Gothic Paintings - Thoughtful Realism in Art
Gothic paintings are a by-product of the
Gothic
style of architecture and sculpture that gave rise to the construction of numerous cathedrals across Europe during the 12th century. This became the dominant
style of
painting that lasted for two hundred years, starting from the 13th century to the 15th century.
These
paintings are characterized by their serious, expressive quality and their great emphasis on realism. The
artworks of the period depicted the changes that took place in Europe as it moved on to a more civilized society after the dark ages, marking a new era of magnificence, progress and wealth.
This
style of
painting was first adopted by artists in Italy particularly for religious
paintings towards the end of the 13th century until the 15th century.
Italian painters had the special talent for creating characters that was very realistic making them come alive in the
paintings.
Often referred to as a narrative composition, the painters produced characters that seemed to be speaking with each other through their body language and facial expression.
Gothic Paintings and Their Representations
Paintings in
Gothic
style were primarily represented on four types of surfaces namely fresco, panel
paintings, manuscript illumination and stained glass. Frescos are wall
paintings put on newly applied plaster and became the primary graphic representation of the
Gothic
style of
painting found mainly in cathedral walls throughout southern Europe.
Stained glass
artworks reached its peak during the
Gothic era that made it the preferred form of
art during the time especially in France.
However, panel
paintings displaced stained glass in popularity before the arrival of canvas. Panel
paintings were usually found in churches located behind the altar that served as a visual background.
Illuminated manuscripts are texts that were enhanced with illustrations or decorations like borders or initials typically with silver or gold, but today the term applies to any document that has been decorated.
Written by: Anthony Recto
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