Gothic Art - The French Art Domination of High Gothic Era

French Art & Architecture dominated the art scene of Europe between the twelfth to fifteenth centuries. Gothic Art matured during the High Gothic Period and found great expression in architecture. Sculpting, panel painting, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, and frescos were the other dominant High Gothic Art forms, carrying 'Christian' & 'Secular' essence, and presented in 'Typological' format.


French Cathedrals are perhaps the greatest glory of the High Gothic Era. The "Beauvais Cathedral," built on the same principles as Chartres, was the last and the highest of all High Gothic structures. This style featured elaborate geometric designs with plate and bar tracery and structured sculpting, thereby concentrating on giving a visual treat. A breathtaking example of 'Rayonnant' Style cathedral is "Sainte-Chapelle" (1248). 'Great Rose Windows' adorning the west facades of French cathedrals are perhaps the finest achievement of 'Rayonnant' architecture. 'Rayonnant' architecture spread all over Europe, such as "The Cologne Cathedral" (1248-1880) in Rhineland Germany, and "The Leon" (thirteenth to sixteenth century) & "The Toledo Cathedrals" (1226-1493) in Spain.


Sculptures gained prominence in the High Gothic Era, as they decorated the exteriors of cathedrals and other religious monuments. Sculpting and painting witnessed radical changes during the High Gothic Period. This style came to be known as the 'International Gothic Style.' The sculpting in "The Strasbourg Cathedral" (1176-1439, Germany) presents one of the most superior works of this period. The sculptures of Pisa Baptistery Pulpit (1269) and the Siena Pulpit (1265-68) are the landmark works of Italian High Gothic Style.


Gothic Paintings took off during the High Gothic Period. They carried the influence of the 'International Gothic Style.' Christian and Romanesque frescoes colored Southern Europe, while stained glass adorned the Northern Europe.

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