Gothic Sculpture
Romanesque art gave way to Gothic art and architecture which was exemplified by its great Cathedrals. The Gothic Cathedrals are among man’s most extraordinary creations. They were a symbol of the Universe. Their structure reflected the rationality of God’s creation, where stained glass windows, sculptures and mural paintings illustrated the messages of the Bible. Their construction required the activity of many architects, builders, masons, sculptors, stonecutters, painters, stain-glass makers, carpenters, metalworkers, and jewelers.
The sculpture of the period was conceived for the embellishment of cathedrals. Sculptures invaded the cathedral façades, tympanums, arch moldings, portals, pillars of the choirs and tombs. The first change in the evolution from the Romanesque style was evident in the Western Portal of Chartres Cathedral. Here sculptors created figures with long cylindrical shapes, delicate drapery lines, and serene, quiet faces. These figures acted as columns and were the decisive steps towards the creation of a new sculpture. From then onwards the human figure became more realistic and graceful, with individualized faces, natural poses and gestures. In this period the image of the Virgin changed because she is young, smiling, elegantly dressed, and playing with her Son. The elements of sufferance are clearly demonstrated on Christ nailed to the Cross. An intensified realism is visible in tomb sculptures, which were placed in lateral chapels inside the churches. These were commissioned by the nobles and bourgeoisie and they showed the dead person lying on a bed with clasped hands in a praying position.
Statues carved out of the same block as the column evolved into sculptures “in the round”. The free-standing sculpture is meant to be viewed from all sides, with no other function but to be admired. In Italy, Gothic influences merged with classical and naturalistic elements. The most famous Masters were Nicola Pisano, his son Giovanni Pisano, Arnolfo di Cambio.
