It does surprise us to see the word gothic here cause gothic is characterized by horror and mystery especially in literature and since it's from medieval times it is also described as barbaric and unenlightened and by that, a question arises that why did call it the 'Gothic Architecture', well this name came from the Italian writers of Renaissance who attributed the invention (and what to them was the nonclassical ugliness) of medieval architecture to the barbarian Gothic tribes that had destroyed the Roman Empire and its classical culture in the 5th century CE. The term retained its derogatory overtones until the 19th century, at which time a positive critical revaluation of Gothic architecture took place. Although modern scholars have long realized that Gothic art has nothing in truth to do with the Goths, the term Gothic remains a standard one in the study of art history.
Rayonnant style, French building style (13th century) that represents the height of Gothic architecture. During this period architects became less interested in achieving great size than in decoration, which took such forms as pinnacles, mouldings, and especially window tracery.
Gothic architecture started from the renaissance period and is classified by five key architectural elements which are large stained glass windows, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate decoration. This era in architectural history produced many of the world's most well-known holy places and considered as the purest expression of the Gothic style is the cathedral, symbol of the belief, of the city and of its own identity, constituting the pride and the religious enthusiasm of the inhabitants of the boroughs. These actively participated in its construction with their work or with donations that dragged along for generations the cathedral built during this time were Dublin's St. Patrick's Cathedral and Chartres Cathedral. Gothic architecture was more known seen in French and also known as the French style but during the Renaissance period, this style fell out and was mocked and suggested the style of buildings were crude work of German (Goth) barbarians. During this time the foundation of the Renaissance was being laid by northern Italy were art historians called this period the Early Renaissance (1200-1400). But the Gothic architecture was reawakened in the 19th and 20th centuries were many people designed their buildings and homes that imitated the cathedrals of medieval Europe. Buttresses were found during this time and were used because the architects did not need to sacrifice the thin walls and large windows, it is basically exterior support. These projecting stone structures reinforced the buildings by redistributing the weight of the heavy roof to a lower, more solid level. Flying buttresses ensured the cathedrals' integrity so that architects did not need to sacrifice the thin walls and large windows distinctive of the Gothic style.
Ribbed vaults were used in order to incorporate taller windows and higher ceilings, the gothic used a various different method for supporting their structure and ribbed vaults are basically barrel vaults-arches which are placed parallel to one another in order to support a rounded roof. Pointed arches were often used than rounded ones which were used during the Romanesque era and characterised in their buildings, however, gothic architects adapted tall, thin and pointed arches usually found in Islamic architecture.
Towards the left shows the Ribbed vaults and towards the right shows Pointed arches
Although stained glass windows can be found in many places of worship, they are especially common in Gothic cathedrals. These kaleidoscope windows use carefully cut stained glass, usually tall arched lancet windows or round rose windows, which are larger than other types of churches. This allows them to let in more dazzling light. The last feature found in Gothic architecture is the presence of ornate decorative elements. These include gorgeous colonnades and colonnades, sculptures, statues of saints and historical figures, spires and spires, and gargoyles, grotesque figures that bend like water.
Interior of Sainte-Chapelle, Paris
The above-given characteristic was introduced in different time of the gothic period, Early Gothic: Basilica of Saint-Denis 1144 during this time the Romanwseque practice was expanding and early gothic churches were getting constructed. During the High Gothic 1200-1280, the spires and flying buttresses were introduced and during International Gothic, the stained windows and ornate decorations were growing. However, most of this development was in the later Gothic architecture which is the Reyonnat style (I have mentioned above).
Originating in 12th-century France and lasting into the 16th century, Gothic architecture is most familiar as the architecture of many of the great cathedrals, abbeys and churches of Europe. It is also the architecture of many non-religious buildings, such as castles, palaces, town halls, guild halls, universities and to a less prominent extent, private dwellings. The gothic built buildings with materials. found around the site especially timber and mud.
In conclusion, Gothic architecture was first not appreciated and ignored but by the time and after the Renaissance period it was well known and carried out. It does show marvellous creation during this time and also say that sometimes it takes time for noticing or appreciation.
The principle of Gothic architecture is infinity made imaginable. - Samuel Taylore Coleridge
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