Gothic – 1100 - 1400

The word Gothic originates from the Italian word 'gotico' which means relating to the Goths, who were a Germanic tribe. The word Gothic, used to describe a certain style of art and architecture was derived from the word Goths.

Gothic styles dominate...

For almost four hundred years the Gothic styles dominated much of Europe. Gothic representations were seen throughout the religious and secular world influencing everything from art to architecture to household items to the garments people wore. Gothic art formed its roots in the earlier Romanesque and Byzantine traditions of the ‘Middle Ages’ and were ruled by the influence of Christian traditions. The church used this style of art to evoke reverence, encourage adoration and prayer amongst the masses.

The Italian artist Simone Martini is well recognized for his paintings that were 'altarpieces'. These were large images that decorated Church altars during the Middle Ages. In the painting featured below we can see that each of the figures is painted in such a way that they create an illusion of space and volume. Note the way each figure sits in a niche that has a 'pointed arch'. That was a signature feature of gothic architecture, but here it is also used in art. Also prominant is another gothic motif, look just below the pointed arch at the figures crowned by a 'Trefoil'. This was a cloverleaf design element created when three circles made this pattern. It was used as a Christian symbol. See the slightly modified trefoil above the heads of the figures and below the pointed arch. What do you think the three arches (trefoil) represent to the Christian world?

Simone Martini,1321-1325, Tempera on wood, Isabella Steward Gardner Museum, Italian, Gothic.

Gothic paintings as well as sculpture told a story. The compositions, mostly religious were painted in such a manner so they spoke to the viewer. Gothic paintings also show detail and refinment which appears to be quite delicate, this too was a feature of gothic style. In the later years of the Gothic period - 1400 B.C. and towards the beginning of the Renaissance, a period referred to as International Gothic emerges. Colors in some paintings became brighter and clear and reflect a truer understanding of painting with perspective. If you wonder why so much gold was used, one practical reason may have been because of the reflective quality of the surface - it reflected light. Churches were often dark and these reflective surfaces may have helped illuminate the larger spaces.

Architecture... design motifs crossed over from art to architecture

The gothic style of architecture also has a few distinct features which makes it different from others; pointed arches and ribbed ceiling vaults were used in their construction. During the later Middle Ages, architecture evolved into more intricate styles as architects experimented with new and innovative ways to build large open structures. Construction design methods were needed for bigger open spaces and architects explored more sophisticated methods.

At its zenith, the Florence Cathedral, designed by the famous artist, sculptor, engineer and architect Filippo Brunelleschi, (who developed the concept of painting according to perspective) shows the innovative and conceptual ideas which were building up towards the whole Italian Renaissance movement. New structural designs eventually allowed for larger space openings and this created the need for large glass enclosures. The introduction of another art form in the appearance of stained glass windows appears around this time. These windows were also decorated with religious motifs, and stories from the Bible. The edification of the saints and Heavenly figures were also dominant in decorating these windows.

Brunelleschi's Cathedral in Florence Italy shows several features that were used in Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Clerestory windows (these were windows in the upper portion of walls of a basilica or large Church) as seen below, and take note of the pointed arches as seen on the right and in the close up image below. It is clear to see how certain design motifs crossed over from art to architecture and reflect the period in history.

Pointed 'arches' are a signature feature of Gothic Architecture

Simone Martini, Der siegreiche Feldherr Guiddo Riccio da Fogliano, Fresco, 1328, Siena, Italian.

Simone Martini,1317, Tempera,
Neapel, Galleria Nazionale di Capodimonte
Kommentar, Italian

Gothic art changes...

Fra Angelico, 1447-1450, Fresco, Rome, Italian, Gothic

Fra Angelico, 1434-1435, Tempera on wood, 26 × 24 cm, Florence, Museum of San Marco, Italian, Gothic

Perspective...It is obvious to see in the two images above that the concept of linear perspective first introduced by the Italian architect during this period by Brunelleschi is being described by artists at this time. Paintings are reflecting greater depth and dimension overall. In the last painting featured, we can see the small window of the building reflects the pointed arch.

Paint media – Gold leafing or similar was also widely used during this period, tempera, oil. For stained glass - ‘vitreous paint’ - This was a special paint used by the glass painters of the time; it was made from ground glass that was mixed with a liquid binder. It was then painted on the interior side of the glass window. After firing it would bond to the surface making it permanent.

Artists - Jean Pucelle - (1300-1355) Gothic manuscript illuminator - Paris, Gentile da Fabriano - (1370-1427) - Italian, Jacopo Bellini (1396-1470) - Italian, Simone Martini - italian, Fra Angelico - Italian 1434-1435

References:

A Biographical Dictionary of Artists - Sir Lawrence Gowing - ISBN - 1861990731

The Story of Painting by Sister Wendy Beckett - 07894-6805-0

Art and Architecture Tuscany, Anne Mueller v.d.Haegen, Ruth F. Strasser - ISBN -3-8331-1487-8

Florence Art and Architecture - 3-8331-1989-6