Gothic Cathedrals by Savannah Carson (Art & Culture #2: Architecual or Literary work)

    Over the course of history, human beings have created some of the
most beautiful and unique pieces of art. Some of them plain and simple
such as the classical Greek sculptures, and some of them of the most
intricate detail, like the massive pyramids of Egypt, all created with
an important reason or meaning to that particular culture. From the
large statues of Easter Island to the stained glass that covers church
walls, the various types of art all have fascinating stories or
purposes behind them. One type of art I found to have the most
significance and the most beautiful of appearances would be gothic
cathedrals.
    The start of gothic cathedrals began around 1200 and lasted about 300
years until 1500. Gothic cathedrals were developed from, and inspired
by, Norman architecture. Cathedrals alone began in the reign of
William the Conqueror. In this time the cathedrals built were
appointed Norman bishops by William, so naturally the cathedrals had a
Normandy style influence. Built by poorly skilled Saxons, the details
on these cathedrals were limited, using large blocks of stone and
creating large hollow walls. A man named Abbot Suger believed that the
churches or cathedrals at that time were too dull; he imagined a
church so enormous and incredible that everyone would want to attend
and it would appear to reach the heavens. This idea, along with the
increased knowledge of architecture and engineering over time, began
the era of gothic cathedrals.

    
The architects began a new method of building; with more advanced
tools the architects were able to shape stone more precisely allowing
them to put each stone in place with a more perfect fit to the stone
beside it. They also used these advancements to create solid walls and
pillars which allowed the cathedrals to withstand more weight and made
them much stronger. They not only paid closer attention to the
structural security of these massive buildings but also to the ornate
detail that makes them so astonishing. Some of the most obvious
details are the large pointed arches and the ribbed vaulting, but if
you take a closer look you will find some very fascinating details
which show just how dedicated the people were to their religion and
their place of worship. The carvings of the exterior were precise and
almost skeletal-like, some of the detail appearing to be symmetrical.
They added much more stained glass to the cathedrals giving the inside
a luminous glow, however, with the addition of this excessive glass
came a much more complex building style; flying buttresses were
created to allow the buildings to stand higher creating the more
vertical architectural design they sought after while still being able
to incorporate the beautiful glass designs. The invention of these
flying buttresses allowed for higher ceilings, which in turn made it
possible for a larger interior, which are just as beautifully detailed
and unique as their exteriors. The height of these buildings had much
significance, like Abbot Suger had imagined them; the cathedrals were
intended to appear to reach the heavens. Although the pointed arches
that the cathedrals are so well known for today are beautiful and help
to create the overwhelmingly large and captivating appearance, they
were not just designed to be stunning, they hold much architectural
logic. The large arches are flexible enough to be at such heights
without the fear of them breaking, and they direct the weight of the
cathedral to the most structurally sound areas at the base at a steep
angle, creating a more stable structure. These magnificent creations
were primarily used for daily religious services and as the seat of
the local bishop or archbishop but were also used for weddings,
christenings, and funerals.
    By examining the complexity of these large buildings it becomes
apparent that they are much more than large churches, they are
magnificent pieces of art, arguably the most beautiful of the world.