Since all I can think about right now is my Traditio final tomorrow morning, I am going to post about architecture. We have been examining how Gothic architecture was influenced by the philosophy of the time, and I think (I hope) I've come up with some brilliant insights to share with my teacher in my final tomorrow. So here they are.
Although it's hard to pinpoint a time, Gothic architecture seems to have begun in the mid-12th century. This coincides nicely with the rise of Scholasticism in Europe. Before scholasticism the primary style of architecture for cathedrals was Romanesque. These buildings conveyed a simple elegance, sitting solidly on the earth with no presumptions of climbing heavenward. Their square structures and dark interiors conveyed the idea that these cathedrals were great castles. They mirrored the Christian thinking of the time, which fervently guarded against outside ideas penetrating and corrupting the faith.
But with the rise of Scholasticism the cathedral's shape began to look very different. The ancient Greek texts of Plato and Aristotle were finally translated into Latin, and their method of looking at the world was examined by Christians and often times incorporated into their own theology. The Scholastics were known for their openness to philosophy, their love of reason, and their attention to detail when examining the Christian faith.
These Gothic cathedrals contained extremely beautiful and complicated detailing, similar to the intricate writings of the Christian thinkers. Like Aquinas’ questiones, the cathedrals’ ornamentation was divided and subdivided numerous times, creating a picture of calculated preciseness and attention to the inherent connection of life. Instead of appearing as fortresses guarding against outside ideas, Gothic cathedrals were open and inviting. With the addition of stain-glass windows the interior of the churches became lighter, and the countless spires and turrets pointed man upward, inviting him to soar with his ideas to the presence of God. Whereas with Romanesque architecture philosophy and reason were not welcome and cathedrals defended the supremacy of the faith, Gothic architecture invited philosophy to walk her illuminated hallways and admire the rational intricacies of her decoration.
Here are a few cathedrals whose Gothic architecture I think summarizes these points nicely. These pictures are from Salisbury, Reims, and Laon Cathedral.
2 comments:
thank you for advancing my education on gothic and romanesque architecture. this is how i get me some college learning.
Interesting stuff. I hope that Traditio teacher of yours agrees.
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