Comparing the Sculptures and Different Structures of...

Comparing the Sculptures and Different Structures of Cathedrals The Cathedral was a symbol of authority and religious achievement to people of the Middle Ages. Both Romanesque and Gothic style cathedrals are monuments to the skill and creativity of medieval people. Upon entering a Romanesque or Gothic style cathedral, one would have noticed that the function of these houses of worship is very similar. They are each an urban religious center in which priests conducted masses. Upon further examination of the sculptures and the different structures that embody them, one would have found that they differ quite dramatically. Aside from being a religious center in which mass was conducted, Romanesque style cathedrals had one†¦show more content†¦The portal of the Romanesque cathedral was adorned with much sculpture. It contained elaborate carvings that reminded one of sin, death, and judgement. Narrative scenes depicting the life of Christ often ornamented the capitols of columns. The scenes on the sculptures of the Romanesque cathedral reminded one of the wrath of God and the inevitability of sin. On Gothic cathedrals, however, the sculpture concentrated on portals, capitols, and choir screens was much more light-hearted. Focused on depicting stories from the bible and individual characters such as Christ and the Virgin Mary, medieval sculptures depicted a profound symbolic message. The Romanesque and Gothic style cathedral shared the same floor plan—the Latin cross. Despite this similarity, the design and structure of these cathedrals was quite different. Romanesque style churches employed a heavy stone structure to withstand the force of the building’s height, made possible by stone vaulting. The walls were thick and contained small windows, if at all. Gothic style cathedrals were so large they physically dominated the town. Gothic style cathedrals could reach even greater heights because the round arch, used in the Romanesque cathedral was replaced by the emergence of the pointed arch. Ea ch of these were made of heavy stone, but the pointed arch was much more successful because the weight of the building was thrust downward into the foundation, instead ofShow MoreRelatedComparison and Contrast of Two Gothic Cathedrals Essay625 Words   |  3 PagesComparison and Contrast of Two Gothic Cathedrals Gothic Style is some of the most beautiful works of art that man have ever made. It originated with the Romanesque style of building which lasted for about one hundred years before it was replaced by Gothic styles. The founder of the Gothic style was a man by the name of Abbot Suger. Notre Dame de Chartres cathedral was built in France between 1145 and 1513 and is Gothic architecture. 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