4.1 Evolution of Gothic sculptural styles

Gothic sculpture evolved dramatically from the 12th to 15th centuries. It started with a shift from rigid Romanesque figures to more natural, expressive forms in church portals and tympana. Early Gothic sculptures showed elongated figures and flowing drapery.

High Gothic sculpture in the 13th century pushed naturalism even further. Sculptors captured human emotions and introduced the contrapposto pose. Late Gothic saw a return to stylized forms and ornate details in the International Gothic style.

Transition and Early Gothic Styles

Shift from Romanesque to Gothic Sculpture

Top images from around the web for Shift from Romanesque to Gothic Sculpture

• 

  File:Paris-notre-dame-facade.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Chartres Cathedral - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Gothic art - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Paris-notre-dame-facade.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Chartres Cathedral - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Shift from Romanesque to Gothic Sculpture

• 

  File:Paris-notre-dame-facade.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Chartres Cathedral - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Gothic art - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  File:Paris-notre-dame-facade.jpg - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Chartres Cathedral - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Gothic sculpture emerged as a distinct style from Romanesque in the 12th century
• Characterized by increased naturalism and emotional expression compared to the more stylized and rigid Romanesque figures
• Early Gothic sculpture often featured in church portals, tympana, and capitals
• Key examples of transitional works include the sculpture at the Royal Portal of Chartres Cathedral (1145-1155) and the west facade of Notre-Dame de Paris (begun 1163)

Evolving Figure Proportions and Poses

• Gothic figures became more elongated and slender compared to the squat proportions of Romanesque sculpture
• Introduction of the S-curve pose, where the figure's body assumes a sinuous, S-shaped stance
  • Creates a sense of movement and grace
  • Exemplified in the Visitation group at Reims Cathedral (c. 1225-1245)
• Drapery styles also evolved, with fabric folds becoming more naturalistic and flowing
  • Drapery often used to emphasize the body's contours and movement
  • Evident in the Annunciation and Visitation group at Reims Cathedral

High Gothic Sculpture

Refinement and Naturalism

• High Gothic sculpture, developed in the 13th century, represents the pinnacle of Gothic sculptural achievement
• Characterized by increased naturalism in the depiction of human figures and emotions
• Sculptors aimed to capture the essence of the human form and spirit
• Key examples include the sculpture at the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris (c. 1243-1248) and the west facade of Reims Cathedral (c. 1225-1255)

Expressive Faces and Contrapposto

• High Gothic sculptors paid greater attention to facial expressions, conveying a range of emotions
  • Serene, smiling faces of the angels at Reims Cathedral
  • Anguished expressions of the damned in Last Judgment tympana
• Introduction of contrapposto, a pose where the figure's weight is shifted onto one leg
  • Creates a more natural, asymmetrical stance
  • Adds a sense of movement and vitality to the figures
  • Exemplified in the Ekkehard and Uta statues at Naumburg Cathedral (c. 1245-1260)

Late Gothic Developments

International Gothic Style

• Late Gothic sculpture, from the late 13th to the 15th century, saw the emergence of the International Gothic style
• Characterized by a softening of the earlier High Gothic naturalism and a return to more stylized, decorative forms
• Figures became more elongated, with smaller heads and more elaborate drapery
  • Evident in the Well of Moses sculpture by Claus Sluter at the Chartreuse de Champmol (1395-1406)
• Increased emphasis on ornamental details and luxury materials, such as ivory and precious metals
  • Exemplified in the Reliquary of St. Taurinus (c. 1240-1255) and the Virgin and Child statue from Paris (c. 1300)
• International Gothic style spread throughout Europe, influencing sculpture production in France, Germany, England, and beyond