preview

Gothic Art Research Paper

Decent Essays

The Gothic Art is a style which was developed in Western Europe from the Middle Ages till the Renaissance. The term “Gothic” has nothing to do with Goths, but was initially used as a synonym for “Barbaric”. Gothic art remains a standard one in the study of art history (Martindale, 2007). The extensive artistic stage that began in the northern of France had expanded throughout western and central Europe. This period was defined throughout the cities and was developed at a different pace; included architecture, sculpture, and painting.
Architecture was the most important and original art from during the Gothic period. Gothic architecture found its finest expression in cathedrals, which are characterized by soaring interiors and large stained …show more content…

It followed the same stylistic evolution as did sculpture; from stiff, simple, hieratic form toward more relaxed and nature ones. The Gothic is corresponding with the new trends; philosophical and religious. They were mainly religious subjects, although rich people started commissioning portraits to show their power. These artworks are complex, oppressed with religious dedication and symbolism (Millard, 2011). Many told biblical stories creating a convincing and mysterious belief system. The paintings went from simple in the Romanesque period, towards an increase in realism and naturalism. The imitation of nature and the movement of figures remains unusual. These Gothic styles of paintings were reflections of the transformation that was taking place in Europe, it was the change from the Dark Ages to a more enlightened one. Different arts came out of this transformation; fresco, stained glass, panel painting, and …show more content…

It began in Italy in the 13th century and spread throughout Europe; so as to the 15th century it had become the predominant form replacing even the windows. Panel and wall painting evolved gradually into the Renaissance style. According to Martindale, subjects began to change as the Gothic period was coming to an end (2007). Hunting scenes, chivalric themes, and depictions of historical events arose as the century turned more secular. Both religious and secular subjects were depicted in manuscript illuminations. Many manuscripts were royal bibles and missals also included illustrations; although miniature these represented complete documentation of the Gothic painting. Manuscript illumination was outdated by printed illustrations in the second half of the 15th

Get Access