Gothic Architecture (1050-1530)

• Gothic architecture spanned from 1050-1530.

Introduction to Gothic Architecture

• It originated in France and spread throughout Europe.
• The style evolved due to technological innovations and cultural, religious, and political changes.
• It is also referred to as Opus Francigenum or French Style.
• The style fulfills the need for more light-filled spaces.
• The style fulfills the need for soaring spaces to accommodate growing populations.
• The style fulfills the increasing desire of the church to inspire awe.

Key Innovation

• Pointed Arches allowed for greater height.
• Pointed Arches allowed for a more efficient weight distribution.
• The pointed arch enabled the construction of taller and more elegant buildings.

Style Ogivale

• This is an architectural style that prominently uses pointed arches.

Architectural Characteristics

• Pointed arches are a key feature.
• Ribbed vaults are a key feature.
• Flying buttresses are a key feature.
• Large, stained-glass windows are a key feature.
• Verticality and height are key features.
• Thin walls are a characteristic of Gothic architecture.
• Spires and pinnacles are a characteristic of Gothic architecture.
• Gargoyles and grotesques are a characteristic of Gothic architecture.
• Ornamental decorations are a characteristic of Gothic architecture.
• Cross-latin floor plans are a characteristic of Gothic architecture.

Early Gothic Period

• It spanned from the 12th to 13th century.
• Key characteristics include pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.
• Key characteristics include an emphasis on verticality.
• Key characteristics include larger windows, with an ethereal quality of light created by stained glass windows.
• Notable examples include the Basilica of Saint-Denis, France.
• Notable examples include Chartres Cathedral, France.

Basilica of Saint-Denis, France

• This is considered the first true Gothic building.
• Abbot Suger was a pioneer of Gothic architecture.
• Abbot Suger's renovations created a more luminous and majestic place of worship.
• Key features include a blend of Gothic and earlier Romanesque styles.
• Key features include its prominent three portals.
• Key features include elaborate sculptural depictions of biblical scenes.

Chartres Cathedral

• Chartres Cathedral is known for its architectural splendor, stunning stained glass, and historical significance.
• It's considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
• The cathedral's exceptional preservation makes it a significant contributor to the development of Gothic architecture.
• Key feature highlights its remarkable collection of stained-glass windows.
• Key feature is the use of flying buttresses for thinner walls and larger windows.

High Gothic Period

• The High Gothic period spanned from the 13th to mid-14th century.
• Flying buttresses were fully developed enabling thinner walls.
• There was an increase in the creation of larger windows filled with intricate stained glass.
• Structures became grander, featuring soaring naves and spires reaching upwards.
• Notable examples include Notre-Dame Cathedral.
• Notable examples include Amiens Cathedral.
• Notable examples include Reims Cathedral.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

• It is one of the most famous and iconic Gothic cathedrals globally.
• The cathedral took nearly two centuries to build.
• The nearly two centuries of building reflected the immense scale and project complexity.
• A devastating fire broke out on April 15, 2019.
• The fire led to the collapse of the spire.
• The fire caused significant damage to the roof and interior.
• Key features of the Notre-Dame, include the ribbed vaults.
• Key features of the Notre-Dame, include the flying buttresses.
• Key features of the Notre-Dame, include the pointed arches.
• Key features of the Notre-Dame, include the rose windows.
• Key features of the Notre-Dame, include the twin towers.

Amiens Cathedral

• Noted for its grandeur, architectural innovations, and artistic beauty.
• It is the largest cathedral in France by volume.
• It has the tallest nave of any Gothic cathedral, standing at 42 meters (138 feet).
• It houses important relics, including the head of Saint John the Baptist, making it a pilgrimage site.
• Amiens Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• It's designation is due to its outstanding Gothic architecture and its significance in the history of art and religion.
• The west facade is famous for its three large portals.
• There are intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Last Judgment, the Life of Christ, and the Virgin Mary are present.
• Its massive interior is a key feature.
• Light and stained glass are a key feature.

Reims Cathedral

• Reims Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.
• French kings were crowned here.
• During World War I, the cathedral suffered significant damage, causing the loss of many windows and sculptures.
• The cathedral was meticulously restored after the war, and many of its stained-glass windows were replaced or repaired.

Rayonnant Gothic Period

• This was during the mid to late 13th Century.
• This phase focused on decorative refinement and ornamentation.
• Rose windows were often the central feature of the facade, designed to resemble rays of light.
• The focus was less on the overall mass.
• Focus was more on creating an ethereal, jewel-like appearance with intricate designs.
• Sainte-Chapelle is a notable example.

Sainte-Chapelle

• Sainte-Chapelle was built by King Louis IX to house the relics of the Passion of Christ.
• It's best known for its extraordinary stained-glass windows, which cover most of the walls of the upper chapel.
• It features two levels.
• The upper chapel is bright and airy, with walls made almost entirely of stained-glass windows.
• The lower chapel was used by the royal staff and the general public.

Flamboyant Gothic Period

• The Flamboyant Gothic period spanned from the late 14th to early 16th century.
• It's known for highly ornate, flowing forms and elaborate decoration, especially in the stonework.
• Tracery became more intricate and curvilinear, resembling flames.
• Saint-Maclou Church is a notable example of this period.

Saint-Maclou Church

• It's known for its complex, flowing patterns and detailed ornamental designs.
• The facade includes a stunning rose window, flanked by twin towers.
• Its design demonstrates the dramatic and expressive style that typifies Flamboyant Gothic.

Late Gothic Period

• This period spanned from the 15th Century to early 16th century.
• This phase marks a transitional period between the late Gothic and the early Renaissance.
• Use of classical elements like columns and domes were incorporated into Gothic designs.
• King’s College Chapel is a notable example.

King’s College Chapel

• It's an architectural gem of Perpendicular Gothic design, famous for its fan vaulted ceiling and large stained-glass windows.
• Perpendicular Gothic architecture favors straight lines and geometric shapes.
• It received a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 2022.
• Key features include vertical lines creating an impression of soaring heights.
• Fan Vaulting - ribs are arranged in a fan-like pattern, giving the ceiling a delicate, almost flowing appearance.
• It features slender towers and spires that rise above the building, contributing to the vertical emphasis of the style.

Gothic Revival Period

• The Gothic Revival period took place in the 19th century.
• There was a resurgence of interest in Gothic architecture, particularly in Britain and the United States.
• There was a desire to reconnect with medieval ideals.
• It involved reviving elements of earlier Gothic styles, but using modern materials and techniques.
• The Palace of Westminster is a notable example of Gothic Revival.

Palace of Westminster, London

• It was designed by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin.
• It is also known as the Houses of Parliament.
• The design of the building is meant to reflect the grandeur of the British Parliament.
• It is also meant to symbolize the importance of democracy and the monarchy.
• A key feature is the Elizabeth Tower - most famous feature, which houses the Great Bell known as Big Ben. (316 feet tall)
• A key feature is the Victoria Tower - one of the tallest towers in London and used for storage of important government documents and houses a library (325 feet tall).