Early Gothic in France

 

What is meant by the term Gothic?  It is a term coined during the Renaissance to define "barbaric" art.  Then, Gothic art was seen as non-refined and anti-classical.  It was initially used to describe French works of art, although there are many examples of Gothic art outside of France. The Gothic style emerged in the early 12^th century as the modern French style.  Although there are other excellent example of Gothic architecture in Europe, we will focus on France -- specifically, St. Denis, Chartres, Paris, and Reims.

 

 

 

Saint-Denis, France, 1140-1144

 

 

All Gothic architecture originated with just one building — The abbey church of Saint-Denis in the town of St. Denis, just a few miles north of Paris.  It was a Carolingian basilican church.  It housed the tomb of Saint Denis (patron saint of France), who brought Christianity to Gaul and who was martyred in the 3^rd century.

 

During the pilgrimage period, the church began to need repairs and was no longer able to accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims.  Under the direction of Abbot Suger, the church began to be remodeled.  For King Louis VI, Abbot Suger suggested a Royal Chapel with a series of statues — He convinced the king that they should build “the best building in the world.”  It was to be the burial place of St. Denis and all the kings of France.

 

As a result of this work, the ambulatory and the façade are the only part of this church that are actually Gothic in style, and they were constructed in three years.  The façade is heavy and buttressed.  There was a rose window, which became a standard feature of Gothic design.  There are windows windows are in the facade as well — beginning to open up the interior to light. 

 

It was in the ambulator that Abbot Suger used the pointed arch for the first time.  This is a very flexible way to vault irregular spaces, but it is not architecturally stable and does require external buttressing (or support).

 

Saint-Denis, Plan of the Ambulatory

 

 

Saint-Denis, View into the Ambulatory

 

 

Saint-Denis, Rib Vault

 

 

And with this architectural innovation came a new approach to building -- one that had its own architectural vocubulary.

 

The Vocabulary of Gothic Architecture

 

 

 

Vocabulary that you need to know:

• Flying Buttress

• Pinnacle

• Diagonal Rib

• Transverse Rib

• Vaulting Web — emphasize the skill required of the mason

• Springing

• Clerestory

• Triforium

• Nave arcade

There are many vertical elements in Gothic design.  Also the plan is more open and less compartmentalized than a Romanesque building.  The weight of Gothic buildings is transferred to flying buttresses.  As a result, the wall is not load bearing and can be opened up to accommodate stained glass.