The Renaissance & Gothic Era
Chronology and Historical Context
Although the Renaissance and Gothic Eras were part of the Middle Ages-- the latter half-- their culture and ideals were enough to set them apart from the medieval ages completely. The result was a blending effect of these time periods. This mixing of cultures accounted for the mixed architectural designs and the blending of cultural beliefs both the interpretive and philosophical (The Renaissance), and the dark and religious (Gothic Era). This anachronism has proved to be difficult for many scholars attempting to unlock the mystery of the middle ages.
If a chronological progression had to be assigned, however, it would go like this:
Anglo-Saxon Period ----> Middle Ages (Early/High/Late) ----> The Renaissance ----> The Gothic Era
Although the Renaissance and Gothic Eras were part of the Middle Ages-- the latter half-- their culture and ideals were enough to set them apart from the medieval ages completely. The result was a blending effect of these time periods. This mixing of cultures accounted for the mixed architectural designs and the blending of cultural beliefs both the interpretive and philosophical (The Renaissance), and the dark and religious (Gothic Era). This anachronism has proved to be difficult for many scholars attempting to unlock the mystery of the middle ages.
If a chronological progression had to be assigned, however, it would go like this:
Anglo-Saxon Period ----> Middle Ages (Early/High/Late) ----> The Renaissance ----> The Gothic Era
The Renaissance
The Renaissance overlapped the Middle Ages, and extended into the Gothic Era. This time period marked the revival of literature and the arts, which had been lost during the enlightenment of the Medieval period. Almost all of these ideals sprouted from Christianity, and its continual dominance of western Europe. Although it varies based on country, the Renaissance collectively began around 1300. Among the most influenced by this time frame was the country of Italy. There, painters such as Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo emerged. Artwork focused on perspective, shadow, an emotion. The Renaissance could be compared to the United State's Romanticism movement. [8] |
This time period saw less urban development and architectural feats, and more art advancements. Mural paintings became popular, and song and dance spread quickly. There was a certain "intangible" feel to the Renaissance. However, the Renaissance did see some religious-inspired buildings erected, notably the Dome of Florence Basilica. It was also during this time that some basic architectural concepts were developed, ones that still hold true today. These encompass: large, high-ceiling buildings, stained glass windows (especially for churches), wide and ventilated aisle ways, and the idea of art being expressed both in buildings and through buildings. [9]
The Gothic Era
Even more so than the Renaissance, the Gothic Era had deep religious ties. Aspects of Christianity were exemplified in everyday life-- in the food Europeans ate, the art and music they created, and in the structures they built. Where the Renaissance left off, the Gothic Era began. Again, there is no official start date, and the time countries began the Gothic Era varies. But most western Europe countries had begun the Gothic Era by 1400. The Gothic Era, as the name suggests, was full of dark designs and haunting styles. This brought about the "dark" side of Christianity, and balanced the airy feeling of the Renaissance. The Gothic Era could be compared to the United State's Dark Romanticism movement.
The Gothic Era saw less art than the Renaissance, but had much greater architectural development. While grand cathedrals and churches were being built, society accepted new art forms. These designs turned into things such as gargoyles, fountains, monuments, and statues; all reflecting the Gothic style. Architecturally, concepts like pointy, jagged buildings, smooth and expressive sculptures, and dark, condemning, and omniscient styles became of value. While history would continue to progress, many aspects of the Gothic Era (either physical or imaginative) still remain with us today.[10]
Even more so than the Renaissance, the Gothic Era had deep religious ties. Aspects of Christianity were exemplified in everyday life-- in the food Europeans ate, the art and music they created, and in the structures they built. Where the Renaissance left off, the Gothic Era began. Again, there is no official start date, and the time countries began the Gothic Era varies. But most western Europe countries had begun the Gothic Era by 1400. The Gothic Era, as the name suggests, was full of dark designs and haunting styles. This brought about the "dark" side of Christianity, and balanced the airy feeling of the Renaissance. The Gothic Era could be compared to the United State's Dark Romanticism movement.
The Gothic Era saw less art than the Renaissance, but had much greater architectural development. While grand cathedrals and churches were being built, society accepted new art forms. These designs turned into things such as gargoyles, fountains, monuments, and statues; all reflecting the Gothic style. Architecturally, concepts like pointy, jagged buildings, smooth and expressive sculptures, and dark, condemning, and omniscient styles became of value. While history would continue to progress, many aspects of the Gothic Era (either physical or imaginative) still remain with us today.[10]
ESL and Popular Culture. "Beautiful Gothic Architecture." Online Video Clip. Youtube. Youtube, 13 May 2013. Web. Nov. 15 2015
However different, The Renaissance and Gothic Era served as time periods that revived the arts and literature, and sparked the building of many religious-based pieces of architecture.