Art History 252

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Art History 252

The Romanesque and Gothic churches have distinct characteristics that define their physical and historic elements. To start with, the commencement of these styles differs in terms of period and geological zone. To start with, the Romanesque style began in the sixth century and defined the early medieval period. It was a popular architectural structure in various European regions. On the contrary, the Gothic structural design also originated in Europe during the mid and late stages of the medieval period. The twelve century was the initiation period of this design structure. Despite the similarities in philosophical elements of the two religions, certain architectural features differentiate the cathedrals under the two categories.

The structural design of arches is one of the primary differences in these two historic architectural frameworks. To start with, the arches of the Romanesque architecture are round because of the similarities between this design and the Roman structural design. Their buildings also encompassed lines across the building consisting of decorated centers. Conversely, Gothic inventors designed their archways did not include columns with adorned centers in their designs. Moreover, they structured pointed doorways as a way of getting to heaven.

The roof structure is also an element that differentiates the Gothic architecture from the Romanesque style. Generally, all Romanesque religious centers are dimmer than the Gothic churches. This is mainly because of the absence of windows in the former buildings. Since the Romanesque architecture occurred in the early medieval period when the main construction material was timber, the buildings erected with this style have wooden roofs. The Gothic design comprises of stone tops since it originated at a later period. This structural design allowed architects to include windows that enhanced the illumination of Gothic churches.

Furthermore, religious centers promoting Gothic philosophies contain flying buttresses, a feature lacking in the Romanesque centers of worship. The existence of these architectural components relates to the principle of intense illumination promoted by the Gothic religion. They sought to support the top of the churches while including large windows on the sides. This resulted in the creation of an archway reducing the weight exerted by the roof on the structure. The architects situated the buttress on the pinnacle of the wall in order for the groin springs to bear the heaviness of the roof.

In terms of the windows, Gothic places of worship consisted windows designed like a rose. This is evident in such buildings as the Gothic churches located in France. Additionally, there are multiple windows in constructions erected by use of the Gothic structural design. This is possible through the existence of the flying buttress. Conversely, Romanesque churches do not have numerous windows. The minimal openings in this structure constitute a round design with no rose component.

In addition to these architectural differences, several distinct characteristics define Gothic and Romanesque cathedrals. The main ideologies promoted in the latter places of worship entail reliability and eternalness. This relates to the principle regarding the places of worship concurring with the Christian religion are safe constructions that encourage devotees to pray to God. Such buildings that exhibit this structural design include St. Sernin located in France. Contrastingly, disciples of the Gothic religion focus on sophistication and attractiveness. This is evident in cathedrals like Chartres, Notre Dame, and Amiens. These philosophical and architectural aspects indicate the divergences between Gothic churches and Romanesque centers of worship.