In What Ways Did Gothic Art and Architecture Symbolize the Order of God's Universe?

Dasha Torokhova

HUM 100

Professor Faimen

Assignment #2

9/14/16

In what ways did Gothic art and architecture symbolize the order of God's universe?

Gothic art and architecture lasted from mid 12th century to the end of the 16th century. Architecture was seen as the most important art form during the gothic period, creating famous buildings and cathedrals that are visited by thousands till this day. Gothic style helped to solve problems such as building taller buildings and allowing more light into the space. Paris became the home of Gothic art and became the point that drew different artists and architectures.

The key to Gothic style was something different, art that connected people with God and architecture that allowed new ways of construction. Flying buttresses were introduced to allow buildings to have bigger windows. These stained glass windows not only allowed more daylight into the building but also gave a feeling of light and heaven.

The connection to God was felt through the high ceilings that were designed due to pointed arches. Pointed arches became a replacement for the round arches when Gothic architecture was introduced. With this change architectures were able to raise the ceilings, allowing the visitors of the cathedrals to feel the space within God’s universe.

Many architectures started to use significant numbers such as three which represented the holy trinity and twelve apostles. This helped people not only to look at the design of windows and walls as art but see a deeper meaning and recognize the idea behind the artist's mind.

Gothic style rapidly spread over Europe allowing more and more people to learn about God through colors, statues, light