Blog Post #6 - Gothic

 

Gothic architecture grew out of Romanesque architecture, and Romanesque churches were often remodeled with Gothic features. At the same time, Gothic architects developed many unique and unprecedented concepts that are still used today. Their primary conceptual contribution is that of using walls in nonstructural ways – made possible by the flying buttress. When flying buttresses were used to support a wall, the wall itself could be covered with beautiful stained glass and tracery and become decorative. Another important addition was the pointed Gothic arch, whose height is unfixed and can be manipulated to create tall ceilings and rib vaults. A common ornamentation was the trefoil, which represented the Holy Trinity and was used in both furniture and buildings, including Notre Dame.

Churches were incredibly wealthy during this time and could afford to hire expert carpenters, architects, and artists to furnish their buildings. Consequently, buffets, choir stalls, and other furniture pieces were constructed like miniature buildings with their own tracery and finials (small ornaments). Linenfold motifs were very common, revealing that people in this period celebrated textiles.

Notre Dame includes trefoils and finials in its outside ornamentation.

Ribbed vaults create a very tall ceiling in the interior of Notre Dame.

Ribbed vaults allow for walls to be constructed almost entirely out of glass and tracery, as shown in Sainte Chapelle.

This Gothic bench features finials and wooden tracery.

Modern flying buttresses support a wall in the Frankfurt Airport.

A modern interpretation of stained glass to create colorfully lit spaces.

Pointed arches are arranged side-by-side to create a stunning effect in the New Preston Mosque.

One Step Further

Abbot Suger was born a peasant but was noticed at a young age for his great intelligence and was brought to the Abbey of Saint Denis to be educated by monks. There, he befriended the future king, Louis VI, who hired him as a secretary and advisor. Later in his life, Suger worked on remodeling the Abbey of Saint Denis, using symbolism to create a God-honoring space.  For example, Suger emphasized light in the building using stained glass windows to symbolize God's presence and splendor, leading worshipers to deeply contemplate theological truths. In this church, Suger also introduced many trademarks of Gothic architecture: pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.   

 

Saint Denis’s front appearance is vertically oriented.

A southern view of the flying buttresses.

Flying buttresses allow for elaborate stained glass artwork.

Pointed arches line the side aisles.

Closing Reflection

Overall, Gothic architects sought to delineate churches and create spaces that were glorifying to God. The new use of flying buttresses and stained glass created a colorful and open interior that would shift in appearance throughout the course of the day and cause the worshiper to appreciate the beauty of God. These spaces were also very tall because the Gothic arch allowed for much upward extension – calling churchgoers to turn their eyes heavenward and focus on God. Thus, the architects carefully constructed a space that would create an attitude of reverence and awe towards God.