Notre Dame
The Gothic style, 1150-1500, originated in France and spread over the whole of western Europe.
Round centered rose medallion colored glass window above the large windows
Tracery sections outlining the center of this window
Flying buttresses
Gothic art and architecture were the spirit of piety, humility and asceticism, which was the fundamental teaching of the church during the Middle Ages. The style was to appeal to the emotional side of a joyless people who were steeped in ignorance and superstition.
Notre Dame section
Chartres Cathedral, France
Typical architectural features are the pointed arch, ribbed vault, rose medallion windows, tracery and the supporting flying buttresses. Gothic cathedrals are tall, with soaring arches pointing heavenward. Rays of sunlight pour through high, stained-glass windows and bathe the wood, masonry and marble. Walls, columns, entrances and doors are carved with figures and scenes from the Bible.
Not only great cathedrals and abbeys but also hundreds of smaller churches were built in the style. A style that not only was expressed in architecture but in sculpture, painting, and all the minor and decorative arts.
Trinity Church in New York’s Wall Street area at 75 Broadway was built in 1846 by architect Richard Upjohn as Gothic Revival. The Revival style became prevalent from the mid to the end of the nineteenth century.
Have you been to France’s Chartres, Notre Dame or New York’s Trinity Church? Would you like to play hide and seek in one of these buildings?
I am a Middle Ages fanatic, and have been obsessed with that time period of history since I was a girl. I was blessed with a visit to Belgium and the Netherlands a few years back. It was my first trip to Europe, and I was amazed at how old the buildings were, older than anything here in my homeland.
We visited a monastery built in the 1100s, and a small church built in 900. Saint Bavo Cathedral in Ghent is classic gothic design, and it was such an experience to know my feet were crossing the same, smooth marble steps as folks who lived over 500 years ago.
There is magic in old buildings and classic architecture. Thanks, Gail, for reminding me of the thrill.
Frances, thank you for commenting and sharing. You are so lucky to have been and seen. All of Europe is filled with wonderful and beautiful history. Our country is still a baby. We are only learning to treasure our history. Connecticut is better than most. We have some fantastic 18th century homes. The Harrison House in Branford has a special meaning for us because my hubby’s maternal family founded Branford in 1644,. The house still stands, right there on Main Street.
Bavo Cathedral in Ghen is indeed Gothic. Thank you for letting me know. I have not studied the Netherlands, so it was new information for me. Love it.
I hope to see Notre Dame this fall, Gail. I love Gothic architecture…and books! Susan Elizabeth Phillips has a Daphne du Maurier style book coming out this month, and I can’t wait to read it. Wuthering Heights is another favorite.
Kristan, so good to have you visit. Thank you. France, oh boy, that’s wonderful. Will you take some pictures for me as well as yourself? Maybe a couple to paint, and a couple to study. Gothic architecture is a lot to study, if you blink, you might miss a carving. And the gargoyles are so detailed. Don’t you love when they spit water. Actually, I don’t know if Notre Dame has gargoyles, I don’t remember seeing any, but their biblical carvings are amazing. Will you visit Versailles and the Louvre? How about the Petit Trianon? That was where sixteen year-old Marie Antoinette hung out. You know, Louis XVI wife, the brat. . .”Let them eat cake.” It was good they cut off her head.
Will it be for a vacation, visiting the next site for the next book, or PR? Are you going after Cherry or sooner? Have fun m’lady!!! Stay safe.
Gothic architecture is my all time favorite. Now I understand why. “Gothic art and architecture were the spirit of piety, humility and asceticism, which was the fundamental teaching of the church during the Middle Ages. The style was to appeal to the emotional side of a joyless people who were steeped in ignorance and superstition.” I hadn’t realized it went back that far. Thanks for enlightening me once again, my friend!
LOL Paula. Thanks, go know who would enjoy and why. When I taught the subject to future interior designers, we rarely discussed the people, but when I think about it, the sadness and lack of education was rampant in those centuries. That’s why the Victorian period was so heavy, dark, and ominous, they copied the Gothic forms and were repeated and repeated and repeated everywhere. Lots of oak in Gothic, both periods. In the first Gothic, and in the Revivals. Victorian stuff is not good looking. To say it exactly, it’s pretty ugly, mis-formed and overwhelming. I did some blogs about Victoriana (my title for it).