In Europe, the Gothic period lasted from the 12th to the 15th centuries AD. It was a French-born artistic movement that produced a wide range of artistic works, but is best known for its fashions and innovative and unique architectural style. Many historic European churches feature architecture from the Gothic period, which arose from the Romanesque period. This is the artistic period immediately preceding the famous Renaissance period, which began in Italy and lasted from the 15th to the 17th centuries.
The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, and the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi in Italy are just a few examples of famous Gothic style buildings. Following the completion of the original Gothic period buildings, the Gothic style saw a revival in the 16th century, spreading the period’s architectural style even further. This is why, when settlers had not yet arrived in the Americas, some early American churches were built in the Gothic style.
The Gothic style is distinguished by its love of light, tall arches, and vertical structures. During this artistic period, large, colorful, and brightly sunlit stained glass windows became popular in churches. Many Gothic structures have tapestries on the inside and outside, as well as pointy spires that reach high into the sky from the roofs of these structures.
Many people thought Gothic art was rough, barbaric, and unrefined in comparison to Classical art. Before the Gothic style was widely accepted, critics were harsh on its practitioners. During the Gothic period, many notable artists worked, including French painter Jacquemart de Hesdin, Polish German painter Jan Polack, and German sculptor Veit Stoss.
During the Gothic period, fashionable women wore pointy headdresses that resembled a pair of draped horns, with their hair pulled tightly back from their foreheads. Exposed hair was frequently styled long and flowing, with a floral headband. Men wore tight hose with undershirts hidden beneath draped, puffy decorative overshirts called doublets, which were occasionally embroidered.
During this time, Europe was torn apart by war and suffering. The Gothic period in art corresponded to the height of the Bubonic Plague, also known as the Black Death, in Europe. It also happens to fall during the Hundred Years’ War.