Gothic Architecture

one of the noblest and complete st styles of architecture ever invented, comprising the various styles which prevailed in Western Europe from the middle of the 12th cent. to the revival of cla ic architecture in the 16th cent. It was derived, through the Romanesque, from the corrupt Italian used in the latter period of the Roman empire; and is termed by the French the Style ogival (from ogive, a pointed arch). The pointed arch (Fig. 37), which characterizes the Gothic style, was adopted towards the end of the 12th cent., though at first there was an anomalous mixture of circular and pointed arches; a tendency to perpendicular lines became predominant; the towers were made light and lofty. The powers of mechanical construction were at length exhibited in the utmost perfection, the proportion between strength and burden being calculated with extraordinary precision, and the thrusts of the vault ings counteracted in the most efficient and ingenious manner lightne and boldne being attained in the highest degree (Fig. 359). Many believe the point-Fig. 359.- RADIATED RIBS IN PERed arch to have PENDICULAR VAULTING. (1420.) been suggested by the interlacing of arches in the ornamentation of walls during the period of the Romanesque; and others, that itwas derived from the East; but something closely resembling it is found in the ruins and monuments of Egypt and As syria. It is in France and England that the true spirit of the style was most felt, and the finest examples remain. In English architecture it is divided into Early English, Decorated, Perpendicular, and Flamboyant. [s. 416] IMG:p0457_0.jpg:Gravür