Keywords Ribbed vault: bóveda de crucería, en la techumbre se cruzan arcos apuntados. Dome: cúpula, bóveda de media esfera para cubrir el edificio. Pointed arches: arcos apuntados, fundamental en Gótico, distribuyen mejor el peso. Thin walls: los muros adelgazan y se llenan de vanos. Flying buttresses: contrafuertes calados, soportes exteriores para soportar el edificio unidos por arbotantes. Latin cross plant: planta de cruz latina, característica del Gótico, también la basilical. Naves: naves, espacio comprendido entre muros o columnas. Transept: transepto, crucero, también se refiere a la nave horizontal o del crucero. Ambulatory: deambulatorio, nave que recorre todo el templo hasta rodear el altar en catedrales Reliefs: relieves, escultura adosada al muro. Free-standing sculptures: escultura de bulto redondo, no están adosadas al muro como los relieves. Realistic: realismo, en escultura y pintura. Capitals: capiteles, parte superior de la columna. Tympanum: tímpano, imagen principal en la fachada del templo. Murals: frescos, pintura mural, se prepara la pared con cal y se pinta mientras esté húmeda. Portraits: retratos, se generalizan con la pintura al óleo en los Países Bajos Background landscapes: paisajes, refiere al fondo de las pinturas. Altarpieces: retablos, paneles de madera utilizados para decorar el altar. Miniatures: miniaturas, pequeñas ilustraciones para libros o textos religiosos conservados por estar hechos en vitela.

Historical context The Gothic style began from the late 12th century in France and it was widespread all across Europe very fast. It was the natural evolution of the Romanesque style. Being a style influenced by the Church, it was also influenced by the new wealthy merchants (bourgeoisie). It was a urban style.

Late Middle Ages, a period of growth and change in the 12th and 13th centuries and crisis in the next century because of wars and black death. Urban increase. New urban society and wealthy merchants taken over the government of the cities. Those bourgeoisie wanted a realistic and naturalistic art style and Gothic was the answer. Important role of the Church over culture and art, but it must be emphasized the new urban society. The Church is no longer the only client for art and we have new topics in art as well as a new concept of decoration based on naturalism.

Gothic architecture This style was called Gothic because it was supposed to have goth origins. Key characteristics of Gothic architecture: Gothic churches were stone buildings with heavy stone roofs, but they tried a better distribution of weight trying to reach heavens. The most important techniques were: dome, ribbed vault, flying buttresses, pilars and columns, pointed arches, basilical or Latin cross plan. Naturalistic decoration. Illumination was also very important using stained glass windows and rose windows.

Distribution of weight in Gothic Distribution of weight in Gothic. León Cathedral, 13th century, south view

León Cathedral, 13th century, natural light in interior of Gothic

León Cathedral, 13th century Burgos Cathedral, 13th century Gothic in Spain León Cathedral, 13th century Burgos Cathedral, 13th century

European Gothic, France Notre Dame of Amiens Cathedral, 13th century Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral, 13th century

European Gothic, England Lincoln Cathedral, 13th century Wells Cathedral, 13th century In England Gothic became a national style and lasted until 19th century

European Gothic, Italy Milan Cathedral, 14th century, Milan Palazzo Vecchio, Florence city town hall, 13th century, Tuscany

European Gothic, Germany Cologne Cathedral, 13th century Strasburg Cathedral,13th century

European Gothic, Belgium Leuven City Town Hall, 14th century Cloth Hall Ypres,14th century Civil architecture, 14th century, Belgium

Gothic sculpture Still religious and educational purpose. Religious scenes made people familiar with biblical narratives even if they were illiterate. The most important charasteristics: less rigid, realistic with small movement, details and expression of human emotions. Figures began interaction. Most of the sculptures are reliefs (in capitals or tympanum), but also free-standing (Christ on the Cross or the Virgin and Child). It must be emphasized also funeral sculpture (tombs), altarpieces and non-religious subjects (gargoyles).

The Well of Moses, late 14th century by Claus Sluter

Other examples

Leon Cathedral, White Virgin, 13th century

Gothic painting Still religious and educational purpose, but also civil portraits. Religious scenes made people familiar with biblical narratives even if they were illiterate. The most important charasteristics: figures less rigid, realistic, background. Paintings are painted in bright colours with black outlines. Oil painting in 15th century (Van der Weyden, Van Eyck) Most of the paintings are murals (Giotto) but we have also altarpieces (painted on wooden panels and used to decorate altars), portraits and miniatures in books.

Arnolfini Marriage, 15th century, Van Eyck Details

Crucifixion, Giotto Di Bondone. 14th century, italian trecento.

The Descent from the Cross, 15th century. Van der Weyden.

Madonna of Chanciller Rolin, XVth century, Van Eyck

Made by Francisco Javier Abades Ansián History teacher at Castilla y León (Spain) Feel free to use, study or share this presentation