Rough Draft Essay: Roman VS. Gothic Architecture

Architecture has always been a major form of art.  It has been used to express culture and wealth of a society.  The Romanesque architecture was represented as solitude for prayer and protection.  Gothic architecture was shed a new light on the world.  The structures were beautifully made and offered the light to be shared.  Roman and Gothic architecture can be viewed a revolutions in building and art.  The spread of Christianity had an influence on the world, especially on Roman and Gothic architecture; it expresses how the people preached and prayed to God.

Romanesque architecture started around the ninth century and ended during the eleventh century.  The structures were designed to keep people safe and in solitude.  The thick walls drove unwanted forces away and gave the people inside a sense of solitude.  The Gothic walls were designed to be thinner, so windows could be built.  Figure 1 is an example of the sturdy, thick walls that kept the people inside its walls safe.  Figure 2 is an example of the change in the structure of the cathedral and allows sunlight to shine within the building.  Romanesque churches did not have windows on the first floor because there was a risk of people invading and the people who prayed were looking for confinement.  The Gothic cathedrals, however, had special stain glass window designs and the walls were thinner in order to install them.  This change in the looks of churches allowed more light to shine on those who prayed to the Lord.  During the eleventh century, a large number of churches in creased all across Europe, and that was the start of the new idea to put more time and effort into building a holy place for worship.

As Europe began its reformation, more money was available.  Figure 3 was built during the Romanesque period and was mainly composed of brick and wood.  Figure 4 can be viewed as looking very detailed and expensive.  The stain glass windows represent God’s light shining down upon his people.  The columns support the ceiling and arches.  The walls are visibly thinner unlike the Romanesque church.  The brick walls offered safety for those who wanted to reflect and pray eliminating the outside world.  The Gothic cathedrals represented the change in the economic situation and allowed more opportunities for the church to improve their churches.

The spread of Christianity soon overtook Europe and polytheism was soon forgotten.  One the Catholic Church was established by Jesus Christ, more people wanted to learn more about God.  The church was the center of the community where everyone came together for a common purpose.  Figure 5 is a more detailed Romanesque church that was later designed for more space for the congregation of the church.  Figure 6 shows that the church had grown far and wide and more people were seeking to worship the Lord in the holiest, sacred place.  Each cathedral drew the community close and grew people closer together.  The bishop order the construction of Notre Dame in the mid eleventh century, but it took years to build.  Still standing today, the church draws people far and wide to admire its beauty.  Every church is meant to be a place to worship God and learn from his teachings.

In conclusion, every church was built for a common purpose but had different design and architectural structure.  The Romanesque churches were sturdy, thick, and were a place of solitude.  The Gothic cathedrals were beautifully crafted and let the light of God shine into the church.  A modern example of how Gothic architecture still has an impact on the world is the Loyola University chapel.  Art has evolved and changed for the Catholic church, but the love for God remains the same. 

1. Figure #1-rotude of Saint George,  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rotunde-of-St.-George-at-Rip.jpeg
2. Figure #2- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:StDenis_Chorumgang.JPG
3. Figure #3- http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St._Andrew%27s_church_facade_(Krak%C3%B3w,_Poland).jpg
4. Figure #4- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cath%C3%A9drale_de_Reims_int%C3%A9rieur.jpg

5. Figure #5- http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maria_Lach_02.jpg

6. Figure #6- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:060806-France-Paris-Notre_Dame.jpg