Give the different Medieval Period Divisions
Early Middle Age (476- 1050 AD)
High Middle Age (1050-1270 AD)
Late Middle Age (1270 1453 AD)
Define what Gothic Architecture is.
-during the high and late medieval
period;
▪ Originated in 12th c, France, it was known as “the French Style” (Opus Francigenum),
with the term appearing in the latter part of the Renaissance as stylistic insult;
▪ churches, cathedrals and in a number of civic buildings;
▪ Appealed to the emotions, strongly religious, transcendental & asymmetrical
▪ Known for its verticality, lightness, illumination and majesty.
▪ Churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it reveals the epitome of Medieval architecture
Who is Abbot Suger?
- Confidante of French Kings Louis VI and VII.
- rebuilt the church of Saint-Denis in 1137.
- Invented gothiv architecture.
Why is the church of Saint-Denis significant?
(Ile de France)
originally a Carolingian façade, transformed to the first Gothic Church in 1137-1144
Give the main characteristics of Gothic Architecture.
Inspired by Scholastic Philosophy : Harmonious relationship between
reason and faith, the exterior with the interior (as in the human person)
▪ Primary building type: City Cathedral
▪ Openness which allowed to interact with the city
▪ Emphasized verticality reflecting transcendental (obsession for height)
character (e.g. towers and spires)
▪ Noted for its height, lightness, luminosity and exoskeletal structure.
Give the basic Elements of Gothic Architecture.
- Pointed Arches
- Ribbed Groin Vault
- Compound Piers
- Flying Buttress
- Exo-Skeletal framework
- Stained Glass windows
Give noted Gothic architectures.
- St. Denis Church (France) -1140
- Laon Cathedral (Paris, France)- 1160
- Notre Dame de Paris - c. 1163 – 1210
- Chartres Cathedral (France) c. 1143
- Reims Cathedral (France) c. 1211
- Amiens Cathedral (France) c. 1220
- Salisbury Cathedral (England) c. 1220
- Milan Cathedral (Italy) 1386
- St. Elizabeth (Hamburg, Germany) c. 1223
Give the Major Movements or Art Periods in Medieval Art.
Early Medieval Art (Dark Ages)
- Byzantine ( 330- 1450)
- Carolingian Rome/Italy (800-950)
- Ottonian Germany (950- 1050)
Romanesque Art (1000- 1270)Gothic Art (1140- 1430)
