History of Gothic architecture

While scholasticism was rising in Europe, the French Abbot Suger corresponded with the theologist Dionysius in Syria (who united Neoplatonism with Christianity). Suger expounded his theory of God as the supernatural light transforming everything material and mortal into immateriality. This view underlies his commission, about 1140 AD, to raise a new ambulatory for the church of Saint Denis (Dionysius' namesake who christianized France), the first manifestation of 'Gothic' architecture. Inspired by the late Romanesque architecture of Normandy (Caen) the Gothic architects started to apply ribbed vaulting and pointed arches purposefully to emphasize light (Suger's divine light) and soaring spaces. Saint Denis ambulatory
Saint Denis ambulatory
Chartres
Chartres, circa 1930 		In the next few decennia the erection of three major Gothic cathedrals in Ile-de-France started: Noyon (circa 1150), Laon (circa 1160) and Notre-Dame at Paris (circa 1163). While the focus on vertical lines increased, as well as the ratio of glass to stone, the architects reached their brilliant unity of structure, construction and expression. The cathedral at Chartres is considered to be the first manifestation of 'High Gothic' style. The construction started in 1194 and was completed in 1224 (a bell tower was added in 1507-13). Divine light and soaring verticality reached their maximum in the the cathedrals of Reims (started in 1212), Amiens (1220), Beauvais (where the nave partly collapsed because this new style had reached its limits) and, most impressively, Sainte-Chapelle in Paris (1243-48). The pinnacles, moldings, stained glass in light colour, and rose windows of these buildings are distinguishing for the Rayonnant style.

Characteristics of Gothic architecture:

  • airy and bright
  • focus on verticality
  • pointed arches
  • rib vaults
  • flying buttresses
  • large stained glass windows
  • ornaments and pinnacles
 flying buttresses
Pinnacles and flying buttresses at Reims
By the end of the 13th century, the Rayonnant style evolved into the Flamboyant style with a profusion of pinnacles and other decorative structures. This style charterized the late Gothic period which lasted until the end of the middle ages. By this period more attention was given to secular (e.g. the town hall of Brussels) besides religious buildings (e.g. the north spire of Chartres). The Gothic style spread thoughout Central Europe, the Low Countries, Spain and Italy. The English alternative (Salisbury cathedral) remained closer to the former Romanesque style with heavy walls and tall windows, and evolved into the so-called 'decorated style' and the late Gothic 'perpendicular style'.

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