Tap or drag the canvas to stir it · open any work to paint it with that work's colours.
Overview
What is Gothic Art?
c. 1140 – 1500Period
FranceBegan in
12Key artists on this page
12Works with free images
10Museums to visit
Gothic art was a style of medieval art that developed in Northern France out of Romanesque art in the 12th century, led by the concurrent development of Gothic architecture. It spread to all of Western Europe, and much of Northern, Southern and Central Europe, never quite effacing more classical styles in Italy. In the late 14th century, the sophisticated court style of International Gothic developed, which continued to evolve until the late 15th century. In many areas, especially Germany, Late Gothic art continued well into the 16th century, before being subsumed into Renaissance art. Primary media in the Gothic period included sculpture, panel painting, stained glass, fresco and illuminated manuscripts.From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Original Art Movements text
This is the text that appeared on this page on the original Art Movements site. It is kept for reference; some statements are simplified or out of date. Where it differs from the overview, characteristics and dates above, which are checked against Wikipedia and Wikidata, trust those instead.
This style prevailed between the 12th century and the 16th century in Europe. Mainly an architectural movement, Gothic was characterised by its detailed ornamentation most noticeably the pointed archways and elaborate rib vaulting.
First developed in France, Gothic was intended as a solution to the inadequacies of Romanesque architecture. It allowed for cathedrals to be built with thinner walls and it became possible to introduce stained glass windows instead of traditional mosaic decorations. Some of the finest examples of the style include the cathedrals of Chartres, Reims and Amiens. The term was also used to describe sculpture and painting that demonstrated a greater degree of naturalism.
Annunciation with Saints Maxima and Ansanus by Simone Martini, 1333 · Wikimedia Commons · CC0
Period
c. 1140 – 1500
Began in
France
Key artists
Giotto, Simone Martini, Arnolfo di Cambio, Nicola Pisano
Related
Medieval & Gothic Art, Renaissance, Flemish School
How to recognise it
Key characteristics of Gothic Art
Began in architecture with pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses
Huge stained-glass windows filled churches with coloured light
Sculpture and painting became more naturalistic and emotional
Elegant, swaying figures and rich detail in the 'International Gothic' style around 1400
Panel paintings and altarpieces with gold-leaf backgrounds
Timeline
When was Gothic Art?
Gothic Art is usually dated c. 1140 – 1500, beginning in France. Dates for art movements are approximate: artists joined and left, and styles overlapped.
The art of the cathedral age: soaring architecture, stained glass and increasingly lifelike sculpture and painting.
When was Gothic Art?
Gothic Art: c. 1140 – 1500. It began in France. Dates for art movements are approximate.
What are the main characteristics of Gothic Art?
Began in architecture with pointed arches, ribbed vaults and flying buttresses; Huge stained-glass windows filled churches with coloured light; Sculpture and painting became more naturalistic and emotional; Elegant, swaying figures and rich detail in the 'International Gothic' style around 1400; Panel paintings and altarpieces with gold-leaf backgrounds.
Who are the most famous Gothic Art artists?
Giotto, Simone Martini, Arnolfo di Cambio, Nicola Pisano, Carlo Crivelli.
What are some famous Gothic Art works?
Annunciation with Saints Maxima and Ansanus by Simone Martini; Palazzi Barbaro; Death playing chess by Albertus Pictor; Adoration of the Magi by Gentile da Fabriano; Wilton Diptych.
Where can I see Gothic Art art?
Uffizi Gallery (Florence, Italy), Palazzo Pubblico (Siena, Italy), San Marco (Venice, Italy), Täby Church (Sweden), National Gallery (London, United Kingdom) hold works shown on this page.
_Frontal_d%27altar_d%27Avi%C3%A0_-_Museu_Nacional_d%27Art_de_Catalunya.jpg)
