Gothic

Period from the 12^th to 15^th centuries.

The Gothic period is the time of cathedrals, of vast ribbed vaults, stained glass windows, flying buttresses and gargoyles, but also of the beginning of secular architecture and art, with the rise of universities and a rich merchant class able to patronize art. Architecture grew more and more audacious reaching high up to the sky, emphazing verticality; the walls became skeletal allowing for large expanses of light streaming through bright colorful stained glass windows and rosettes. All was geared to express the glory of God and the insignificance of the mortal being who was however now represented in a softer more human way.

• photo 1 : Interior elevation of the Cathedral of Sées, in Normandy, showing ribbed vaults.
• photo 2 : Rosace, Cathedral of Strasbourg (1190-1439), interior view.
• photo 3 : Rosace, Cathedral of Strabourg (1190-1439), exterior view.