A brief introduction to Gothic art aimed at students of English bilingual schools (2 ESO in Spain)

1. Gothic art

2. Where and when did gothic art
appear?
th
- Gothic style began in the mid 12 century in
France, and then spread all over Europe. This
artistic style was succesful in the continent until
the 15th century.
- Romanesque style did not disappear suddenly.
Both styles co-existed for a few years, but Gothic
substituted Romanesque little by little.

3. Gothic art
- Gothic was a urban art. Cities were becoming
prosperous when gothic appeared.
- Every city wanted to have its own cathedral, the
most characteristic symbol of gothic art.
Cathedrals were symbols of prestige for cities.

4. Gothic architecture

5. Main characteristics of gothic
architecture

6. Characteristics of gothic architecture
Gothic temples were
higher than romanesque
temples.

7. This was possible thanks to the use
of new building techniques.

8. The use of pointed (or ogival)
arches

9. Arches
In order to build the
arches, wooden
structures called
falsework had to be
erected. Then, bricks
were placed over the
falsework, and thus an
arch was created.

10. The use of ribbed vaults

11. Thanks to the use of pointed
arches and ribbed vaults, walls were
not so important to sustain the
weight of the vault as they were
during the Romanesque period.
Gothic buildings have many more
windows, and thus they are brighter
inside.

12. Stained glass was inserted in the
window panes

17. White light coming from the sun
trespassed the stained glass thus
creating an intense atmosphere
inside the temple

19. Buttresses and counterforts were
used on the outside to support the
weight of the vault

20. At the top of the counterforts,
pinnacles were erected as decoration

21. Gothic cathedral section

22. Apses were enlarged

23. There were usually 3 or 4 storeys
inside

24. A rose window covered with stained
glass was situated on the facade

25. Gargoyles were used for getting rid
of rainwater, and for decoration

29. Gothic sculpture

30. Both reliefs and free-standing
sculptures were made

31. Facades were decorated with reliefs

33. Capitals...

34. Tympana

35. Columns on the facades...

36. And archivolts

37. Saints and sinners were
represented

40. Gothic sculptures are more natural and
full of expression than Romanesque

43. Wooden retables were placed
behind the altars. This one is in a
convent in Burgos (Cartuja de
Miraflores)

45. Tombs could be very beautiful, too

46. Gothic paintings

47. Main characteristics
- Paintings on the walls (al fresco) were not as
important as they were in Romanesque.
- Basically, gothic artists painted on wood.
- The main motifs were religious, but portraits
were common, too.
- Retables were painted, too.
- And they illustrated religious books.