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Introduction
Gothic architecture is a well know and extremely recognizable style of architecture, but do we know what actually defines a building as gothic and where the style originated? In this essay, I will give a brief look into the history of gothic architecture. Furthermore, I will pick out and discuss in depth the key characteristics of gothic buildings while also explaining looking at how the gothic style differs from other similar styles. As a result, I will come close to defining what gothic architecture is. Moreover, I will look in depth at the history, construction, and defining gothic features of some of the world’s most famous examples of gothic architecture. Finally, I will conclude with a well-rounded summary of what has been written prior while also giving in my own words the answer to the question, what is gothic architecture?
Gothic architecture
Gothic architecture (or pointed architecture) is an architectural style that was particularly popular in Europe from the late 12th century to the 16th century, during the High and Late Middle Ages, surviving into the 17th and 18th centuries in some areas (Wikipedia Contributors, 2019). The gothic style is heavily influenced by Romanesque architecture which is predominately found in Europe and can be characterized by semi-circular arches along with other distinctive features. Gothic architecture is heavily associated with religious buildings in particular cathedrals. Gothic architecture is grand and dramatic style making it a fitting choice for religious buildings as a religion at the time was extremely important to most people. Religious leaders were some of the most important people around and therefore were deemed to deserve the extravagant gothic buildings we see today. Gothic architecture originated in the ‘le-de-France region of northern France; however, the style of gothic architecture is known to vary according to location, age, and type of building. Despite differences in buildings, gothic architecture can be characterized by 5 key architectural elements (Richman-Abdou, 2017):
1. Large stained-glass windows:
Stain glass windows can be found in most places of worship but particularly in gothic cathedrals. These windows are large to allow light painted by the windows to flood into the spaces.
2. Pointed arches:
This feature is also commonly seen in places of worship. Pointed arches, rather than semi-circular arches, are what set gothic architecture aside from Romanesque architecture.
3. Ribbed vaults:
In order to incorporate higher ceilings and taller windows into their designs, Gothic architects utilized a new method of structural support called ribbed vaulting. Ribbed vaulting involves the use of intersecting barrel vaults and arches placed parallel to one another in order to support a rounded roof (Richman-Abdou, 2017).
4. Flying buttresses:
A flying buttress is support that bears the load of roofs or vaulted ceilings (LetsBuild, 2019). Redistributing weight through flying buttresses ensured building integrity and allowed architects to include distinctive gothic features like thin walls and large windows.
5. Ornate decoration:
Ornate decorations cover a wide variety of intricately carved and decorative elements found on the exterior or interior of gothic buildings. Examples of this include stone gargoyles or statues of historic figures.
Some other notable characteristics of gothic architecture include the extensive use of columns and piers to create large open interior spaces into which light can flood. In addition, gothic buildings were commonly built with two main towers and spires making them extremely tall for the era they were built in. It is said that this was done by the architects to give the impression of buildings reaching toward the heavens. Equally important, Rose windows can be found in a lot of gothic cathedrals and churches. The term rose window describes a circular window that is divided into segments by stone mullions and tracery. Lastly, gothic cathedrals will more often than not have a footprint that resembles a crucifix, a well-known religious symbol, in plain view.
Examples of Gothic architecture
Amiens Cathedral:
The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Amiens or as it’s better known as the Amiens Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in Amiens (the capital of the Picardy region of France). The cathedral overlooks the River Somme and was built to house the seat of the Bishop of Amiens.
The cathedral was built almost entirely between 1220 and 1270, a remarkably short period of time for a gothic cathedral, giving the overall look of the cathedral an unusual unity of style (Wikipedia Contributors, 2021). This speed of construction was thanks to the revolutionary gothic building system based around using pieces of stone that were standardized by form and size rather than being a unique cut. Amiens Cathedral is a true testament to the notion of cathedrals being built in an attempt to reach the heavens, with a height of 113 meters. The Amiens Cathedral has a volume of 200,000 cubic meters, making it the largest cathedral in France.
Amiens Cathedral features stained glass windows, rose windows, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses, but is probably most well-known for its iconic and extensive use of ornate decoration on the facade of the building, in particular the west facade. The west facade of the cathedral was built in a single campaign from 1220 to 1236 and shows an unusual degree of artistic unity (Wikipedia Contributors, 2021). It consists of 3 deep porches with pointed arches that cover three portals. Above the portals is the gallery of the kings which consists of 22 life-size statues of French kings. Above this is the rose window. Each of the portals depicts different religious figures and stories, the central portal focuses on the last judgment, the left portal on the martyr saint Firmin and the right portal on the virgin Mary.
Notre-Dame de Reims:
Reims Cathedral also called the Cathedral of Notre-Dame at Reims is located in the city of Reims, France, on the Vesle River east-northeast of Paris (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2019). Reims Cathedral is famous for not only being an innovative and sophisticated piece of gothic architecture but also famous for being the coronation site of 25 French kings, from Louis VIII in 1223 to Charles X in 1825, including the crowning of Charles VII in 1429 in the presence of Joan of Arc. The cathedral was designed by Jean d’Orbaisand and is based on the Chartres Cathedral. The building’s intention was to replace an earlier church that was destroyed by a fire in 1210. Construction of the cathedral began in 1211 and was managed by a total of 4 architects over the course of about 80 years. However, decorative and expansion building work has been carried out on the cathedral since completion.
Reims Cathedral incorporated new and innovative architectural techniques, for example, bar tracery. Tracery is similar to window mullions in the sense that they divide windows into sections. Bar tracery is composed of thin stone elements rather than thick ones as in plate tracery. Bar Tracery allows the glass to dominate the window rather than the stone. It gives a more delicate, web-like effect (Vadnal, 1997) to the overall look of a window.
Reims Cathedral is unusually compact compared to other cathedrals. It has a total exterior length of 149.2metres and an interior length of 138.7 meters. The highest point of the cathedral would be the twin towers in the west facade standing at 81metres tall. The cathedral’s smaller size has created a more unified overall appearance. The use of almost identical window types throughout the cathedral and flattering rose windows in both the central portal and west facades emphasize this unity. Reims Cathedral also has exceptional stained-glass windows and is generously decorated with sophisticated sculptures, predominantly found on the exterior, making it a beautiful example of gothic architecture.
Westminster Abbey:
Westminster Abbey or more formally known as the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster is a large predominately gothic-style abbey church situated in the city of Westminster, London, England, just to the west of the Palace of Westminster (Wikipedia Contributors, 2019c). The church is arguably one of the most famous religious buildings in
the United Kingdom is known for hosting Royal weddings, Coronations and being a burial site for English and British monarchs.
The construction of the current Westminster abbey started in 1245 when Henry III Ordered that an existing church, built by St. Edward and consecrated on December 28, 1065, be pulled down and replaced with the church that we know today (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2018). The design of the new building was strongly influenced by contemporary French cathedral architecture and is a fantastic example of Gothic architecture. The Church is of a moderate size compared to other gothic churches around the world with an external length of 162 meters, a width of 22 meters, and a height (including towers) of 69 meters.
The building started as a Benedictine monastic church; however, this monastery was dissolved in 1539. In 1540 The abbey was given the status of a cathedral which lasted until 1556. Since 1560, the building hasn’t been an abbey or a cathedral but instead has had the status of a Church of England (Wikipedia Contributors, 2019c).
Westminster Abbey exhibits all classic gothic features as well as some early medieval styles. The church is well known for its chapel which has an outstanding fan-vaulted roof with carved pendants which enhances the grandeur of the space (says, 2020). The church’s plan resembles a crucifix and has town main towers at the main entrance of the building. Both towers are beautifully decorated with detailed masonry work. The two towers are divided by large stage glass windows that overlook the nave. The two transepts are supported by flying buttresses and have a large rose window in the center of the transept’s facade.
Milan Cathedral:
The Milan Cathedral or Duomo di Milano as it is known in Italy is Italy’s largest cathedral and the fourth largest cathedral in the world (V, 2011). The cathedral has a length of 158.6 meters, a width of 92 meters, a height of 108.5 meters, and a total capacity of 40,000 people. Its grand size and distinct gothic style make it easily one of the most famous buildings in the world, but construction was challenging with the conception of this gothic structure taking nearly 600 years to complete.
The Milan cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan and was built as a tribute to Santa Maria Nascente (Saint Mary Nascent). The cathedral is decorated in a Gothic style more reminiscent of not the expected Italian style but the French one. This huge project was started by Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo, in the year 1386.
Although the project was initiated in 1386, construction on the cathedral did not start until the beginning of the 17th century when under the watch of Federico Borromeo, Francesco Maria Richini and Fabio Mangone built the foundations of the facade. Carlo Buzzi was appointed the new leading architect in 1649 and decided to change the design of the fassade so that it was more fitting to the gothic style that was intended for it. This new design did not last long as the fassade was demolished in 1682. When Napoleon was about to be crowned King of Italy- he insisted that the facade should be ready for his crowning. Thanks to this request, the facade was built over 7 years in Carlo Buzzi’s vision by the new architect
Francesco Soave (V, 2011). Napoleon was eventually crowned at the cathedral and there is a statue of him at the top of one of the spires. From 1829 to 1858 the stained glass windows were replaced, and missing arches and spires were also added. The last gate was added to the cathedral in 1965 and represents the end of centuries of additions and renovations.
The Milan Cathedral is famous for its main entrance facade. Not only is the facade covered in exquisite ornate decoration it also differs from more traditional gothic cathedrals. Most cathedrals will have two main towers at the front of the building, but the Milan Cathedral has a completely different look a reassembly of a house with a pitched roof. The front facade, along with the rest of the building is also covered with small pinnacles and spires. The Milan Cathedral has a total of 135 spires (Wikipedia Contributors, 2019b). The cathedral is also famous for the Madonnina spire that was built in 1762, having a height of 108.5 meters (V, 2011).
Conclusion
In conclusion, gothic architecture is a French-born style renowned for its Grandeur and Innovation. The gothic style showcases how fine delicate details can be produced on large scale to create extravagant buildings that are not only beautiful but stand the test of time. Gothic Architecture is defined by its iconic features stained glass windows, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate decoration. This style of architecture is immortalized by the world-renowned cathedrals and churches that are still used and celebrated today.
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