
others say they did this to their own taste and not to copy the French models
difference between French and English cathedrals
Frenchs buttresses are on the exterior as flying buttresses, English cathedrals buttressing systems under the roof
whats a lancet window
a tall, narrow window with a pointed arch at its top
what construction method was introduced into gothic vaulting
ribbing as structural strength with light materials in webs
the pointed (ogival) arch characteristic of gothic architecture meant that:
loads were more vertical compared to a semi-circle arch
in which county did gothic architecture originate
France
