11 Questions
What tribe is credited for the origin of Gothic architecture?
Goths
During which period did Gothic architecture emerge?
1150 - 1500 CE
What was the primary building type produced during the Gothic architecture period?
Cathedrals
Which region did not fully embrace the Gothic style according to the text?
Italy
What played a major influence on Gothic architecture according to the text?
Religion
What is the function of a flying buttress in Gothic architecture?
To distribute the lateral thrust of an arch or vault downward
Where is the triforium located in a Gothic cathedral?
Above the nave arcade and below the clerestory
What is the purpose of a gargoyle in Gothic architecture?
To ward off evil by functioning as a waterspout
What is the function of a compound or cluster pier in a Gothic cathedral?
Composed of a conjunction of engaged piers or pillars for structural support
What does a cusp represent in Gothic tracery?
The intersection of two arcs or foliations
Where are relics typically placed within a Gothic church?
In the chevet, which includes the apse and radiating chapels
Study Notes
Gothic Architecture
- Derived from the barbaric tribe 'Goths' of North, referred to as Opus Modernum or Opus Francigenum
- Emerged in France, spread to England, Germany, Central Europe, and Spain, but not in Italy
Historical Context
- Feudal system was fading, and new centralized governments were emerging
- Emergence of cities and the middle class
- Establishment of universities replaced the monasteries
- Religion played a major influence in Gothic architecture
Characteristics of Gothic Architecture
- Primary building type produced is the cathedral
- Divided into 3 periods: Early Gothic (1140-1200 CE), High Gothic (1200-1250 CE), and Rayonnant Style (1240-1350 CE), and Late Gothic or Flamboyant (1250-1450 CE)
Innovative Features
- Development of the pointed arch, which allowed for distribution of force or load more downward than sideways
- Flying buttress, a half arch leaning against the wall where lateral thrust of an arch or vault is being exerted
Components of a Gothic Cathedral
- Triforium, a shallow passage above nave arcade and below clerestory
- Set off, a horizontal ledge on a wall, marking a decrease in its thickness above
- Respond, a support usually a corbel or pilaster
- Compound or cluster pier, a pier composed of a conjunction of engaged piers or pillars often with a capital
- Cusp, intersection of two arcs or foliations in tracery
- Rib, a molding that projects from the surface of the ceiling
- Boss, a projecting usually rich carved ornament placed at the intersection of the ribs
- Pinnacle, an ornamental body or shaft terminated by a pyramid or spire, adds weight to the buttress
- Finial, an ornament which terminates the point of a spire, pinnacle
- Crocket, a decorative ornament in the form of a stylized carving of curled leaves, buds, or flowers
- Gargoyle, a waterspout projecting from the roof gutter of a building, often carved grotesquely
- Stained glass, a colored glass arranged like a mosaic to create images
- Chevet, the apse, ambulatory, and radiating chapels of the church, where relics are placed within
Explore the Gothic architecture styles of France, Europe, and England from 1150 to 1500 CE, derived from the Gothic tribes. Learn about the cultural spread to various regions, the emergence of cities, middle-class societies, universities, and the influence of religion.
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