Gothic Art Styles

Gothic Art Styles

According to Britannica, Gothic art is defines as “the painting, sculpture, and architecture characteristics of the second of two great international eras that flourished in western and central Europe during the Middle Ages.” Gothic art emerged around the middle of the 12th century around Paris and it spread throughout Western Europe. The term “gothic” was first used by Italians in the 15th and 16th century referring to the Germanic invaders (Goths) who had destroyed the classical civilization of the Roman Empire. Gothic architecture expressed the aspiration for divinity through the quest for height and luminosity. The style was adapted to all types of structures including meeting houses, market buildings, synagogues, palaces, residences, and town halls. As for the many types of structures that were changed, the Gothic styles in England, Germany, and Italy were all illustrating differences and similarities.

In England, gothic art can be divided into four periods: Norman Gothic, Early English Gothic, Decorated Gothic and Perpendicular Gothic. During the Norman Gothic period, 1066-1200, buildings were going through a transition stage. Many of the building in Europe had thick piers and rounded window openings referring to the early Romanesque style. However, in the Early English period (1200-1275), gothic style was adapted by architects and craftsmen who emphasized strong vertical lines, high vaulted ceilings, minimal wall space, pointed windows and door openings, and buttressed walls. This period was also known as “Lancet,” which is another way to refer to the pointed lancet windows. Today, the finest example of Early English art can be found at Salisbury Cathedral. During the Decorated Gothic period, 1275-1375, windows became wider than earlier lancet openings and the invention of the flying buttress occurred. Also improved vaulting techniques allowed for less strain on walls, which meant broad window openings. Stone decorations became highly...