Gothic Sculpture in Spain: Characteristics and Evolution

Key Differences from Romanesque Sculpture

Gothic sculpture in Spain exhibits important differences from the Romanesque style, both in formal and expressive aspects, as well as in themes and iconography.

Chronological Development

Due to the extended duration of the Gothic style, an evolution in sculpture can be observed from the late 12th century onward:

• Late 12th Century: Transition from Romanesque to Gothic.
• 13th Century: Serene triumph of idealized naturalism.
• 14th Century: Predominance of devotional statues, evoking tenderness and piety (e.g., Virgin with Child, Crucifixions), and tomb sculptures.
• 15th Century: Curvilinear reaction, emphasizing naturalism, individualization of features and costumes, and a taste for intricate details.

Characteristics of Gothic Sculpture

1. Materials: Primarily stone, wood, and ivory, with finely worked textures, smooth and firm.
2. Volume: A new sense of volume is acquired, both in figures and their clothing. In reliefs, the background transitions from deep to a lower level, which, in the 15th century, is ordered according to a certain perspective.
3. Composition: Frontal and vertical compositions are abandoned in favor of a soft contrapposto in figures and closed compositional schemes. Light and its contrasts are considered, influencing the projection of shadows.
4. Polychromy: Systematic use of polychromy, either by painting or by utilizing various shades of wood. While original colors are not always extant, they are believed to have held symbolic meaning.
5. Expression: Reflects the new worldview of the late Middle Ages, rooted in a religious sensibility influenced by Franciscanism.
6. Naturalism: Naturalism emerges, with characters becoming more human, but it is an idealized naturalism, as bodily perfection is seen as a means to express spiritual values. Bodies are realistically proportioned and slender, and clothing gains volume. There is an interest in representing human feelings, especially maternal love and pain, with faces and attitudes reflecting these emotions. Communication between characters is sought, as they look at each other, converse, and interact.
7. Content: Primarily religious, with an expanded repertoire, favoring evangelical, Marian, and hagiographic subjects.
8. Types of Sculptures:
   • Monumental sculpture, subordinate to architecture.
   • Sculpture independent of architecture, found in choir stalls, reredos, and tombs.
   • Devotional images, often depicting the young Virgin Mary, the suffering Christ on the cross, and Pietà groups.
9. Early 13th Century: Much of the sculpture remains tied to architecture, retaining its didactic and educational purpose. Portals continue to be the most decorated areas. Gothic portals share elements with Romanesque ones (mullion, archivolts, jambs), but differ in the tympanum and the pointed shape of the archivolts, reflecting the characteristic Gothic arch. The tympanum is often divided into horizontal bands to depict scenes.

Notable Works

• Royal Portico of Chartres Cathedral
• Sarmental Portal of Burgos Cathedral
• The White Virgin of León Cathedral
• The White Virgin of Toledo Cathedral
• Altarpiece of the Cartuja de Miraflores