Gothic
Predominant in the Middle Ages (from
around 1150 to 1500), this is the style of the great
cathedrals of Europe. Altarpieces made during this
time had elaborate crenellations which mimicked
church architecture. Gothic paintings and sculptures
are characterized by elongated figures which are
highly patterned. In painting, there is often little
attempt to depict three-dimensional space. The
perspective that was employed is usually random and
unconvincing. At the end of the fourteenth century
there was a move towards greater elegance and
refinement, and an increased interest in natural
themes. Minutely detailed depictions of plants and
animals became a common feature in paintings. Because
this later style was not confined to one country, it
is often called International Gothic.
Representative painters:
Beauneveu, Cimabue, Duccio, Fouquet, Gaddi,
Gentile da Fabriano, Limbourg, Lorenzetti, Lorenzo
Monaco, Martini, Delia Quercia