Medieval art - GOTHIC

1150-1500 A.D.
Gothic art grew out of Romanesque art. Gothic artists began to use brighter colors, dimensions and perspective, and moved toward more realism. They also began to use more shadows and light in their art and tried out new subject matters beyond just religion including animals in mythic scenes.

Life syle.
  • again very rich lords vs. poor peasants
  • art was the servant of Church
  • Latin was spoken by the educated
  • kings ruled and Lords supervised the land
  • all actions were closely linked to the will of God
  • time of the Crusades where Christians tried to free Holy lands from “Infidels”
  • church became too powerful and greedy
  • many innocent people were slaughtered

Painting.

Sculpture.

ARCHITECTURE.
  • highly detailed (Van Eyck)
  • used of oil paint was discovered
  • continuation of manuscript illumination
  • more attention to reality
  • relief sculptures of Saints and Biblical stories
  • portals on cathedrals were detailed and elongated 
  • used the architectural ideas of previous periods, but brought them to new heights
  • emphasis on soaring height (higher than Romanesque)
  • used pointed arches and vault
  • contained flying buttresses which transferred the weight from the top of the structure
  • interior and exterior equally important

Key info - study of specific art pieces
15. Reims Cathedral –    1211-1290 A.D.

​Title: Reims Cathedral
Artist: Unknown
Date: 1211-1290
Style/Period: Gothic
Location: Reims, France

The Gothic style of architecture places an equal importance on the interior and exterior of the church.  The Romanesque churches were dark and gloomy with thick walls and very small windows.  
 
With the development of Flying Buttresses, Gothic churches could be built much higher.  The buttresses displaced the weight of the walls outward and downward.  Thus, the entire weight of the structure was not placed on the foundation.  Gothic churches soared towards the heavens.  They used pointed arches and beautiful stained glass windows.  Stained glass was possible due to the thinner walls.  The windows created a magical light.  The Rose window in Reims is 40 feet in diameter.

​KEY ELEMENTS & PRINCIPLES
Line (vertical and graceful)
Space (open)
Balance (formal)
Varity (in numerous carvings and sculptures)
16. Arnolfini and his Bride – Jan Van Eyck  1434 A.D.

Title: Arnolfini and his Bride
Artist: Jan Van Eyck
Date: 1434
Style/Period: Gothic
Materials: Oil paint on Wood

Van Eyck was credited with the invention of oil paint.  Oils allowed the artist to take more time and blend the layers as the paint dried slowly.  The oil paint had a much more luminous and rich quality.
 
We think this painting was an actual marriage certificate.  The reflection in the mirror shows the artist present as a witness.  His signature was placed above the mirror.  The painting is full of symbolism.
 
Dog:  Loyalty
Shoes off:  Standing on Holy Ground
Single Lit Candle:  God’s presence
Fruit:  Fertility

​KEY ELEMENTS & PRINCIPLES
Colour (use of complimentary colours)
Texture (a variety of simulated textures)
Balance (informal)
Variety
Movement (none)
 

 
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Activities

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