Gothic Art: Eclectic and Modern

Giotto di Bondone - Madonna Enthroned (Ognissanti Madonna) - c. 1310 - Tempera on panel - 325 cm × 204 cm (128 in × 80 in) - Uffizi Gallery, Florence (click photo for larger image)With towering cathedrals, resplendent stained glass windows, brilliantly decorated illuminated manuscripts, and iconic paintings embodying shimmering gold leaf, Gothic art attempted to recreate a heaven on earth.

Renaissance artists and writers in the 16th century coined the term “Gothic” and the early art historian Giorgio Vasari infamously reinforced the unfavorable connotations when he referred to Gothic art as “monstrous and barbaric” since it did not conform to classical ideals. It was not until the mid-1700s that the style shed its negative associations. 

Combining aspects of numerous styles and borrowing from numerous traditions (some of them non-western) Gothic art is truly eclectic (like modernism), and was readily adapted to suit regional tastes and tendencies. By the end of the Middle Ages, the Gothic style had become “international” in its spread across Europe, and its emphasis on naturalism sparked the revolution in painting that flourished during the Renaissance, even though Renaissance art would appear to be very different. Even Giotto (who is widely regarded as a Proto-Renaissance painter) followed the Gothic ethic in the work featured here (“Madonna Enthroned”).

Don’t forget to learn more about medieval and Gothic art at Dr. Jill’s upcoming art history class, beginning April 12th and running for six week. Click HERE for more info and to Register!