Antiques -> Decorative-Arts
Gothic art refers to any art, whether it’s a painting, a sculpture, or some other medium, created from about the mid-12th century through the end of the 14th century. Art was still created over the next century that’s often called International Gothic, but this type of art was more secular and generally had a more natural style than the Gothic art produced during the preceding 200 hundred years. It’s those 200 years that are considered the span of the Gothic art movement. The last century of International Gothic eventually turned into the Renaissance period.
Gothic architecture that was often used in cathedrals was created during the same 200-year period as the art. France was the birthplace of Gothic art, with the change springing from changes in the Romanesque style of art. Sculptures, paintings, fresco and stained glass were some of the most popular mediums.
Gothic art began as sculptures of Christian icons, and then artwork telling Christian stories. Eventually the art style became popular in the secular world, with it being used to tell non-religious stories, as well. It was during the Gothic period that often artists were required to belong to some sort of artists’ trade guild. Recordkeeping for artists and their work was more detailed than ever before. More Gothic artists are known than from any of the previous eras. It was also during the Gothic period that some artist began regularly signing their names to their work.
Gothic sculpture became a huge part of the movement, and popularized the idea of sculptures of Saints and other figures in cathedrals and abbeys. The first building considered to have been created in the Gothic style is the abbey at St. Denis, built in the early 12th century. Other buildings followed, with the idea becoming popular in Germany and throughout the rest of Europe.
Paintings done in that style didn’t really start to appear for half a century after the sculptures became popular. And like with many era changes, there’s no one moment when it’s clear that the Romanesque style had been replaced with Gothic art—the change is gradual, with more animated expressions and body poses, and slightly more realistic ratios as far as size. Panel paintings and illuminated manuscripts represent a huge amount of Gothic paintings. Oil paintings on stretched canvas weren’t really popular until the Renaissance period that would follow.
For this reason, finding authentic Gothic art from the original period is very difficult, and very expensive. Most surviving art is in the form of illustrations and sculptures. For the avid collector, a dealer is probably the best way to find pieces, though some sellers on eBay tend to specialize and may be helpful.
Reproductions and a variety of types of art in that style have been created since the end of the movement, of course, and almost any kind of dark, fantasy or Celtic art today is often called Gothic. Some vintage Gothic art done in an authentic style created just 100 years ago can be quite valuable.
Originally posted 2008-12-27 14:00:48. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Related Posts -
Antique Collection Some people falsely believe that the passion for accumulating a variety of antique treasures in an antique collection is an addiction, such as being a pack rat, but this is not actually true. The truth about going antiquing is that while it may be infectious, it is certainly not a...... -
Stained Glass Windows Antiques -> Architectural and Garden -> Stained Glass Windows-> Pre-1900 Stained glass windows are more than just functional windows, they are works of art that can express exalted meanings or simply beautify a room. When you are shopping for antique stained glass, it’s important to understand the amount of time...... - Antique Lighting Antiques -> Decorative Arts -> Lamps Whether you are trying to restore an older home and would like to keep it in the period style, or you just appreciate older light fixtures, antique lighting has much to offer. There are many different styles from Victorian, to Art Deco to Modern......
-
Antique Bird Cages Dealers -> Antiques -> Decorative-Arts Years ago, before the introduction of plastics and resins, even animals’ indoor homes like antique bird cages were considered beautiful pieces of furniture. Of course, some were plain and utilitarian, but many more were actually created in the popular furniture styles of the times. Bird...... - Art Deco Furniture Antiques -> Periods and Styles -> Art Deco Art deco furniture antiques are highly sought after and are often very unique pieces. If you love this time period, or if you are simply looking for furniture that transcends the every day mundane design, art deco furniture is the perfect choice.......
Related Websites -
Wall Tapestries Dealers -> Textiles-Linens -> Tapestries A wall tapestry can be a beautiful addition to your home, whether it's a reproduction or an antique piece. A tapestry is much more than a woven cloth that covers the wall, it's often a piece of history that tells a story, and speaks...... - Pin Up Posters Memorabilia -> Movie Memorabilia -> Posters Pin up posters might not have the popularity today that they once did, but most people will immediately recognize some of the most popular pin up moments from the heyday of beautiful pin up models. Marilyn Monroe was a pin up queen in her......
- Divine? Charmed, I'm sure! Some months ago, I recently received several samples of Divine Parfums from Dinard on the coast of Brittany. Four were for women; two for men. I was charmed by this quote: Creating a perfume is a noble art, comparable to music, painting and literature. An essence of life you share......
-
Love art? Head to Louvre Atlanta By Alison Woo, Travel Maven European art treasures visit the United States in unprecedented partnership If you are one of the millions of people who love art but can’t go across “the pond” to see one of the greatest museums in the world – Paris’ The Louvre – then worry...... - Crystal Chandelier Collectibles -> Lamps, Lighting -> Ceiling Fixtures The crystal chandelier got its start in the 1600s in England, when the use of lead glass became common and even popular. Originally used in medieval abbeys and churches to light up the cavernous rooms, the chandelier started out as a wooden cross......
