Gothic Cathedrals Essay

gothic architecture flourished during the chivalrous times or Middle Ages. It evolves from the Romanesque style of architecture. The best example of gothic architecture argon the Gothic Cathedrals, specific each(prenominal)y the La Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral in France and the Salisbury Cathedral in England. This paper will handle the main and identifiable features of Gothic Cathedrals and explore the changes and evolution in floor plans and sculptural program of the push throughside(prenominal) of the church from a stylistic and conceptual point of view.It will also explain how Christian theologys needs and preoccupations changed overtime by apply the buildings of La Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral and Salisbury Cathedral. II. Identifiable features pointed arch, truehearted stilltresses and rib vaulting The three most noticeable characteristic of Gothic Cathedrals are its height (tall), roominess and good ventilation ( stir up). This is made possible by the development of new sty le technology, the pointed arch, flying buttresses and the ribbed vaulting.Prior to the use of pointed arch, the roofs of churches in the olden times were supported with a rounded arch. However, architects discovered that with a pointed arch, they can build taller buildings. With a higher building came a new type of buttress that takes safekeeping of the weight of the roof by supporting the walls from the outside by leaning arches called flying buttresses which are usually placed one above the other. As a result walls could be made taller and less massive, alter a wide expanse of wall piazza for stained-glass windows.Meanwhile, the idea of ribbed vaulting also becomes popular. instead of the groin vault of the Romanesque period, the Gothic architects discovered that ribs (diagonal arches) could be make that would support the entire weight of the roof. The space between the ribs could then be filled in with lighter material (Dudley & Faricy, 1973, p. 291-295 Perry, 1988, p. 189 ). With the adoption of these three expert styles, the Gothic cathedrals as compared to the somber, dark churches that preceded it are much higher, lighter and to a greater extent spacious making it more inviting for the Christians.On the other hand, the concept of allowing more light inside the church is derived from the concept that God is at large(p). As much as possible partitions in the floor plans were removed so that a dazzling light will emanate from the choir toward the congregation. Moreover, the concept of building tall churches with tall towers and spires conveys the idea of the supremacy and wideness of Christian religion in a persons life especially that it towers above all other buildings surrounding it.Such are the qualities and impression that La Sainte-Chapelle Cathedral and Salisbury Cathedral projects. some(prenominal) two cathedrals still uses the cross floor plans, the Salisbury cathedral, however, though it contained two transepts, is much simpler than the La Sainte-Chapelle which was built upon the order of the fashionable French monarch, Louise IX. La Sainte-Chapelle is elaborately decorated, the elaborate ornamentation conveying the idea of the wealth of the church and hence the prosperity of the Kingdom (Scott, 2003, p. 21-23 Vauchez, 2000, p. 1228).II. Reflection of Christian needs and Preoccupation of the Middle Ages The Gothic cathedrals, although took many years (even centuries) to build, first began to be created during the Middle ages, a time characterized by feudal wars ,famine and epidemics. In spite of these unfavorable conditions, the Christians took the effort to make a big church, as an expression of their Christian devotion. genius notable feature of Gothic stained glass windows, as seen in the two cathedrals, are the paintings of scriptural characters. The primary purpose why they paint them all over the walls is so that the illiterate could picture out what was written in the Bible (Perry, 1988, 189). Le Sainte-Cha pelle, howvere, housed important Christian relics collected by Louise IX signifying the preoccupations of the abundant Christian monarchs with anything regarding Christianity.The facade of Gothic cathedrals are also elaborately decorated using sculptured world figures ( saints ,kings and peasant life) as the main features, illustrating their growing interest in humanism ideas ( human life and accomplishments) as it replace the usual carvings of animals, fruits and other figures. The story of Christ, specifically his incarnation, decorate the entrance of the church, urging whoever will kick in homage or pilgrimage to the church not to admire its gold or cost but to focus their attention to Christ ( Dudley, 1974, p. 291 Scott, 2003, pp. 47-48) .II. Conclusion Gothic Cathedrals, like the Salisbury Cathedral and La Sainte-Chapelle, are the best representative of Gothic art. The knowledge of new style of architectural technology by using a pointed arch, flying buttresses and ribbed va ulting paved the way for a taller , more spacious and lit or ventilated churches. It erased therefore the somber, gloomy aura of the Romanesque churches, and the new concept of God as Light and Supreme was successfully incorporated into the church structure.In spite of the presence of wars, famines and epidemics, this ambitious project was embarked on, signifying the Christian devotion of the people of the Medieval era.Works CitedDudley, Louise and Austin Faricy. The Humanities, 5th edition. spick-and-span York McGraw-Hill Company, 1973. Perry, Marvin. A History of the World. wise York Houghton-Mifflin, Inc, 1988. Scott, Robert A. The Gothic Enterprise A Guide to Understanding the Medieval Cathedral. Berkeley University of California Press, 2003. Vauchez, Andre, and et al. Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages. New York Routledge, 2000.