Gothic Architecture Essays (Examples)

116+ documents containing “gothic architecture”.


Sort By:

Reset Filters

However, there is also a more prosaic explanation of the contrasting styles manifest in Gothic cathedrals: because they took so long to complete, the construction of the cathedrals was often interrupted by warfare, and thus they were constructed during different social periods and exhibited the influence of different builders, rulers, and forms of construction ("Medieval gothic principles," Medieval Spell, 2009). Furthermore, even when there is symmetry and surface order in Gothic cathedrals, there is always a sense of disorder lurking beneath the veneer: traces of individuality and the grotesque seep forth in the form of gargoyles.
The layout of the cathedrals was supposed to mirror the worshipper's spiritual path. "Entering the cathedral from the est, you are surrounded by symbols. First, is the pattern of the labyrinth in the floor stone," to represent the maze of human life ("Medieval gothic cathedrals," Medieval Spell, 2009). The light coming from the glass….

. from passion to insanity" ('the Eighteenth Century," Internet). These "sublime" qualities are best expressed in Horace Walpole's magnificent Strawberry Hill residence in Twickenham, built between 1749 and 1777. As compared to Blenheim Palace, this structure is pure "Gothick" with its turrets, towers, battlements, galleries and corridors. In fact,
Horace Walpole is credited with creating the Gothic style in English literature with his novel the Castle of Otranto, published in 1764.

Of course, many of the architectural features of this structure are in actuality only pseudo-Gothic representations, due to Walpole's immense imagination and desire for a house that reflected his literary tastes in Gothic omanticism. Overall, Walpole's fascination with everything Gothic was to be highly influential in the years to come, especially when the period known as Neoclassicism emerged in the mid 18th century in Europe.

STUAT'S SHAM GOTHIC UIN:

During the early days of the omantic Period, architects became increasingly interested in decorating….

By introducing abstract sequences, these people practically made it difficult and almost impossible for Christian leaders to consider that they needed to get involved in altering these concepts.
The coming of George Augustus Selwyn in New Zealand had a strong effect on attitudes that the church would express with regard to the presence of Maori elements in churches. A power struggle within Christianity between Selwyn and Evangelical missionaries influenced natives to believe that their guests were not necessarily as connected with God as they claimed to be. As natives became more and more detached from Christian influential individuals they started to concentrate on adopting Gothic influences in designing diverse buildings.

Builders who were mainly interested in creating structures that would be in agreement with Maori traditions thus created a series of buildings that were not necessarily meant to provide people with a place for worship. Instead, these buildings were meant to….

Romanesque and Gothic Architecture
There were a number of changes that happened to Romanesque architecture to make it uniquely Gothic. Romanesque architecture was principally that for churches, whereas Gothic architecture manifested itself in cathedrals. The difference between these two is not mere diction; Romanesque churches had thicker walls and were darker and on the whole smaller than Gothic cathedrals, which encompassed a number of structural innovations to make them extremely vertical, elongated and tall, with copious amounts of light and space.

Soltes showed an example of a Romanesque structure early on in the 12th lecture (St. Sernin de Toulouse) that illustrated its five entrances denoting the five wounds of Christ suffered on the cross; the lecturer contrasted this information with that which illustrated that some Romanesque structures had three entrances which were symbolic of the trinity. Additionally, Romanesque arches were rounded and their structures contained barrel vaults. Subsequently, these edifices were relatively….

Gothic, as a term, refers to both an artistic style and a cultural movement that has evolved over time, originating in medieval Europe and continuing to influence modern-day literature, film, architecture, and more. The word 'Gothic' itself is etymologically tied to the Goths, a group of East Germanic people, but the Gothic period in art and architecture is generally understood to span from the 12th to the 16th centuries, characterized by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate decoration (Smith, 1996).
Architecturally, the Gothic style was a revolution, particularly noted for its introduction of the pointed arch, which not only contributed to the aesthetic of buildings but also allowed for structures to reach new heights and for walls to be filled with stained glass windows, flooding interiors with natural light (Frankl, 2000). The cathedrals of Chartres, eims, and Notre-Dame de Paris are prime examples of Gothic architecture, with their….

Gothic Cathedrals and Light
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 only lasted 200 years, it would have a profound effect on any building style from then on. 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 arches, high ceilings, and massive glass works were specific to the larger than life view of the Church, and to inspire the peasantry when attending special services (Frankl, 2001).

Gothic art and architecture is a Medieval movement that evolved out of omanesque art, in the mid-12th century, in Europe. It spread throughout Europe….

This type of fluidization announces the Renaissance and is probably an expression of the new opening that the society goes through as it comes out of the Middle Ages. A greater creative expression in literature or painting, for example, had to be matched by a similar trend in architecture.
Another interesting comparison with the previous Gothic styles is the fact that, in the past, the Gothic style was used almost exclusively for religious constructions, notably churches. With the Flamboyant Gothic, numerous secular buildings, either town halls, castles or individual houses are built in this style, more appropriate for the expression of an individual home.

Ornament seems to be the common denominator for most of the constructions that were created in a Flamboyant Gothic style starting with the middle of the 14th century and all the way into the 16th century. The preference for ornament over the simple construction elements has made….


William of Occam formulated the principle of Occam's Razor, which held that the simplest theory that matched all the known facts was the correct one. At the University of Paris, Jean Buridan questioned the physics of Aristotle and presaged the modern scientific ideas of Isaac Newton and Galileo concerning gravity, inertia and momentum when he wrote:

...after leaving the arm of the thrower, the projectile would be moved by an impetus given to it by the thrower and would continue to be moved as long as the impetus remained stronger than the resistance, and would be of infinite duration were it not diminished and corrupted by a contrary force resisting it or by something inclining it to a contrary motion (Glick, Livesay and Wallis 107)

Thomas Bradwardine and his colleagues at Oxford University also anticipated Newton and Galileo when they found that a body moving with constant velocity travels distance and time….

There is an emphasis on harmony in this structure that shows a new way of thought, and this sense of harmony would be carried over into other works of art of the period and later periods, harmony now being seen as an important artistic virtue. The elaborateness of the decorations have become identified with the Gothic period. As can be seen from the column from Saint-Denis, this sort of elaborate decoration took many forms and most often built sculpture into the building itself. The column from Saint-Denis also shows the power and importance of aesthetic harmony in the figure of a king seeming to emerge from the column itself. This element was not just an aesthetic but a philosophical statement of the time. Suger was much preoccupied with speculations on the metaphysics of light, which governed many of his decisions about the architecture of the building. At the same….

Gothic Cathedrals
PAGES 6 WORDS 2032

gothic cathedrals, with a few examples and comparisons of the cathedrals. Gothic cathedrals are some of the most beautiful and enduring buildings in Europe. They have survived for centuries as testaments to the workmen who created them and the architects who designed them. The ornate buildings are as impressive today as when they first grew on the skyline, and they represent a high point in the culture and society of the Middle Ages.
Gothic Cathedrals

Gothic architecture, perhaps one of the most famous and ornate forms of architecture of any period, began in northern Europe as early as the twelfth century, and spread throughout Europe. It gradually replaced the omanesque Style of architecture, which had grown in popularity throughout Europe beginning at about the millennium year of 1000. omanesque buildings offered many of the same intricate details as the Gothic cathedrals, because building practices had evolved, and better tools, such as….

Relationship of "The Old English Baron" and "Vathek" to 18th Century English Gothic Fiction
The rise of Gothic fiction in English literature coincided with the advent of the Romantic Era at the end of the 18th century and beginning of the 19th century. Gothic masterpieces such as Shelley's Frankenstein, Lewis's The Monk, and Stoker's Dracula would capture the imagination by fueling it with the flames of horror, suspense, other-worldliness and mystery. These elements are significant because the Age of Enlightenment had been characterized by a cold, objective, analytical focus on nature and humankind. It had been based on the concept that reason was sufficient to explain all events in the world and in fact all creation. Yet as Shakespeare's Hamlet reminded readers, "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, / Than are dreamt of in your philosophy" (Shakespeare 1.5.167-168). Part of this interest in the Gothic was inspired by….

Art Architecture History
PAGES 6 WORDS 1724

Gothic Architecture
The ancient cities of ome and Florence are layered ones. If one has the chance to walk the streets of these cities it is clearly that the they have had far more than the nine lives of the feline: Layer upon layer of human life and human ingenuity is displayed in the many different styles that line the streets. While we may tend to think of ome and Florence as the classical city that they once were (and of which they still bears many elements) they are also in many ways Gothic cities, for some of the cities' finest examples of architecture date from the Gothic period. This paper examines two particular Gothic churches - Santa Maria Maggiore in ome and the church of S. Maria del Fiore in Florence is no exception. Each church is examined for the combination of specific historical forces and styles, the building materials….

20,21). Romanesque structures tend to be dark and cave-like on the inside. Arches became pointed, rather than rounded as in Roman structures. Gothic architecture represents an advancement in engineering techniques, as builders found that they could do with thinner materials and that roofs could span greater distances. The roofs in Gothic architecture was supported by this new form of arch, rather than by the massive walls, as was done in Romanesque architecture ("Gothic Architecture," pp. 20,21)
Gothic structures sported and increased number of towers, flying buttresses, and decorative designs ("Gothic Architecture," pp. 20,21). Gothic architectures indow openings were adorned with either stained glass or the distinctive Gothic Rose indows. Adornments included human figures, animals, scenes of ordinary life, wars, important events, gargoyles and other mythological creatures. Gothic structures were highly ornate when compared to Romanesque Structures.

Conclusion

Visiting different structures on a trip through Europe can be an exciting adventure. The continent….

An integrated system was used in buildings where columns, pilasters, and entablatures came together as support. Arches were also used in building churches and other such structures. Semi-circular or segmental vaults were used which were mostly without ribs. In this era domes were not only used in churches but they were also used in building secular structures. Doors and windows usually had square lintels in the buildings of the era. Cravings and decorations also became prominent part of the structures taking their inspiration from the classic structures. Though Florence was the place where renaissance started but Italy embraced renaissance and effects of classic architecture as opposed to Gothic architecture. enaissance style further gave way to baroque style in the 17th-century. The Georgian style became notable in the 18th-century while the 19th century was given over to the classic revival and the Gothic revival.
Conclusions

Though our current architecture is derived by….

Neo-French Gothic evival: The Fletcher-Sinclair Mansion
Over a century old, the Fletcher-Sinclair mansion in New York is a good example of late 19th century Gothic revival and today, the building is registered as a National Historic Landmark. The mansion was named for Isaac D. Fletcher, a prominent New York City investor and banker, and Harry F. Sinclair, an oil tycoon who was subsequently caught up in the scandal-ridden administration of President Warren G. Harding. Currently, the mansion serves as the long-time home for the Ukrainian Institute of America and remains a popular destination for students, architects and others who are interested in neo-Gothic evival architecture in the United States. This paper reviews the relevant literature to describe the building in informal and historical terms, relating it to larger trends in the 19th century architecture and society and to provide an analysis concerning how this building reflects the forms ideas and ideologies….

image
2 Pages
Seminar Paper

Drama - World

Gothic Architecture and Effect on

Words: 660
Length: 2 Pages
Type: Seminar Paper

However, there is also a more prosaic explanation of the contrasting styles manifest in Gothic cathedrals: because they took so long to complete, the construction of the cathedrals…

Read Full Paper  ❯
image
3 Pages
Term Paper

Architecture

Gothic Architecture in the Romantic

Words: 803
Length: 3 Pages
Type: Term Paper

. from passion to insanity" ('the Eighteenth Century," Internet). These "sublime" qualities are best expressed in Horace Walpole's magnificent Strawberry Hill residence in Twickenham, built between 1749 and 1777.…

Read Full Paper  ❯
image
5 Pages
Book Report

Architecture

Maori Response to Gothic Architecture

Words: 1336
Length: 5 Pages
Type: Book Report

By introducing abstract sequences, these people practically made it difficult and almost impossible for Christian leaders to consider that they needed to get involved in altering these concepts. The…

Read Full Paper  ❯
image
5 Pages
Essay

Mythology - Religion

Romanesque and Gothic Architecture There Were a

Words: 1643
Length: 5 Pages
Type: Essay

Romanesque and Gothic Architecture There were a number of changes that happened to Romanesque architecture to make it uniquely Gothic. Romanesque architecture was principally that for churches, whereas Gothic architecture…

Read Full Paper  ❯
image
7 Pages
Essay

Legacy of Gothic From Architecture to Digital Culture

Words: 2006
Length: 7 Pages
Type: Essay

Gothic, as a term, refers to both an artistic style and a cultural movement that has evolved over time, originating in medieval Europe and continuing to influence modern-day literature,…

Read Full Paper  ❯
image
4 Pages
Essay

Architecture

Gothic Cathedrals and Light From the End

Words: 1670
Length: 4 Pages
Type: Essay

Gothic Cathedrals and Light 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…

Read Full Paper  ❯
image
2 Pages
Essay

Architecture

Gothic the Flamboyant Gothic Is

Words: 616
Length: 2 Pages
Type: Essay

This type of fluidization announces the Renaissance and is probably an expression of the new opening that the society goes through as it comes out of the Middle…

Read Full Paper  ❯
image
17 Pages
Essay

Drama - World

Gothic Period Cultural and Construction

Words: 4930
Length: 17 Pages
Type: Essay

William of Occam formulated the principle of Occam's Razor, which held that the simplest theory that matched all the known facts was the correct one. At the University of…

Read Full Paper  ❯
image
3 Pages
Research Proposal

Art  (general)

Gothic Sculpture Art Represents the

Words: 1187
Length: 3 Pages
Type: Research Proposal

There is an emphasis on harmony in this structure that shows a new way of thought, and this sense of harmony would be carried over into other works…

Read Full Paper  ❯
image
6 Pages
Term Paper

Architecture

Gothic Cathedrals

Words: 2032
Length: 6 Pages
Type: Term Paper

gothic cathedrals, with a few examples and comparisons of the cathedrals. Gothic cathedrals are some of the most beautiful and enduring buildings in Europe. They have survived for…

Read Full Paper  ❯
image
10 Pages
Essay

Literature

Gothic Literature in 18th Century England

Words: 2747
Length: 10 Pages
Type: Essay

Relationship of "The Old English Baron" and "Vathek" to 18th Century English Gothic Fiction The rise of Gothic fiction in English literature coincided with the advent of the Romantic Era…

Read Full Paper  ❯
image
6 Pages
Term Paper

Mythology - Religion

Art Architecture History

Words: 1724
Length: 6 Pages
Type: Term Paper

Gothic Architecture The ancient cities of ome and Florence are layered ones. If one has the chance to walk the streets of these cities it is clearly that the they…

Read Full Paper  ❯
image
3 Pages
Essay

Architecture

Medieval Architecture Romanesque vs Gothic

Words: 788
Length: 3 Pages
Type: Essay

20,21). Romanesque structures tend to be dark and cave-like on the inside. Arches became pointed, rather than rounded as in Roman structures. Gothic architecture represents an advancement in…

Read Full Paper  ❯
image
6 Pages
Term Paper

Architecture

History of Architecture Not Only

Words: 1701
Length: 6 Pages
Type: Term Paper

An integrated system was used in buildings where columns, pilasters, and entablatures came together as support. Arches were also used in building churches and other such structures. Semi-circular…

Read Full Paper  ❯
image
5 Pages
Research Paper

Architecture

Ukrainian Institute's Neo-Gothic Headquarters

Words: 1356
Length: 5 Pages
Type: Research Paper

Neo-French Gothic evival: The Fletcher-Sinclair Mansion Over a century old, the Fletcher-Sinclair mansion in New York is a good example of late 19th century Gothic revival and today, the building…

Read Full Paper  ❯