Gothic Architecture

Art Masterpeice

Middle Ages• 1200 to 1475 A.D.• Prior to Gothic Architecture Byzantine style was

popular– Byzantine architecture - the style of

architecture developed in the Byzantine Empire developed after the 5th century; massive domes with square bases and round arches and spires and much use of mosaics

– St. Marks Basilica– Hagia Sophia

• Age of faith- Gothic Architecture born• In the late medieval period, there was an urge

for people to have a direct experience with God

Hagia Sophia“Church of Holy Wisdom”

Istanbul, Turkey

• Most famous Byzantine Church in the world

• Dome 180 feet

Byzantine Style

• Built in 1095• Byzantine style cathedrals

St. Marks Basilica

Venice, Italy

• Prior churches very dark inside, thick heavy walls and low ceilings

• Not many windows• Then came Christianity influences and inspiration• During the Middle Ages, the Church was a major part

of everyday life. The Church served to give people spiritual guidance and it served as their government as well.

• Gothic architecture - a style of architecture developed in northern France that spread throughout Europe between the 12th and 16th centuries; characterized by slender vertical piers and counterbalancing buttresses and by vaulting and pointed arches

Christianity InfluencesGothic Architecture

Gothic Architecture• In Western Europe (England, France, Germany & Spain)

• 1100’s France• Abbot Suger

• Visionary – not an architect• God acts like fire giving warmth and light to the

human body. Just as fire changes the materials it burns, God transforms the human spirit. As flames reach toward the heavens, God carries the human spirit to heaven.

• Wanted to build a church to express his feelings toward God and allow people the same feeling to worship.

• Built Saint Denis in Paris, France

Saint DenisParis, France

New style spread across France and all of Europe

Bigger & Better Cathedrals

What do you see different from Byzantine vs Gothic?

• Ceiling soared• Heavy stone walls replaced

by rose windows• Rose Windows

• Circular stained glass art which contained many colors and characters from the Bible

• Flying buttresses installed to support sky high structures• Supported the high vaults• Allowed for thinner walls

and glass windows

• Some cathedrals took over 100 years to complete

• Gargoyles• Stone creatures with human

characteristics designed to look evil to ward off evil spirits

Notre Dame Cathedral • Built 12th Century• Prototype for many

future architectural achievements throughout Europe

• Gothic style• Means “Our Lady”

in French – After Mary,

mother of Jesus

Rose Windows

Gargoyles

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