CONTENTS
Definition of Gothic
Incorrect ideas respecting Gothic architecture—Aversion to the pointed style first arose in Italy—This style naturally unsuited to Italian tastes and traditions—Gothic art an outgrowth—The genius of the north modified by that of the south—The abandonment of Gothic architecture coincident with the growth of artificial conditions of society—The architecture of the Renaissance not a popular architecture—Awakening of an antiquarian interest in the pointed styles—Growth of a spirit of investigation English and continental misconceptions of Gothic—Architectural styles distinguished primarily by structural characteristics—The Gothic an organic system—Its evolution out of the Romanesque—The Roman constructive system Early Romanesque developments—The constructive advantages of the pointed arch—The flying buttress—Summary of the structural characteristics of Gothic—The system developed in three-aisled buildings—Rudeness not a characteristic of Gothic art—Painting and stained glass—Living character of Gothic sculpture—Antique elements of Gothic ornamentation—Conventional character of Gothic ornament—Organic treatment of constituent elements in Gothic ornament—Architectural fitness of Gothic sculpture Gothic art of short duration—The cathedral edifice the central object of popular interest—The monastic activities in building—The Gothic style developed by the laity—Gothic architecture mainly an architecture of churches—Sources of inspiration Gothic art native to France Pages 1-31
Gothic Construction in France
