Gothic Questions

Question 1

Describe Abbey Church of Saint-Denis

Answer 1

1140-44. France

• planned by Abbot Suger
• started flowing interior space and all-pervasive, colored interior light.
• led to widespread use of large stained-glass windows
• west facade and narthex combined Norman tripartite facade design with sculptured portals. two towers, round window, and narrative sculpture over 3 portals.
• ribbed groin vaults.semicircular sanctuary surrounded by ambulatory and 7 radiating chapels
• ribbed groin vaults, round piers, pointed arches, wall buttresses
• choir based on open space rather than massive walls
• considered light and color to be means of illuminating the soul and uniting it with God.

Question 2

Describe Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Paris

Answer 2

1163

• adopted from Norman Romanesque architecture (6 part vaults, flying buttresses)
• four story nave. (arcade, gallery, two levels of small windows)

Question 3

Describe Chartres Cathedral

Answer 3

Chartres, France. 1134
-main treasure - tunic of the virgin (healing) > lead to becoming major pilgrimage site
-north transept portal shows world before Christ
-south transept = later events in Christian history
-3 = Trinity. 4 = material world 3+4 = 7 (all-inclusive. 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit)
ROYAL PORTAL (west facade)
-center. Christ is enthroned with 4 evangelists. apostles fill lintel and 24 elders line archivolts
-portal on right is dedicated to Mary and early life of Christ
-Left, Christ ascends heavenward in cloud supported by angels
-storied capitals depict earthly activities
-flanking doorways are monumental jamb figures depicting Old Testament kings and queens
-symbolizes support for Christ and Mary
-calm and order prevails all elements

Question 4

Describe Franciscans and Dominicans

Answer 4

-mendicant orders (believed in poverty, charity, and love. dedicated to teaching and preaching)
Franciscans - Saint Francis. dark grey/brown robes tied with rope. 3 knots symbolize vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience (brothers)
Dominican - Domenico Guzman. teachers. Black Friars because black cloak over white white tunic

Question 5

Describe Sheet of Drawings with Geometric Figures and Ornaments

Answer 5

Villard de Honnecourt. Paris. 1220-35. Ink on vellum.

• Lodge books. Collection of drawings that provided visual instruction for apprentices.
• geometric shapes as guides for images

Question 6

Describe Tree of Jesse

Answer 6

Chartres Cathedral. 1150-70. Stained and painted glass.

• Jesse lies at base of tree whose trunk grows out of his body
• tree literally connects Jesus with house of David
• Branches above, 4 kings of Judea, Virgin Mary, and Christ.
• 7 doves, symbolizing gifts of Holy Spirit encircle Christ. 14 prophets stand in semicircles flanking tree.
• set within iron framework visible as rectilinear pattern of black lines

Question 7

Colors of stained glass

Answer 7

Blue - heaven and fidelity
Red - Passion
White - purity
Green - fertility and springtime
Yellow - substitute for gold. presence of God.

Question 8

Describe Rose of France

Answer 8

Chartres Cathedral. North transept. 1220.

• Lancets - Saint Anne and infant Mary have place of honor. Anne flanked by Old Testament figures.
• center. Mary enthroned with Christ Child. Radiating from them are 4 doves (Gospels), 8 angels, prophets, and Old Testament ancestors of Christ.

Question 9

Describe Amiens Cathedral

Answer 9

France. 1220-88.
-planned by Robert de Luzarches, Thomas de Cormont, and Renaud de Cormont
-no narthex. expanded transept and sanctuary. (shortens nave)
-in choir, chapels of same size and shape enhance clarity of design
BASICALLY SUPER BALANCED.

Question 10

Describe Reims Cathedral

Answer 10

France. 1211

-sculptures and reliefs so many ugh.

Question 11

Describe Sainte-Chapelle

Answer 11

Paris. 1243-48
It’s the one that’s radiating.
-built on two stories.

Question 12

Describe Queen Blanche of Castile and Louis IX

Answer 12

Paris. 1226-34. Moralized Bible. Ink, tempera, and gold leaf on vellum.
Mother, Blanche of Castile, and young king seated on ornate thrones against gold background.
-below, scholar monk dictates and scribes works on page.
-compositional format derived from stained-glass lancets
-show relation to stained glass through use of glowing red and blues, and reflective gold surface

Question 13

Describe Abraham, Sarah, and the Three Strangers

Answer 13

Paris. 1253-70. Ink, tempera, and gold leaf on vellum

• from Psalter of Saint Louis
• created for king’s private devotions
• old testament story
• the frames are cool.

Question 14

Describe Psalm 1 (Beatus Ver)

Answer 14

London. 1270-80. Ink, pigments, and gold on vellum

• from Windmill psalter
• story of Solomon and baby.
• visual puns

Question 15

Describe Salisbury Cathedral

Answer 15

England. 1220-58.

dark stone. four-part rib. contrasts with lighter limestone in the rest of interior

Question 16

Describe Church of Saint Elizabeth

Answer 16

Germany. 1235-83

• first true Gothic hall church
• nave and aisles are equal height

Question 17

Describe Altneuschul

Answer 17

Prague, Bohemia. late 13th c.

• synagogue
• demonstrates adaptability of Gothic hall church for non-Christian use.
• two focal points. aron (shrine) and bimah (raised reading platform)

Question 18

Describe Shrine of the Three Kings

Answer 18

Germany. 1205-10. Silver and gilded bronze with enamel and gemstones.

• Nicholas of Verdun and workshop
• full and naturalistic modeled figures

Question 19

Describe Ekkehard and Uta

Answer 19

Germany. 1245-60. Stone, originally polychromed

• lifelike and individualized figures and faces
• warrior and courtly.

Question 20

Describe Pulpit

Answer 20

1260. Marble. Nicola Pisano.
      -proud of his own work.
      capitals support standing figures and trefoil arches.
      -panels illustrate New Testament

Question 21

Describe Siena Cathedral

Answer 21

Siena, Italy. 1284-99

• incorporated French Style, like Gothic gables with classical columns and moldings.
• figural sculptures high up.