Gothic Art - The French Art Domination of High Gothic Era

French Art & Architecture dominated the art scene of Europe between the twelfth to fifteenth centuries. High Gothic was the name given to the Medieval Gothic Period, which spanned from around 1220 to 1300. It was one of the most revolutionary eras, as it broadened all the aspects of art. Gothic Art matured during the High Gothic Period and found great expression in architecture. Sculpting, panel painting, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, and frescos were the other dominant High Gothic Art forms, carrying 'Christian' & 'Secular' essence, and presented in 'Typological' format.

French Cathedrals are perhaps the greatest glory of the High Gothic Era. The architects wanted to create a vision of heavenly Jerusalem in the cathedrals. They therefore, built tall churches with the walls of stained glass and sculptures to give them a 'Surreal' illuminated effect. The "Beauvais Cathedral," built on the same principles as Chartres, was the last and the highest of all High Gothic structures. It collapsed in the year 1272 however, and therefore, marked the end of experimentation with heights in the cathedrals.

The end of the thirteenth century saw the birth of a new and more refined style, called the 'Rayonnant' style. This style featured elaborate geometric designs with plate and bar tracery and structured sculpting, thereby concentrating on giving a visual treat. A breathtaking example of 'Rayonnant' Style cathedral is "Sainte-Chapelle" (1248). It is called the jewel of the High Gothic Era, with the walls of stained glass rather than stone, and magnificent interiors having multicolored mosaics and statues. 'Great Rose Windows' adorning the west facades of French cathedrals are perhaps the finest achievement of 'Rayonnant' architecture. "Notre Dame de Paris" (1163-1345) and "the Amiens Cathedral" (thirteenth century) are the other examples of this architecture. 'Rayonnant' architecture spread all over Europe, such as "The Cologne Cathedral" (1248-1880) in Rhineland Germany, and "The Leon" (thirteenth to sixteenth century) & "The Toledo Cathedrals" (1226-1493) in Spain.

During the same period, the English developed two major architectural styles, which were the 'Decorative Gothic' and the 'Perpendicular,' which were somewhat inspired by the 'Rayonnant' style. These formats lacked the clean lines of the 'Rayonnant' architecture and concentrated on carved and colored stonework. The "Lincoln Cathedral," (1185-1311), Westminster and "The York Minster" are a couple of famous examples of this style of work.

Sculptures gained prominence in the High Gothic Era, as they decorated the exteriors of cathedrals and other religious monuments. Sculpting and painting witnessed radical changes during the High Gothic Period. The artists adapted a more natural and relaxed approach in their sculpting, a trend which is very clear in the "Reims Cathedral" (thirteenth to fourteenth century). By the end of the fourteenth century, sculpting evolved and matured, displays became more elegant & refined, and gained a certain delicacy in mannerisms. This style came to be known as the 'International Gothic Style.' The sculpting in "The Strasbourg Cathedral" (1176-1439, Germany) presents one of the most superior works of this period. The sculptures of Pisa Baptistery Pulpit (1269) and the Siena Pulpit (1265-68) are the landmark works of Italian High Gothic Style.

Source : ezinearticles