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
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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)
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