Essay on RESEARCH PAPER ON GOTHIC ART
It is known that Gothic art takes a special place in Medieval art as this style can be found not only in architecture, but also in painting, enameled metalwork, manuscript illumination, textiles and portable arts of the later medieval period, such as reliquaries, censers, shrines, etc. Moreover, as the Gothic period lasted more than 200 years and had many variations in style and different techniques, it is clear that decoration elements grew more elegant and intricate. 1
According to the historical data, the Gothic period is divided into three periods which have some differences in characteristics of decoration elements and artistic techniques. They are Early Gothic (1150-1250), High Gothic (1250-1375) and Late Gothic (1375-1450).2 Besides, it is found that Gothic art has always been closely connected with religious issues, that is why many experts define Gothic art as a religious art which flourished in churches and Cathedrals throughout France, and later Gothic style was spread throughout Europe. Moreover, during 14th to 15th centuries, Gothic art was mixed with Italian art what led to “more secular style” – the so-called International Gothic which had enormous impact on the growing influence of the Church in Rome. As it is practically impossible to separate the intensive development of Gothic sculpture from the rise of new forms in architecture, many forms of Gothic style can be found in many miniature portable works of art of that period.3
The major goal of this research paper is to choose and analyze two or three portable works of art related to the Gothic period from the medieval collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The form and decoration of these works of art utilize the Gothic architectural grammar, such as pointed arches, gables, etc.
SHORT VISUAL ANALYSIS AND DESCRIPTION OF THE GOTHIC ART OBJECTS
Chasse with Christ in Majesty and the Lamb of God
This work of art is dated to 1180-1190s and can be found on display in Gallery 304 of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is found that Chasse with Christ in Majesty and the Lamb of God was made in Limoges, France. The overall dimensions of this work of art are the following: 8 11/16 x 9 1/4 x 4 3/16 in. (22 x 23.5 x 10.7 cm).
The medium of this object includes Champlevé enamel that has the following colors: light blue, blue-black; dark, medium; yellow, turquoise, dark green and light green, white, red, translucent wine red, wood core, that is painted red and copper that is carefully engraved and scraped, as well as stippled and gilt in a proper way.
It is known that this chasse was used as a box or a container for keeping saints’ relics, such as bones and pieces of cloth which belonged to Saints.4 This elegant chasse depicts Christ in Majesty who is surrounded by several saints on the lower part of the object and the Lamb of God, emblematic interpretation of Jesus that is surrounded by angels on the exclusive sloping roof of the chasse. The sacred contents that were kept in this chasse could be accessed through the small door which depicts the image of Saint Peter. It is known that Saint Peter was called by Jesus Christ to keep the keys of heaven and to be the guardian of the box’s holy relics. Besides, this object has a wonderful design which simulates a silk textile used in Churches, the gilded ground and beautiful columns and the saints’ haloes.
Lamp or Censer (Hanging Lamp with Prophets and Saints)
This object is dated to the 14th century, the late period of Gothic Art, to the North Italian culture. The overall dimensions of this work of art are the following: 25 x 5 3/4 in. (63.5 x 14.6 cm). Overall dimensions without chain: 16 3/16 x 5 3/4 in. (41.1 x 14.6 cm) and chain length: 8 13/16 in.
This lamp is made of gilt-copper alloy with silver, enamel en ronde bosse and rock crystal decorations. Today this artwork can be found on display in Gallery 306 of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This hanging above the altar lamp or censor decorated with prophets and Saints was used in religious ceremonies in Churches and Cathedrals.5 During the religious ritual, a covered incense burner was swinging on chains. Incense has always been used in religious practice for enhancing the religious experience. Some experts consider that the incense’s smoke carries the prayers directly to the God where these prayers are always heard. Besides, this censor was used to cleanse people, items and spaces.
Tabernacle with Scenes from the Infancy of Christ
This work of art is related to 1340-1350s. This tabernacle was made in France and today it can be found in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gallery 306. The overall dimensions of this object are the following ones: when it is open: 11 x 6 3/16 x 2 1/16 in. (27.9 x 15.7 x 5.3 cm) and when it is closed: 11 x 2 11/16 x 2 in. (27.9 x 6.9 x 5.1 cm). This work of art is made of ivory with metal mounts.
This miniature portable tabernacle contains a statuette of the Virgin and Child that is accompanied by numerous scenes of the period of Christ’s infancy.6 According to the Old Testament, tabernacles were the so-called portable dwelling places used for the divine presence. This miniature portable tabernacle with Scenes from the Infancy of Christ was specially designed for the private devotion. This artwork is an outstanding example of the small-scale work of art that was owned by nobles or wealthy merchants in northern Europe during the 13th to 14th centuries. It is known that such objects were highly valued as true masterpieces of invention and carving.
DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE UTILIZATION OF THE GOTHIC ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES IN EACH OBJECT
Each of the above mentioned artworks utilizes the Gothic architectural elements and principles, such as pointed arches, ribbed vaults, famous gables, flying buttresses.7 Besides, Gothic style is known for its narrative nature. Almost all works of art are designed to represent religious motives. In most cases, they are displayed in Churches and Cathedrals. Gothic Art represents a linear narrative, but not a single scene. Let’s take, for example, Tabernacle with Scenes from the Infancy of Christ, the unique composition which tells a lot about the infancy of Christ. The other two objects also have direct relation to religion as they play an important role in different religious ceremonies.
In addition, such artworks as Lamp or Censer (Hanging Lamp with Prophets and Saints) and Tabernacle with Scenes from the Infancy of Christ depict the images of tall and elegant pointed arches which have already become the symbol of Gothic Art. However, the artwork Chasse with Christ in Majesty and the Lamb of God has partly Gothic style, as it does not have pointed arches. The stylish gables which also are the symbols of Gothic Art can be found in all the objects discussed in this paper. For example, the altar Lamp or Censer (Hanging Lamp with Prophets and Saints) has several gables and a gabled roof, while Tabernacle with Scenes from the Infancy of Christ has three imposing gables and a gabled roof.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it is necessary to say that the miniature portable works of art discussed in this paper: Lamp or Censer (Hanging Lamp with Prophets and Saints), Tabernacle with Scenes from the Infancy of Christ and Chasse with Christ in Majesty and the Lamb of God have powerful evidence of Gothic style: pointed arches, gables, religious motives, elegant shapes and graceful lines that impress everybody. All of the objects have direct relation to religion and are highly valued due to their unique design. Moreover, these miniature portable works of art are of great historical value and can be used for analysis of this or that historical period.
