Gothic Cathedrals, Light, and Medieval Architecture

Introduction to Gothic Architecture

From the end of the 12th century, for at least two centuries, architecture underwent a revolution known as Gothic. Much like classical architecture, changes in building paralleled changes in culture. Gothic works tended to be tall, inspiring, and meant to withstand the ravages of time. Structural improvements were massive, and even though this era lasted only about 200 years, it would have a profound effect on every building style that followed. The epitome of the style was, of course, the cathedral, which was meant to convey humanity's communication with God. The technological improvements that allowed for pointed arches, high ceilings, and massive glassworks were specific to the larger-than-life vision of the Church and served to inspire the peasantry when attending special services (Frankl, 2001).

Gothic art and architecture is a medieval movement that evolved out of Romanesque art in the mid-12th century in Europe. It spread throughout the continent but was centered more in northern and eastern Europe than in the south. It was more than an artistic movement — as a natural progression from the Romanesque, it became a standard for the High Middle Ages and a transitional period leading into the official Renaissance. While the traditional Gothic movement spread out of what is now northern France, over the following centuries it swept most of Europe, especially Germany, and even lasted into the 16th century (Charles, 2008).

Cultural and Social Context of the Gothic Movement

The transition from Romanesque to Gothic is not completely clear or sharply defined; it was more of a gradual progression. Gothic figures, for instance, became more animated and precise in relation to their backgrounds or scenery. As with Romanesque art, the subject matter was primarily religious, as expressed in sculpture, painting, and glasswork. In architecture, the Gothic style was the result of the challenge to build ever larger and more expansive churches and cathedrals, thus requiring new ways to maintain structural stability. From 1100 onward, architects experimented with innovations that would allow this, including a number of quite complex arch forms (Gothic Art, 2010).

Gothic art tended to tell a story — usually drawn from the Old Testament — and was used as a means of education prior to the widespread publication of books, since manuscripts were still quite rare and expensive. The Gothic style heralded tremendous social and cultural changes throughout Europe. Certainly, a great deal of it remained focused on religious subject matter: monumental sculpture on the walls of cathedrals and abbeys, Bible stories, and images of the Virgin Mary. However, with increased urbanization, the founding and proliferation of the university system, an increase in trade both within Europe and beyond, the establishment of a capital-based economy, growing literacy, and the rise of a middle class (the bourgeoisie) who could afford to purchase and patronize art, Gothic art moved into the mainstream (Cahill, 2008).

Structural Innovations: Vaults, Arches, and Buttresses

As cities grew, so did the establishment of trade guilds, of which artists were often members. With better literacy, more accurate record-keeping, and a system of patronage, more artists became known by name. This shift marked an important transition in how European society conceived of artistic labor and individual creative identity.

There were two fundamental innovations that made the entire idea of the Gothic cathedral possible. A combination of ribbed vaults and pointed arches allowed builders to make churches higher and created an impression of upward movement. The flying buttress — the heavy arched element built on the exterior of walls — allowed weight to be distributed outward, so that massive stained glass windows could be used to let in light, tell stories from the Bible, and make the congregation feel as if they were closer to God.