Gothic Art

Question 1

What was the original intention behind the meaning of the term when Giorgio Vasari coined it? Why?

Answer 1

• it was a reference to Nordic tribes that overran the Roman Empire in 6th century
• architecture was debased (less quality/value) compared to his own time, which revived the forms of classical antiquity (1500s)

Question 2

What was the ultimate engineering challenge for the architect during the Gothic age? How did architects meet the challenge?

Answer 2

• Romanesque= stone barrel/groin vaults (thick, small windows,)–> very dark
• 1100s→ architects want to make the fluid arrangement of the space

Question 3

pointed arch

Answer 3

less outward thrust= bigger windows; could become taller that eh rounded arch

Question 4

stone ribs

Answer 4

• distribute the weight of the vault onto columns and piers

Question 5

flying buttresses

Answer 5

-bridge-like arches are connected to vertical members (uprights) that absorb the outward thrust; made it possible to reduce the masonry to more skeletal framework

Question 6

groin vaults

Answer 6

• thick, needed very small windows

Question 7

How does a Gothic church differ from a Romanesque church?

Answer 7

• taller/higher ceiling; more windows; stained glass→ LIGHT
• figurative sculptures
• stained glass windows= central to the perception of the cathedral as a collection of the Christian faith

Question 8

What is the resulting effect of the new architectural elements in the Abbey Church of St. Denis?

Answer 8

• clear spatial distribution
• organic lightness
• bays were open on all sides and walls of radiating chapels had large openings with stained glass

Question 9

To whom is this the Chartres Cathedral dedicated? What relic does it hold?

Answer 9

• dedicated to the Virgin Mary
• relic= tunic of the Virgin Mary
• believed to have a spiritual powers

Question 10

Why are there two different construction phases for the Chartres Cathedral ?

Answer 10

• 1140= Romanesque
• 1194= church burned down; shroud was lost; town lost protection
• 3 days later, tunic found unharmed
• believed that Mary wasn’t actually angry with the ppl in the town but just wanted to get the old church out of the way to build a new church equal to her importance

Question 11

What is the overall subject or theme of the sculptural program for the Chartres Cathedral?

Answer 11

• Romanesque→ Gothic
• opening up the walls of the church; focus on geometry; wanted to church to mirror the measure in which god created the universe→ feel closer to God

Question 12

importance of stained glass and light

Answer 12

• floating planes of light
• speckled light⇒ make the walls turn into spirit instead of matter
• light= symbol of divinity
• colors= rich, deep; vivid
• 4 part to 3 part elevation (take out gallery)→ allow for larger panes of glass
• least material and most transcendent; “and there will be light” (separate light from dark); divine light; light of God–> what would heaven look like

Question 13

Visitation Sculpture on Reims Cathedral

Answer 13

• Archangel Gabriel with the Annunciate Virgin, Mary and Elizabeth
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