2. Remember what the Greeks and Romans liked? Admired the perfection of the human body. Greek Themes: mythology, athletics, daily life. Roman: same as Greeks, as well as, emperors, historical events, real people, architectural scenes, nature. Use of the rounded arch, Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns. Gothic is the opposite!

3. Terminology Gothic – named after Barbarians (the Goths) by the people of the Renaissance, because they thought it was ugly. Rose Window – round stained glass windows Gargoyles – used as waterspouts / ward off evil spirits Ribbed Vault – a groin / cross vault reinforced with a ribbing structure Flying Buttress – an external brace/support to allow architects to build with thinner and taller walls. Pointed Arch – the pointed arch directed weight and pressure downwards. Shows the influence of Islam.

4. Gothic Characteristics religious themes tall light filled cathedral (symbolizes the “Light of God”) large stained glass windows (rose windows) mainly pointed arches the use of Flying Buttresses (thin walls) ribbed vaulting vertical, soaring feeling ornate, delicate lots of sculpture figures are looking more realistic in proportions.

5. The Gothic style is the medieval period’s greatest triumph with the last major engineering breakthroughs until the modern skyscraper. (see handout) Gothic architectural innovations: Pointed Arch – The pointed arch directed weight and pressure downwards. Shows the influence of Islam. Flying Buttress – An external brace / support to allow architects to build with thinner and taller walls. Ribbed Vault – A groin / cross vault reinforced with a ribbing structure.

8. Notre Dame (interior) (1163-1250 AD) Paris, France ribbed vaulted ceiling ribbed vaulted ceiling pointed arches pointed arches lots of stained glass windows, including rose windows lots of stained glass windows, including rose windows

9. more exterior views of Notre Dame…

10. Reims Cathedral. (1194 AD) Reims, France. Architectural features from the past: use of arches columns decorated tympanums Architectural innovations: pointed arches, rose windows, flying buttresses

16. What type of Balance? Meaning / message / idea: Stained glass windows were created to let in the “light of God.” The circular design indicates endless time, perfection and wholeness. Often shows signs of the zodiac and scenes from the medieval calendar.

18. Private chapel of King Louis IX Complex detailed windows, wedged between narrow and fragile columns of stone – no Gothic structure has more stained glass.

19. Rose window in Sainte-Chapelle…

20. Gothic Sculpture The Gothic period is known for the introduction of gargoyles to buildings. Their main purpose was to act as waterspouts, but some believe they were also meant to ward off evil spirits. Figures are beginning to look more realistic.

21. Look at the West Portal of Chartres Cathedral (left) and compare to the portal from Reims cathedral (right).

22. Physics of Stone Arches www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/arch-physics.html

24. Annunciation and Visitation (1230-40 AD) Reims Cathedral, France.

25. Compare portal sculptures from Reims (top) to those at Chartres (right). Which is early Gothic?

26. Gothic Painting Painting beginning to focus on realistic details. Still some desire for rich detail and use of gold leaf for embellishment. Emotion is beginning to be seen in the faces. Use of space to show depth. Realism in painting particularly seen in the fresco paintings of Giotto in Italy (a forerunner of the Renaissance).

27. fresco painting fresco painting stage-like depth stage-like depth emotion seen in faces of figures. emotion seen in faces of figures. drapery shows the forms of the figures drapery shows the forms of the figures