Essay, Research Paper: Gothic Architecture

Gothic and Romanesque Style Arch.
Represented primarily through cathedrals, Romanesque and
Gothic styles of architecture were some of the few symbols of
civilization in the poverty stricken and often depressing Middle
Ages. These cathedrals represented faith, dedication, and
cooperation; a sane place in a world of anarchy. Gothic and
Romanesque styles of architecture were related in various
ways, yet they also contrasted in style in some ways.
Romanesque and Gothic architecture, although having many
similarities, also have many differences. This may be due to
the fact that lifestyles changed in the time between these two
eras of architecture. Romanesque architecture was designed
to be more for protective purposes than for any aesthetic
quality. The walls of Romanesque cathedrals were built very
thickly, so as not to be destroyed by invaders. Gothic, on the
other hand, had thinner walls and worked towards a more
artistic approach. Gothic cathedrals have many more
buttresses than Romanesque cathedrals. Gothic cathedrals
were also designed with statues and sculptures on them such
as the gargoyle, which also served as a rain spout.
Romanesque cathedrals had few windows, as the walls of the
cathedrals were very thick and made the placement of
windows extremely difficult. This lack of light seemed also to
project the general mentality and lifestyles of the people of the
Middle Ages. To brighten the cathedrals, they often added
many wall paintings and mosaics. Contrary to Romanesque
architecture, Gothic had many stained glass windows, which
spread colored lighting, giving a feeling of peace. They also
depicted biblical figures in the windows. Gothic style used
many flying buttresses and pointed arches, while
Romanesque used rounded arches for added support to the
heavy construction of the walls and ceilings. In conclusion,
Romanesque and Gothic styles of architecure helped to show
people that even if that had a miserable life, they could
always turn to the comforting church for salvation. Although in
appearance their styles looked different, they essentially had
the same purpose in that they both provided a safe haven for
christians to feel safe with god. This helped to greatly
strengthen the church. The two styles also had some
similarities in physical appearance, not only pyschological
purposes