The Gothic Era: The Evolution of Tools and Technology

Written by: Kelly L. Hunter

The “Gothic” era began in France during the early 1100’s and flourished for many centuries. The term “Gothic” refers to the French style of visual art as well as a time period of amazing architecture which was itself inspired and developed from Romanesque styles of art. Although the Gothic era reached its end in France during the sixteenth century, this art form continued to influence other countries such as Germany and England (Benton and DiYanni, 2005). Thought to be barbaric in fashion by the Italians who preferred the more classical style of art and architecture, Gothic art lasted for many centuries and in my opinion, was the most inspiring of all eras.
Romanesque architecture was comprised of broad, massive buildings with thick walls and unique arches which provided a sense of safety and security to all who entered into them (Benton and DiYanni, 2005). At the dawn of the Gothic era, small windows were replaced with enormously beautiful stained glass and the thick walls developed during the Romanesque era were replaced by walls that were much thinner in nature.
Gothic architecture, like cathedrals, was very tall in height and centered on the religious beliefs and values of this time period. These structures were designed to reach the heavens and bring the people closer to God. Naves were created to echo the chants sung by the members of the church representing great spirituality. The pointed arches and vaults were said to exert less lateral thrust than the semicircular Romanesque arches and vaults (Benton and DiYanni, 2005). It has also been said that the pointed ribbed vault could be constructed and built to any height.
Benton (2005) states that “The first large and truly Gothic building, Saint-Denis served as the prototype for other Gothic structures” (p. 398). This particular structure was also the first to incorporate both architecture and sculpture into one art form. Each cathedral created seemed to be bigger than the last. When the structure of the Cathedral of Notre Dame collapsed and was then rebuilt, architects began questioning the design, structure, and height of these vast buildings, and ultimately began creating small buildings focusing more on the intricate detail on the inside and outside of the structures.
As the Gothic era ended in France and moved onto other European countries, the style began to change to serve the current times and tastes of these other countries. Gothic style architecture took on a new and different look. Benton (2005) states that “In England, the Early Gothic was relatively understated, but the Late Gothic reached extremes of eccentricity beyond anything found in France” (p. 404). Once architects were able to work out the problems associated with structural design, they became more adventurous with their designs and architecture took on an entirely new face.
The Gothic era is fascinating not only because of the extreme heights and intricate detail of these structures but because it was all done by hand and made of stone. “In modern times, rather than flying buttresses of hand-hewn stone, architecture employs modern materials and techniques, such as skeletal steel supports, reinforced concrete, and cantilevered construction” (Benton and DiYanni, 2005, p. 425). Stained glass windows have been replaced with mass-produced plain glass windows and what once represented religious beliefs through art has been replaced with societal and political issues representing art.


Reference(s)

Benton, J. and DiYanni, R. Arts and Culture: An Introduction to the Humanities. Pearson Prentice Hall. Vol. 1 (2nd ed.) (2005).