Gothic Art and Sculpture: Evolution, Forms, and Masterpieces

Gothic Art: Influences and Evolution

Gothic art underwent significant transformations influenced by several key factors:

• The evolution of theological and philosophical thinking.
• The awakening of humanism.
• The Cistercian Reform.
• New social structures.

Gothic Sculpture: Characteristics and Development

Gothic sculpture is characterized by:

• Naturalism.
• Humanism and expressiveness.
• Volume and movement.

Evolution of Gothic Sculpture Style

During its early stages, reliefs did not prioritize perspective. Over time, they gained more volume and naturalism, though full development wasn't achieved until the fifteenth century. Initially, figures were simple, presenting a clear style. In the fourteenth and early fifteenth centuries, figures became elongated, outlined in curves, and adopted very decorative postures.

Iconography in Gothic Sculpture

In its early stages, Gothic sculpture was closely linked to architecture. It adorned the facades, covering them with embossed sculptural decoration. Typically, apostles and prophets appeared in the jambs; the Last Judgment and scenes from the life of the Virgin in the tympanum; and elders of the Revelation in the archivolts. The main portal often featured a Gallery of Kings.

A significant shift occurred in the treatment of two key themes: the Virgin and Child, and the Crucifixion.

Forms and Types of Gothic Sculpture

Gothic sculpture was applied in various forms:

• Portals.
• Altarpieces (Retablos): Appearing in the thirteenth century, they became prominent through the fifteenth century and typically included:
  • A predella (or bank) at the base.
  • The main body of the altarpiece, divided horizontally into tiers and vertically into 'streets' or panels.
  • The cresting (upper decorative elements).
  • The attic (or top section).
• Choir Stalls (Coro): Made of wood, they gained special importance in the fifteenth century. Their backs, arms, and lower seating parts were often decorated with reliefs.
• Free-standing Sculptures.

French Gothic Sculpture Highlights

• Chartres Cathedral.
• Amiens Cathedral.
• Reims Cathedral.

Spanish Gothic Sculpture Masterpieces

13th Century Spanish Gothic Sculpture

• Burgos Cathedral:
  • Puerta del Sarmental.
• León Cathedral.

15th Century Spanish Gothic Sculpture

Gil de Siloé: Master of 15th Century Spanish Sculpture

Gil de Siloé was a pivotal figure in 15th-century Spanish sculpture. His notable works include:

• Tomb of Prince Alfonso (Cartuja de Miraflores, Burgos).
• Altarpiece of the Cartuja de Miraflores (Burgos).
• Tomb of Cardinal Albornoz (Toledo Cathedral).
• Doncel Tomb of Don Martín Vázquez de Arce (Sigüenza Cathedral).
• Altarpiece of Toledo Cathedral: A typical polychrome wooden altarpiece, richly decorated to suit the taste of the period.
• Choir Stalls of Toledo Cathedral (by Rodrigo Alemán).