What does Gothic architecture symbolize?
Light of God. The Gothic style saw the widespread use of stained glass. Light represented enlightenment, purity and spirituality and, thus, was associated with God. To fill the church with light was to fill it with the presence of the Almighty.
What are the key visual features of the Gothic in architecture?
While the Gothic style can vary according to location, age, and type of building, it is often characterized by 5 key architectural elements: large stained glass windows, pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and ornate decoration.
What are 4 elements that make a cathedral Gothic in style?
Buildings and cathedrals built during this period typically had four distinct levels: a ground-level, tribune gallery level, triforium gallery level, and an upper, windowed level called a clerestory, which were supported by patterns of columns and arches.
What symbolizes Gothic?
Pentacle. Most commonly known as the pentagram, pentacle jewelry and their meanings are often linked to Satan and death. But this only works if the pentacle is worn upside-down. Despite its most commonly believed meaning, the pentacle is one of the most popular gothic symbols.
What did Gothic cathedral symbolize?
Based on empirical technology, the medieval cathedral provided the Middle Ages with an impressive house of worship, a community center, a symbol of religious and civic pride, and a constant reminder of the power and presence of God and the church.
What does a gargoyle represent?
In addition to the practical function of projecting water away from a building, gargoyles were also intended to symbolise ‘guardianship’ of the building and to ward off evil spirits. Their open mouths were symbolic of them devouring giants.
What is the most important element in Gothic architecture?
The most fundamental element of the Gothic style of architecture is the pointed arch, which was likely borrowed from Islamic architecture that would have been seen in Spain at this time. The pointed arch relieved some of the thrust, and therefore, the stress on other structural elements.
What’s the flying buttress meaning?
flying buttress, masonry structure typically consisting of an inclined bar carried on a half arch that extends (“flies”) from the upper part of a wall to a pier some distance away and carries the thrust of a roof or vault. The flying buttress evolved in the Gothic era from earlier simpler, hidden supports.
What is the rib of a vault?
rib vault, also called ribbed vault, in building construction, a skeleton of arches or ribs on which masonry can be laid to form a ceiling or roof. The arches are located at the joints of the vaults and carry the weight of the ceiling.