Gothic Art

The Gothic Art period/movement had began in Europe between the 12th and 16th century. The Gothic art period mostly influenced architecture but it also brought significant changes to the way sculptures and paintings were done. The Gothic style was intended to replace the Romanesque style of architecture. The Romanesque architecture was creating space by adding bays, unit by unit. While Gothic architecture is created as an entire space that is then sub-divided into units.  Gothic Art was introduced at the Abbey of St.Denis. In 1144 Abott Suger commissioned Gothic architects to rebuild the church in the new Gothic style.  The movement was an immediate success and by 1250 the Gothic art movement had dominated Europe. Gothic Architecture was used mostly for cathedrals. The Gothic style could be usually characterised by its pointed arches, flying buttresses, ribbed vaults. The architects had made the cathedral walls thinner to allow stained glass windows to be placed instead of the mosaics. Gothic Sculptures were then created for the purpose of decorating the cathedrals entrances. The sculptures usually depicted figures from the old testament. Paintings of the Gothic period were inspired by the designs and colours of stained glass windows. Many Gothic painters favoured bright reds and blues.  

Art Ed, 2013. Art Education. [online] Available at: <http://www.arteducation.com.au/art-movements/gothic.php>
[Accessed on 28th April 2013]