Art Investigation Report

Gothic architecture was greatly focused on extreme and excessive detail. This detail is
what I studied for my investigation project. The type of architecture I more directly studied was
Gothic cathedrals; their arches and windows. The windows are made of stained glass and often
depict stories from the Bible. The two window types are the arch and the rose window.

Stained glass

Rose window

As for the Gothic style itself, the word gothic was first used as a derogatory term and
the style was originally called Giorgio Vasari, which means barbarous German style. The
Goths were responsible for destroying several buildings after conquering Rome and rebuilding
them in the Gothic style. The term goth was used to mean vandal or savage. This is probably
because they went around burning down peoples buildings. The Gothic style started in the 12th
century and continued to about the 16th century. It was greatly influenced by the Romanesque
style and its possible it also had an Islamic influence. This style then returned in the 19th century
in England, now known as the Victorian Gothic.
There are many different types of arches. The most commonly known Gothic arch is the
equilateral arch which is an arch whose tip forms an equilateral triangle. Well at least close to it.
It usually has many other arches inside of it as well as circles and is often filled with stained
glass. The second is the Lancet arch, which is a very simple arch. It has no detail in it and is used

with other types of arches. The next arch is the flamboyant arch. It shows off its use of intricate
metal work with extreme detail and layering. The final arch is the depressed arch. This one is an
interior arch and makes use of the large ceilings. As the arch reaches the ceiling, it spreads out
like a tree; it gives the ceiling more depth.

Equilateral

Lancet

Flamboyant

Depressed

The art period Gothic architecture takes place in is the Late Medieval period, which is
known for its pointed arch, rib vault, flying buttresses, large windows, tracery, rose windows,
towers, spires, pinnacles, and ornate facades. Gothic style started in France, in roughly the 12th
century, and replaced Romanesque art. This is due to the technical advantages as well as the
political influence of France. The first building and prototype of Gothic Architecture was the
ambulatory of Basilica of Saint-Denis. It have large stained glass windows and a rose window
faade. Another example is the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which showed a mix of Romanesque and
Gothic Architecture.
Gothic Architecture is best known for its religious buildings as well as the lightness and
very tall structures. The faade was made to create a very powerful impression and demonstrates
the mightiness of God. On this faade lies three portals made of tympanum arches. The arch, in
which you enter under, symbolizes Christ in Majesty. The arch under which you exit symbolizes
Judgement Day. Above the center portal lies the rose window.

Gothic style is also known for its rich decoration inside and outside. This can be shown in
its capitals, arches, and windows. The perpendicular style developed from the decorated style
and involved many vertical lines in tracery and paneling. Within this style lie fan vaults, also
known as depressed arches, and enlarged windows.
In the last medieval period, Gothic Architecture was regarded as barbarian so many
gothic buildings were unfinished or burned down. In the 15th century in France and Spain, this
style was known for its flamboyant style. With the rise of cities, the gothic style was used as the
foundation for universities. Increased trade and the rise of the bourgeois class resulted in an
increased amount of secular themes.
The first ever gothic building, the Basilica Church of Saint-Denis, was built by none
other than Abbot Suger and was finished in 1144. Suger was a friend of the French kings Louis
VI and Louis VII. In 1137 he decided to rebuild the Church of Saint-Denis starting with the West
Front reconstructing the original Carolingian faade.
Sugers family origins are unknown, but in his journal it mentions that he lived in a
humble home. When he was ten years old, he was given as an oblate to the abbey of Saint-Denis
where he met Louis VI. From 1104 to 1106 he studied elsewhere. In 1106 Suger became a
secretary to the abbot of Saint-Denis and later became the abbot. Even though Suger disapproved
of the second crusade, he started preaching a new crusade. He wrote extensively on the
construction of the abbey in Liber de Rebus in Administratione sua Gestis, Libellus Alter de
Consecratione Ecclesiae Santi Dionysii, and Ordinatio.
In conclusion, this investigation was a great study tool in my path to my career in fashion
and I was able to study something I enjoy and admire. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.