Gothic Reflections

I really enjoyed a lot of the things the Dana said in her blog.  She commented about how amazing it is that these beautiful and immensely detailed buildings were created so long ago, which I completely agree with.  I am always amazed and baffled by the fact that with so little technology they could still create such structures.  Her comment on how thinking of the Gothic period kind of brings to mind feelings of darkness and depression was also very relatable, because before seeing Notre Dame and other Gothic structures I felt the same way, but now I don't associate those feelings with Gothic as much.

This week I also looked at Emily's blog.  She talked about how churches were the center of city life, which is why they are such a great example of Gothic architecture and why they are so detailed and constructed with such care.  This is also the reason that today we see churches and cathedrals as the best examples of old Gothic architecture.  Emily also discussed that the churches were built in a vertical style because the goal was to have a person's eyes and soul lift up toward God, which I thought was a very interesting concept and something I didn't think about before.

Gothic

Gothic art and architecture evolved from the Romanesque period, and served as a bridge from the Romanesque to the Renaissance.  Gothic architecture is known for its pointed arch, ribbed vault, and flying buttress.  In terms of buildings, Gothic architecture is most prominent in churches and cathedrals, although it can also be seen in other building types.  For the most part Gothic architecture was embraced in Northern France, England, and Spain, although it can also be found elsewhere.

I personally feel that Gothic architecture is beautiful.  When I spent a semester abroad I went to Paris and got to see Notre Dame firsthand.  It is an amazing cathedral, and even though I studied in Rome and got to see innumerable beautiful churches, I think that Notre Dame in Paris is one of the most stunning.  The outside is intricate and there are details, gargoyles, and carvings everywhere, but the real masterpiece is the interior.

As soon as you walk in you are struck by a feeling of massiveness.  As I talked about in class I was mesmerized by the stained glass windows.  There are so many inside the cathedral and each is unique and exquisitely detailed.  I cannot fathom the time and concentration it must have taken to create those windows, but it definitely paid off because they are extremely beautiful.  I would go back in a heartbeat, because there is so much detail inside this place that there is no way to take it all in at once. I am sure that it would be equally as stunning to see again.

Gothic architecture and design can still be seen today in numerous applications.  When I was thinking of current applications I immediately thought of university campuses.  I found pictures of countless universities that have utilized Gothic architecture in the design and construction of some of their buildings.

Boston University

Duke University

Gothic design and certain architectural elements can also be found in modern interior design.  Although more subtle it is still quite clear where the inspiration came from.

Here you can see the pointed arch and stained glass windows

The furniture pieces in this room drew on Gothic architecture and furniture

Modern Islamic Style Rendering

Islamic Reflections

In her blog, Rachael talked about how Islamic design is unique to the other styles we have learned about thus far. Unlike many others, Islamic design created many of their own features and styles for building instead of taking things used before them and using that as a basis for their design. She also commented about how outdoor space was extensively used, such as at the Taj Mahal, which I thought was an interesting point that I had not considered before.

Sammy discussed how mosques during this time period used brighter, lighter colors throughout, and were specifically concerned with texture rather than the rich, dark materials that had been seen previously. I really liked the pictures she chose for examples of current applications. They showed the use of color, texture, and pattern that was so important and were great representations of this time period.

Romanesque Reflections

Justine's blog began with a discussion on the development of the civilization during this time period, which I thought was really important. Schools and monasteries were developed, and at the same time learning and building were being encouraged. She also talked about how the church changed and it began to change more toward how it is today, with large areas for the growing congregation and a space for the choir.

I also looked at Natalie's blog which discussed how the churches and buildings during the Romanesque period used Roman technology. Throughout many time periods Roman building types and styles have remained as the basis for construction. She also stated that the architectural style is similar to what we will see in Medieval Europe, because the Romanesque and Medieval/Gothic style are very similar.

Islamic

Many radically different architectural styles came into popularity during the Islamic design period.  Islam began to spread throughout Europe, from Spain to Turkey and also in India. Some of the architectural features that can be found in most mosques, even to this day, include the horseshoe arch, ogival arch, and muqarnas-filled niches and domes. Islam also differed in the art that was popular. Unlike Christianity, Islamic arc focused on geometric designs and almost no representational art can be found from that period.

I was really impressed by the Mosque of Sultan Ahmed. Mosques are exquisitely decorated and extremely detailed, especially this one. There are over 20,000 handmade tiles, 50 different tulip designs, and 200 stained glass windows. That is amazing and looking at pictures of the interior I cannot even imagine what it would be like to see that in person. I find all the little details very interesting and I love how it all comes together to form a cohesive look even though there are so many different things going on.

Another mosque that I found extremely interesting is the Taj Mahal. I had heard of it before but had never heard the story behind its construction and design. It is a huge complex and a massive structure and the fact that it was built as a tomb for his deceased wife is just amazing. I never realized that the entire exterior was covered in geometric designs, I always assumed that it was plain white stone, but seeing pictures of it up close I cannot believe the time and patience it must have taken to get all that design exactly right. 

Islamic design is still very popular today, in both interior design and textile design. 

Wallpaper featuring a horseshoe arch motif

Textile fabric featuring the same type of motif

This is a table lamp featuring a muqarnas design

Horseshoe arches, the colors, and the materials all exemplify modern Islamic design

This interior has great detail, again the materials used give a sense of Islamic design, and the geometric design over the windows also signifies Islamic inspiration

Romanesque

During a 100 year time span 1,587 churches were built, that is over 15 churches a year! This really represents the growing popularity of Christianity. Churches were becoming larger to accommodate the growing masses.

Semicircular arches, as well as vaulted ceilings, became extremely popular in the new churches being built. Many aspects were changed or added to these churches as builders adapted to the needs of the congregation. Churches during this time were built and decorated using precious and expensive materials. The colors most prominently used were greens, blues, purples, and gold, all of which have a royal or elite feel about them. Bibles were also adorned with precious stones and materials. They would be made of gold, silver, or ivory and set with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls. We also see tapestries begin to become popular as well during this time period.

In stark contrast with the extravagance used in some church decoration were the living conditions of the time. Most people lived in relatively primitive housing. Made of wood, mud, or twigs and with dirt floors these homes accounted for a majority of the living quarters for the population, but because of their construction materials they do not survive to this day. While nobility lived in castles made of brick they still had to deal with the draftiness, wetness, and darkness of those structures so it does not seem that anyone was living in luxury during this time period.

Today the semicircular arch is still very popular and used in many different aspects of design, from windows to doors and even over fireplaces as shown in Frank Lloyd Wright's home in Oak Park.

Vaulted ceilings are also immensely popular, especially residentially. Whether those ceilings form an arc or a triangle, with or without beams, or in some other way decorated, you can see vaulted ceilings all over. The photo below even uses the semicircular arch along with the vaulted ceiling in a commercial setting. 

Pompeii Current Applications

Frescoes, which were immensely popular during the time of Pompeii, are also still used in design today. Although the themes and look of the frescoes may have changed the general idea and art form remain the same.

In Pompeii ceramics (vases, bowls, pots) were also very popular. Today those are still used extensively as well. Some for practical purposes and others for decoration.

Pompeii Reflections

I thought that Yo's blog post about Pompeii was excellent. I really liked how he discussed the four styles of art. He described them as first painted stucco, second architectural, third painted scenarios, and fourth large, representational scenes. What I found most interesting and helpful in understanding these four styles were the great pictures he found to represent each. The pictures really showed what he was describing and made it very easy to understand.

I also looked at Rose's blog post on Pompeii. I thought it was great that she focused on the art as well rather than the destruction of the city. It seems like when people talk about Pompeii they only think of the ruins that remain of the city, but it is interesting to hear about the city that existed for quite a while before it was destroyed.

Byzantine Reflections

I thought it was really interesting how Megan talked about the three phases of art during the Byzantine period. The first phase was the Roman, which makes sense since Constantinople and the beginnings of the Byzantine Empire were founded by a Roman emperor and Roman people. The second phase, as Megan described it was Islamic and the third was focused on this place being a spiritual center for its time. I found it very interesting how she picked up of the different phases and it helps to understand different things that happened during this time period based on their art.

I also found Melanie's blog very interesting. I really liked how she discussed the difference between Early Christian and Byzantine time periods. The two are very closely related and I thought she summed it up perfectly when she said Early Christian was more of a movement and Byzantine was a period of time. She also talked about how the Hagia Sophia was turned into a mosque after the Ottoman's conquered the Byzantine Empire. It goes to show that so much changes throughout time as different people from different religions inhabit different areas. It is similar to how once Christianity took hold in Rome the Pantheon was changed into a church, whereas here when Islam takes hold a Christian church is turned into a mosque.

Pompeii

Pompeii is an Ancient Roman City located near Naples in Southern Italy. In 79 AD Mount Vesuvius erupted and destroyed the city of Pompeii. Until 1748 the ancient city of Pompeii was buried under 15-20 feet of ash from the volcano. It was rediscovered in 1748 and excavations began in 1764.

This is a picture I took when I visited in May 2012 overlooking part of the town of Pompeii.

In ancient times, Pompeii was a city with a population around 20,000 people. The city had a complex water system, amphitheater, gymnasium, and port. The Temple of Apollo was the most important religious structure in the city before Pompeii was taken over as a Roman Republic.

Temple of Apollo with Mount Vesuvius barely visible behind.

After Pompeii was turned into a Roman Republic aqueducts were built which allowed water to flow into the city and allowing them to have that complex water system that I mentioned above. 

The ash that covered the city of Pompeii helped to preserve many structures and items of daily life throughout the years. Much of the city remains exactly how it was before 79 AD. The Forum, Baths, houses, and some large villas remain today.

Part of the Forum that still stands today.

Many aspects of their daily life also remain. Apart from homes themselves remaining there are also objects and engravings inside those homes that signify what type of business those people were involved in. Some indicate trading companies, since Pompeii had its own port, while others indicate wine makers and other tradespeople. Many frescoes and votives remain partially in tact and even fully intact. The thing that I found interesting, but very sad at the same time, was that some people were also preserved because of the ash and can be viewed in the pose in which they died during the volcanic eruption in 79 AD.

Many votives of different shapes and sizes have been discovered intact.

A mosaic that remains from a villa in Pompeii.

Here are two bodies displayed that have been preserved by the ash of Mount Vesuvius. Behind them are wall frescoes that have been well preserved. 

Early Christian Reflections

This week Jessica's blog talked a lot about the structure of the churches that were built during this time period. I thought this was great to talk about because the churches began to get larger for the large amounts of people who wanted to partake in Christianity once it became an accepted religion and the persecution of Christians stopped.

Kristina P's blog also talked about the church set up but she also discussed how the main goal of these churches and basilicas was the glorify god. She pointed out how all of the artwork represented some type of religious aspect, which we had not really seen before this time period. I think it is very interesting how things started to change and how society began to shift from worshiping multiple gods to now worshiping only one.

Byzantine

I found the Hagia Sophia to be an astounding structure. From the outside it displays a magnitude that seemed to be unrivaled at its time. The Hagia Sophia had and still has a prominent spot of the Byzantine/Istanbul architecture. It is a centrally designed church with a circular dome situated on a square base. This type of design differed from the common basilica form which was a cross shaped structure that also contained a dome. Not only is this church impressive on the outside but also on the inside. The interior is a mesmerizing display of colors, textures, artwork, mosaics, and frescoes. The structure is enormous and the high dome and high galleries surrounding make it seem even larger. 

I think it is extremely impressive that someone came up with a way to mesh so many different materials and artwork together to create a cohesive look to such a large space. I also find it interesting how back in this time period the more decoration and colors and art the better inside a structure, whereas today places seem to be plainer without as much going on inside of them as far as the design of the floors, walls, and ceiling go.

The Byzantine culture has had a large impact on design today. Big fashion houses have gained inspiration from this time period, and interior designers have also come up with creative ways to portray influences from this time period into modern designs. 

Dolce and Gabbana Fashion Show 

Here the patterned fabrics represent Byzantine influences, as well as certain other design elements.

The mosaic and wall material/texture bring in a Byzantine feeling while still portraying that this is a modern and luxurious environment.

Early Christian

As Christianity rose in popularity places that used to serve as a place for pagan worship were being turned into a Christian church. One such structure was the Pantheon. Originally it was built as a structure to all the gods but was later converted into a church for a congregation that served only one god. Churches were spectacularly decorated, with mosaics and frescoes covering almost every surface. Colors, materials, and textures varied to create a very dramatic experience within the church. Early Christian started this trend toward spectacular design that increased as more time periods passed.

Another aspect of Early Christianity that I found interesting was there use of catacombs. When I was in Italy I visited some of the catacombs and it was a very chilling experience, in my opinion. I found it very strange to be underground surrounded by rows and rows of tightly packed, almost claustrophobic, tombs. At the same time it was also interesting to consider how they went about building them and some of the engravings on the tombs were really impressive. They were so detailed and the care and time it must have taken to make those was hard to fathom.

Today, a lot of the motifs common back in the Early Christian time period are still popular within Christianity. The cross has come to be the overall symbol of Christianity throughout the world. The cross is represented in wall art, sculpture, and jewelry.

Other motifs that are still widely used are the dove and the "fish," which we actually learned in class was a sort of symbol in early times to determine who was a fellow Christian and who was not. One person would draw an arc in the sand upon meeting someone else and if that person drew a connecting arc then that signified that there were also Christian.

Ancient Rome Reflections

I really like how Ariana's blog really emphasized the invention of concrete during this time period. Concrete completely changed the way that structures were built and broadened the type of structures that could be built as well. She also discussed the Pantheon in her blog post and her modern day example of a dome structure in Berlin was amazing. It really showed how the shape is still used but the materials used to create the dome have changed dramatically. In ancient times they could not imagine creating a dome using metal and glass, whereas today that is something that is possible.

I also looked at Hannah's blog this week. I thought it was really interesting how she talked about how men and women were gladiators in Ancient Roman times. Since we discussed the Colosseum in depth in class I thought it was very cool that she decided to do some extra research on what took place inside that structure.