10 The Church Triumphant: The thirteenth century

Question 1

Chief innovation of gothic architecture?

Answer 1

Use of vaulting alone to support weight of roof and walls, allowing walls to be made of glass. Like a greenhouse made of stone.

Question 2

Kind of arch used in Gothic period?

Answer 2

Pointed arch

Question 3

What purpose do flying buttresses serve?

Answer 3

They hold in place the walls of the high nave, like the spokes of a bicycle.

Question 4

Origin of word ‘cathedral’?

Answer 4

Cathedra = bishop’s throne
Latin - seat

Question 5

Work starts on rebuilding St Denis Basilica in which year?

Answer 5

1135

Question 6

In the middle ages how were portraits made?

Answer 6

They weren’t really. There was no tradition of drawing from life. A king (sceptre and crown) or a bishop (crosier and mitre) were depicted as conventional figures with the corresponding insignia of office.

Question 7

Giotto di Bondone dates?

Answer 7

1267-1337

Question 8

In the 13th century, Italian craftsmen looked to ___________ rather than __________ for inspiration and guidance.

Answer 8

In the 13th century, Italian craftsmen looked to Constantinople rather than Paris for inspiration and guidance.

Question 9

For all its rigidity, Byzantine art had preserved more of the discoveries of the ____________ painters than had survived the picture-writing of the Dark Ages in the _____.

Answer 9

For all its rigidity, Byzantine art had preserved more of the discoveries of the Hellenistic painters than had survived the picture-writing of the Dark Ages in the West.

Question 10

“Nothing like this had been done for a thousand years.” What had Giotto done?

Answer 10

In his frescoes, created the illusion of depth on a flat surface –using foreshortening and shadows.

Question 11

What was the purpose of Giotto’s realism?

Answer 11

To create the illusion that the sacred story was happening before our eyes.

Question 12

Where was Giotto based?

Answer 12

Florence

Question 13

What was novel about Giotto as a figure?

Answer 13

He became famous for his works, while medieval artists were generally anonymous.

Question 14

Giotto introduced which important new technique in his work, and what were its results?

Answer 14

The practise of drawing from life – leading to more realistic depiction of figures

Question 15

Giotto’s masterwork?

Answer 15

Giotto’s masterwork is the decoration of the Scrovegni Chapel, in Padua, also known as the Arena Chapel, which was completed around 1305.

Question 16

Giotto was responsible for which work of architecture?

Answer 16

The bell tower of Florence cathedral

Question 17

One difference in style between Giotto and Duccio?

Answer 17

Giotto’s figures less stylised - not elongated in Byzantine manner.

Question 18

Who was the founder of the Dominican order, and why did he found it?

Answer 18

St. Dominic de Guzman –his order was approved by pope in 1216.

Had a vision for an order of preachers who could combat the rise of heresy, particularly the Albigensian heresy of the Cathars.

Founded the first Dominican monastery, Santa Maria degli Angeli, in Prouille, France.

Question 19

What did Cathars supposedly believe?

Answer 19

There are two equal and opposite principles in the universe, one good and one evil, and that the physical world was inherently evil. They rejected authority of Catholic Church and the sacraments, and believed only way to salvation was through asceticism and self-denial.

Question 20

What is the advantage of the pointed arch over the round arch?

Answer 20

The pointed arch has a more acute angle at its apex, and the more acute this angle, the more efficiently the weight of the structure is directed downward onto the vertical supports and the less horizontal thrust is created at the base of the arch. This allowed for wider spans without additional support structures, which facilitated the construction of larger and more complex buildings during the Gothic era.

Question 21

Identify, date, describe

Answer 21

Nave of Amiens Cathedral, 1247

Gothic style

Interior structured out of shafts and ribs supported by pillars.

Question 22

Identify, date, describe

Answer 22

Sainte-Chapelle, Paris, 1248

Ribs spread out into tracery over windows.

Meant to embody vision of the divine, or of heaven.

Question 23

Identify, date, describe

Answer 23

Notre Dame de Paris, 1250

Tracery in gallery.

Question 24

Identify, date, describe

Answer 24

Melchizedek, Abraham and Moses, Chartres Cathedral, 1194

Each figure clearly marked by an emblem that can be recognised by the faithful.

Figures also individualised.

Question 25

Identify, date, describe

Answer 25

Death of virgin, tympanum, south transept, Strasbourg Cathedral, 1230

Gothic sculpture

Looking to nature for first time since classical period

Expression of emotion in poses AND in facial expressions.

Complex composition, with some individuation

Draperies show structure of body, possibly modeled on Roman tombstones and triumphal arches

Question 26

Identify, date, describe

Answer 26

Ekkehart and Uta, founders of Naumburg Cathedral, Germany, 1260

Striking realism of poses

Draperies show structure of body

Question 27

Identify, date, describe

Answer 27

Entombment of Christ, 1300, From Psalter manuscript, Bonmont Abbey, Switzerland

Emphasis on expression of feeling –Virgin bending over Christ, St John wringing hands.

Hieratic scale –servants much smaller.

Hats are those worn by jews in Middle Ages.

Focus on composition and pattern, but leap forward in realism from Romanesque art.

Question 28

What is a psalter?

Answer 28

Volume containing Book of Psalms, often with other devotional material bound in as well, such as a liturgical calendar and litany of the Saints.

Question 29

Identify, date, describe

Answer 29

An elephant and keeper, Matthew Paris, 1255

Rare example of medieval drawing from life –which only occurred when no established model to copy.

Shows that medieval artists did understand proportions, just didn’t think them important.

Question 30

While in 13th century France, the gothic style was flourishing, Italian churches were still decorated with _______ in the ‘_____ manner’

Answer 30

While in 13th century France, the gothic style was flourishing, Italian churches were still decorated with mosaics in the ‘Greek manner’

Question 31

Identify, date, describe

Question 32

Nicola Pisano dates?

Answer 32

1220-1284

Question 33

What were the two main influences on Nicola Pisano?

Answer 33

1) French gothic sculpture
2) Classical sculpture (sarcophagi)

Question 34

Why is it easier for sculptors than painters to create realistic work?

Answer 34

Sculptor doesn’t need to worry about creating an illusion of depth through foreshortening and modelling in light and shade.

Statue stands in real space and real light.

Question 35

What two main features of ancient art did Byzantine art preserve, which allowed it to inspire the Renaissance?

Answer 35

1 Modelling in light and shade.

2 Correct understanding of foreshortening.

Question 36

Why are frescoes so named?

Answer 36

Because painted on wall while plaster is still fresh (i.e., wet)

Question 37

Identify, date, describe

Answer 37

Faith, Giotto di Bondone, 1305, Capella dell’Arena, Padua

Gives illusion of statue –foreshortening of arms, modelling of face and neck, shadows of drapery.

Nothing like this done for 1000 years –rediscovery of creation of illusion of depth on flat surface.

Question 38

Identify, date, describe

Answer 38

The Mourning of Christ, Giotto di Bondone, 1305, Capella dell’Arena, Padua

Witness real event as though happening on stage.

Expression of emotion in faces and poses.