ARTH121

Description

Section information text: A survey of the Gothic art and architecture produced in northern Europe between the twelfth and fourteenth centuries. The course investigates all aspects of artistic production on the Gothic cathedral, from its stone vaulting sustained by flying buttresses and the elaborate carvings on the exterior, to the vibrant stained glass windows, rich metalwork, textiles and illuminated manuscripts adorning the interior. Focus will be on key French monuments of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, including Saint-Denis, Laon, Notre-Dame of Paris, Chartres, Bourges, Reims, Amiens and the Sainte-Chapelle. In addition to providing an introduction to Gothic architecture and art, the course also places the cathedrals in a broader cultural context. We will analyze the relationship of a community to its church in economic, social, and spiritual terms, even as we pay particular attention to the representation of marginalized groups such as Jews and women. Field trips to area museums allow first-hand study of Gothic objects.