Gothic Cathedrals Research Paper

Nestled among the modern skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan, you could be forgiven for mistaking the striking Gothic architecture of St. Patrick’s Cathedral as a medieval artifact in the heart of New York City. Though not quite that old, the storied cathedral is renowned for its beautiful Neo-Gothic design and rich history. Not too many people, however, realize the true story behind one of New York City’s most iconic and celebrated landmarks. Here’s a quick look at the hidden history of the famed St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

There are several labels that could best describe the era between 500 and 1400 in Europe otherwise known as the Middle Ages. The best three are, The Dark Ages, Age of Feudalism, and, the Age of Faith. All three of these labels represented ideas that were vital parts of the Middle Ages. For example, The Dark Ages lasted a long period of time right after the fall of the Roman Empire where much culture was lost.The Age of Feudalism brought a new type of social structure to the Middle Ages, helping the people of Europe attempt to once again bring about culture and knowledge lost because of the Dark Ages. Finally, the Age of Faith showed how truly powerful the Catholic Church was. Everything, whether it be architecture, art, literature, or music

During the gothic period, many philosophers started to embrace the theory of scholasticism. Scholastic philosophy began to take root in schools all across Europe, and this exposure shaped the arts of that period. From music to architecture, these philosophies changed the paradigms of the artists and the audience. Religion still being the backbone of art in this time period, cathedrals began to take on these different art forms and processes of the gothic era. Biblical Symbolism is a key to religious art and architecture that teaches lessons and embraces catholic ideals. Chartres Cathedral, an icon for gothic architecture, has a style that emulates this concept of symbolism that was shaped scholasticism. In the analysis of the west façade of the Chartres Cathedral, one can recognize how scholastic philosophy influenced and shaped the biblical symbolism and images shown in the Chartres Cathedral.

The Gothic period was a tuime of advancements in architecture including the pointed arch, the rib vault, and the flying buttress. Also, stained glass windows were a beutiful way to express their beliefs in an architectural

Otto von Simson, The Gothic cathedral: origins of Gothic architecture and the medieval concept of order (New York: Pantheon Books, 1956), 21-39.

The Gothic style, dating between the 12th century and 16th century, began in France and eventually spread throughout the rest of Europe. An example of the first true Gothic church was St. Denis of Paris. Now, it is considered one of our finest artistic periods, but at the time, the term “gothic” did not exactly hold the same meaning it does today. The name came from the Goths and was used rather negatively when describing this style of architecture as they considered it to be similar to the works of the barbarians from which the name was derived.

The Middle Ages, also known as the Medieval era, though scarred with a history of violence and war, has given the world some of the most marvelous and beautiful pieces of art, particularly in architecture. The Middle Ages is the name given to the time period from the late 5th century to the 15th century, particular to European history. The construction of these types of buildings was a constant for various cultures for a thousand years. They can be categorized into three phases; Pre-Romanesque, Romanesque and Gothic. The most important buildings during medieval times were religious, defensive and governmental or power related.

This will showcase that Europe was not in a dark age because of the rise of university Gothic Cathedrals, and the government. The rise of university helped with the learning and churches.According to the rise of university document it states "universities introduced a new system of education". This showcases that they had a lot of good educated people.The Gothic Cathedral was one of the most famous cathedrals and Gothic style of architecture was very common in the Middle-ages.” Large columns, high ceilings with ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and large stained glass windows.”The government were not in a dark age because of new civil rights. In the government document "To all free men of our kingdom we have also granted..." . This

The Gothic style was an over exaggerated, awe-inspiring attempt to become closer to God. The worshipper was not only drawn to the altar, but experienced an ascent to heaven at the same time.1 These artistic gems are a grand testament to historical technology and the imaginative approach and vision of skilled craftsmen. The gothic style is one of the most

Fire is viewed as destruction by many, but it helped to produce growth in Gothic architecture. Many of Christianity’s beliefs are reflected in different aspects of art. The stained glass and verticality of Gothic churches is a key change from Romanesque style churches. The Gothic church found creative ways to illustrate images of important events in history through tapestry. Even the general shape and design of the Romanesque churches versus Gothic churches show Christians values. The sculptures outside of churches have evolved over time to correspond with Christian’s beliefs of Homo faber. The change in design of Romanesque churches to the new architecture of Gothic style churches shows how Christian’s incorporated their religion into churches. Christianity’s beliefs and values are directly reflected through the changes of architecture and style from Romanesque to Gothic churches along with visual and literary art.

The research paper, shall be concerned with discussion Gothic architecture in Europe-namely England, France, Germany, and Italy starting from 12th to the 16th Centuries. Architecture was the most original and lasting form of art during the Gothic Period, which lasted for four centuries starting from the mid 12th century. The impetus for this architecture was the Roman Catholic Church, which sought to portray their houses of worship as something which transcended the realm of mankind. It is interesting to note that many of the Northern European areas were predominately pagan, and only recently brought into the Church. The imagery provided by Gothic structural design was something these peoples could more readily understand, as they

Gothic Style is some of the most beautiful works of art that man have ever made. It originated with the Romanesque style of building which lasted for about one hundred years before it was replaced by Gothic styles. The founder of the Gothic style was a man by the name of Abbot Suger. Notre Dame de Chartres cathedral was built in France between 1145 and 1513 and is Gothic architecture. Another Gothic architecture is the Bourges and it is located in Bourges France. Both of these works of art are very similar with many different features.

Gothic architecture a new style developing from an old style of architecture with similar characteristics and in a way different. Architects wanted to build bigger buildings with stronger walls something that could not be found elsewhere. The old buildings did not have windows they were dark places that in order to get light they needed many candles. Not even the candles could give the right amount of light the buildings needed. The middle ages architects wanted big windows on the buildings and this new style made their wish come true. Architecture during the Middle Ages became a new style with new problems to solve and a new kind of extraordinary buildings to build.

Known for its pointed arches, flying buttresses, and detailed tracery, Gothic architecture emerged in 12th-century northern France, and the style continued into the 16th century . Gothic architecture was called, Opus Francigenum ("French work"), during the time. The term Gothic, first appearing during the late part of the Renaissance period. Gothic Architecture is wonderful on its own, how detailed, and ornate a concrete building can be finished with colorful stained-glass windows. The famous architects helped to create these building masterpieces of the century, and that became popular in other countries around the world, and still today. One of the towering achievements in the world architecture, the unique product of an era of peace, and widespread economic prosperity, deep spiritually, and extraordinary technological innovations.

We’re looking at the difference between Romanesque cathedrals and Gothic cathedrals. I know you all are so excited to learn what a flying buttress is because I know I was. Spoiler alert, it is nothing like what it sounds like. It’s much more cool and innovative, which is what these two periods were all about. Taking knowledge from the past and improving it.