Chapter 13 Module Class discussion Humanities
Response to 2 classmates-
Each response should be around 35 words and add to the discussion in a respectful and meaningful way (i.e. posing questions, reflecting on their response, providing constructive criticism, etc.). All posts and responses should include evidence of familiarity with the assigned readings in addition to your personal reflections on the topic. Your writing must be well organized and contain correct grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.
Remember: Be supportive, considerate, and constructive when replying to your classmates.
Prompt- In what ways are the standards of beauty of the era depicted in the Gothic cathedral? Post an image from any Gothic Cathedral we've studied (an exterior view, interior view, elevation, portal, window, etc.) What formal elements are emphasized, and how does this reflect the aesthetic and spiritual values of the era?
Classmate response-
#1 Cathedral of Saint Gatianus of Tours
The Cathedral of Saint Gatianus of Tours, or just Tours Cathedral for short, is located in Tours, France. It took a remarkable amount of time to be built with the building dates being between 1170 and 1547. Of course at this time other Gothic architectures were being built as well. The Gothic style arose throughout the 11th century as more political freedom and prosperity began to reveal itself all across Europe.
The pointed arches, as seen in the photo of the cathedral above is one of the main characteristics that define a Gothic building. That being said, there has been speculation that the Gothic style might have taken some inspiration from the pointed arches seen in early Islamic architecture. Some other defining features that the Tours Cathedral has that most people think of when they hear Gothic architecture are the chapel stained-glass windows, an altar, a highly detailed ceiling, and of course an organ.
One thing not all cathedral have is a tomb, but the Tours Cathedral contains the tomb of the children of Charles Vlll and Anne of Brittany, who died as infants. As stated earlier, there are many other examples of Gothic cathedrals that were built during the 11th century, and they all look like they have had every meticulous detail inspected and placed into the design of the building.
#2- East end of Salisbury Cathedral
Gothic style was not meant for darkness like the negative connotation that it is often associated with. As you can see in the picture above of the Salisbury Cathedral, the purpose of Gothic Architecture was meant to bring in light and life into people's lives.
You cannot really see it in the picture here but the pointed arch is a key attribute in this type of architecture. It is not like traditional buildings because it has more ornate designs on the walls, windows, columns, and overall structure of the building. These type of buildings were mostly built in the 12th century, with this one being started in 1220. These buildings are often extremely, large filled with wide, open spaces.
Upon visiting the Salisbury Cathedral for example, you will see a huge area filled with chair and then at the end of the large hallway, there is an altar, which is pretty much the norm for all of the cathedrals. Like all of the cathedrals, the designs of the buildings have an incredible amount of detail imbued into them. I don't believe there is a single piece of Gothic architecture that is not beautiful in it's own way.