Gothic Architecture

Question 1

Give the different Medieval Period Divisions

Answer 1

Early Middle Age (476- 1050 AD)
High Middle Age (1050-1270 AD)
Late Middle Age (1270 1453 AD)

Question 2

Define what Gothic Architecture is.

Answer 2

-during the high and late medieval
period;
▪ Originated in 12th c, France, it was known as “the French Style” (Opus Francigenum),
with the term appearing in the latter part of the Renaissance as stylistic insult;

▪ churches, cathedrals and in a number of civic buildings;

▪ Appealed to the emotions, strongly religious, transcendental & asymmetrical

▪ Known for its verticality, lightness, illumination and majesty.

▪ Churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it reveals the epitome of Medieval architecture

Question 3

Who is Abbot Suger?

Answer 3

• Confidante of French Kings Louis VI and VII.
• rebuilt the church of Saint-Denis in 1137.
• Invented gothiv architecture.

Question 4

Why is the church of Saint-Denis significant?

Answer 4

(Ile de France)

originally a Carolingian façade, transformed to the first Gothic Church in 1137-1144

Question 5

Give the main characteristics of Gothic Architecture.

Answer 5

Inspired by Scholastic Philosophy : Harmonious relationship between
reason and faith, the exterior with the interior (as in the human person)

▪ Primary building type: City Cathedral

▪ Openness which allowed to interact with the city

▪ Emphasized verticality reflecting transcendental (obsession for height)
character (e.g. towers and spires)

▪ Noted for its height, lightness, luminosity and exoskeletal structure.

Question 6

Give the basic Elements of Gothic Architecture.

Answer 6

1. Pointed Arches
2. Ribbed Groin Vault
3. Compound Piers
4. Flying Buttress
5. Exo-Skeletal framework
6. Stained Glass windows

Question 7

Give noted Gothic architectures.

Answer 7

1. St. Denis Church (France) -1140
2. Laon Cathedral (Paris, France)- 1160
3. Notre Dame de Paris - c. 1163 – 1210
4. Chartres Cathedral (France) c. 1143
5. Reims Cathedral (France) c. 1211
6. Amiens Cathedral (France) c. 1220
7. Salisbury Cathedral (England) c. 1220
8. Milan Cathedral (Italy) 1386
9. St. Elizabeth (Hamburg, Germany) c. 1223

Question 8

Give the Major Movements or Art Periods in Medieval Art.

Answer 8

Early Medieval Art (Dark Ages)
       - Byzantine ( 330- 1450)
       - Carolingian Rome/Italy (800-950)
       - Ottonian Germany (950- 1050)
Romanesque Art (1000- 1270)

Gothic Art (1140- 1430)