Medieval Architectur

eMs. Catsos

Western Civilization

Essential Questions• How did architecture change during

the Middle Ages?• What techniques define Gothic

architecture?• What does architecture reveal

about the values and worldviews of medieval people?

Two Styles• Romanesque:• 500-1000

• Gothic: • 1050-1400

Romanesque Architecture

Describe this Church. Why do you think this style was called Romanesque?

Early Middle Ages- Romanesque Architecture

• Reflected Roman influences• Like fortresses: thick walls and

towers• Roof was a barrel vault, a long

tunnel of stone • Very few or no windows

Romanesque Floor Plan• What is this floor

plan symbolic of?

Romanesque Interior• Round arches• Simple ceiling• Dark with few

windows

Gothic Architecture• Notre Dame

Cathedral, Paris• At first glance, how

is it different from Romanesque churches?

Gothic Architecture• Pointed arches• Flying buttresses• Stained glass windows• Elaborate, ornate interior• Taller and more airy- let in light• Elaborate, larger than life sculpture

St. Denis Cathedral, Paris

• Abbot Suger hoped that St. Denis would “shine with wonderful and uninterrupted light”

• One of the first truly “gothic” Cathedrals

Interior of St. Denis

Above: A round “rose window”Right: Tall, pointed arches with stained glass windows

Saint Denis: Ribbed vaulting

Notre Dame, Paris, 1163-1250

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/maxpages/classes/his211/Lecture%20Seven/technical_terms.htm

Flying Buttresses Three Stories

Notre Dame Cathedral

flying buttresses

Gargoyle of Notre Dame Cathedral

Stained Glass Windows

• Show Bible stories, saints, or Christian symbols

• Every panel is a different color

Which cathedral is an example of Romanesque architecture (early middle ages)? Which is an example of Gothic architecture (late middle ages)? Provide at least 3 ways you know you are right for each.

#1 #2

Response Questions

• What was the purpose of the cathedral in medieval times?

• Why were medieval cathedrals called “stone bibles”?

• How could cathedrals help Christianity grow stronger?

• What does architecture reveal about the values and worldviews of medieval people?

Task: Stained glass window

• Select a religious scene and create a drawing in the style of a stained glass window. Use a different section for each color.

• In 2-3 sentences, write a description of your scene and of the techniques that you used.