Questions and Answers
What is Gothic Architecture?
Which architectural style did Gothic Architecture pave the way for?
What are the characteristics of Gothic Architecture?
Light, airy & heavenly, pointed, elaborately and ornately decorated.
PLANS in Gothic Architecture are arranged for _____ rather than for symmetry.
Signup and view all the answers
Rubble masonry in the walls of Gothic Architecture were laid in horizontal course.
Signup and view all the answers
In Gothic Architecture, doors and windows were recessed & spanned by _____ _____?
Signup and view all the answers
Gothic Architecture is sometimes called the architecture of _____ because of its large windows.
Signup and view all the answers
In Gothic Architecture, windows were divided by vertical _____ and horizontal _____.
Signup and view all the answers
What is Tracery in the context of Gothic Architecture?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Plate Tracery?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Bar Tracery?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a Finial in Gothic Architecture?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Crocket refer to in Gothic Architecture?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a Pinnacle in Gothic Architecture?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Vaulting in Gothic Architecture refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
What forms do Gothic Ornaments take?
Signup and view all the answers
What characterizes Gothic Ornaments?
Signup and view all the answers
What are Grotesques in Gothic Ornaments?
Signup and view all the answers
What purpose do Gargoyles serve in Gothic Architecture?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the French term for the Gothic architectural style?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the Ogival System?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a Chevet in Gothic architecture?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the Lady Chapel in Gothic architecture?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a Chantry Chapel?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a Fleche?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the 3 periods of French Gothic?
Signup and view all the answers
The 3 periods of French Gothic were based on the evolution of the _____ _____.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the Primaire period in French Gothic characterized by?
Signup and view all the answers
What characterizes the Secondaire period in French Gothic?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Tertiare in French Gothic known for?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Albi Cathedral known for?
Signup and view all the answers
What distinguishes Amiens Cathedral?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Beauvais Cathedral recognized for?
Signup and view all the answers
What defines Bourges Cathedral in Gothic architecture?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Gothic Architecture Overview
- An architectural style that deviates from classical designs.
- Paved the way for the Renaissance architectural movement.
Characteristics of Gothic Architecture
- Known for being light, airy, and heavenly.
- Features pointed arches and elaborate decorations.
- Plans prioritize convenience over symmetry.
Structural Elements
- Windows and doors typically spanned by pointed arches.
- Large windows led to Gothic Architecture being referred to as the "architecture of light."
- Windows divided by vertical mullions and horizontal transoms.
Tracery in Gothic Windows
- Tracery refers to ornamental stonework in windows.
- Plate Tracery: Dominated by thick stone, with glass areas separated by stone.
- Bar Tracery: Composed of thin stone elements, allowing glass to dominate.
Decorative Features
- Finials serve as decorative terminations on spires.
- Crockets are foliage decorations on spires.
- Pinnacles are small spires that enhance verticality.
Vaulting Techniques
- Vaulting developed through pointed arches and ribbing to support roofs.
Gothic Ornaments
- Reflects medieval mysticism and Christian themes.
- Features sturdy craftsmanship and bold execution.
- Grotesques serve as ornamental chimerae.
- Gargoyles function as waterspouts and are believed to ward off evil spirits.
Terminology in Gothic Architecture
- "L'architecture Ogivale" is the French term derived from 'ogive' for pointed arches.
- The Ogival System describes a framework of intersecting pointed arch ribs.
Chapel Structures
- Chevet refers to an apse with a surrounding ambulatory and chapels.
- Lady Chapel: Dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
- Chantry Chapel: Used for religious services in memory of individuals or families.
Architectural Features
- Fleche refers to a slender spire rising from a roof ridge.
- Three periods of French Gothic: Primaire, Secondaire, Tertiare, based on the evolution of window tracery.
French Gothic Periods
- Primaire: Known for pointed arches and geometric tracery; often referred to as "lancettes."
- Secondaire: Recognized for circular windows with wheel tracery; also known as "rayonnant."
- Tertiare: Characterized by flamboyant, florid style and flame-like window tracery.
Notable Cathedrals in France
- Albi Cathedral: Fortress church, features the widest vault in France at 18 m.
- Amiens Cathedral: Slightly projecting transepts and a sweeping chevet of 7 chapels; originally painted facade.
- Beauvais Cathedral: Highest nave in Europe at 48.5 m, featuring three tiers of flying buttresses.
- Bourges Cathedral: Notable for its lack of transepts and proportionate dimensions.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the distinctive features and elements of Gothic architecture, a style that emerged as a departure from classical designs. Discover the importance of light, pointed arches, and intricate decorations that define this architectural movement. Learn about key aspects like tracery, finials, and the overall aesthetic that contributed to the transition to the Renaissance.
