When the question, “Can you ‘read’ a building,” is asked, the first thing that comes to mind is that a building is impossible to read, when the truth is: Buildings can, in fact, be read. During the Middle Ages, there was a distinct difference in the structure of cathedrals. Cathedrals that were constructed during the year 1000 were thick-walled and bulky; this type of architecture was called Romanesque. Following the era of Romanesque architecture, the Gothic architecture era arose, where cathedrals were built with more windows allowing light to shine into the church. The construction of architecture, Romanesque and Gothic, during the Middle Ages allows buildings to be read through interpretation of theology and power.
The Romanesque period is said to have been first introduced around the 6th-10th century in Medieval Europe. “Romanesque architecture is known by its massive quality, its thick walls, round arches, sturdy piers, groin vaults, large towers and decorative arcading” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanesque_architecture). When the towns of Medieval Europe were attacked, Romanesque cathedrals were the hiding places for parishioners. The thick walls of these cathedrals were means of protecting people against attacks and the outer world. Romanesque buildings were able to be read because of the message that was held within the walls; the Romanesque time period was all about death and the end of the world, which is why there were no windows in Romanesque buildings.
About two centuries after Romanesque architecture, Gothic construction evolved. Gothic architecture was the complete and utter opposite of Romanesque architecture. Gothic buildings contained stained-glass windows and much thinner walls. Walls were held up by supports also known as flying buttresses. Windows were favored when constructing Gothic buildings because this time frame was all about hope and the light of the world; builders wanted as much light to be shown through the windows as possible. “A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none, a Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to every one” (Luther). Because Christians were free, the architecture built was figured to be more light and hopeful, symbolizing freedom. The change in theology reflects the architecture and how it can be read.
These two types of architecture were effects of the changes in religious views and the destruction of former cathedrals. The Romanesque buildings portrayed a darker, sterner view of God and his word; whereas, the Gothic style buildings depicted a lighter, more hopeful view of God’s message. Romanesque structures were mainly based on the religious views of the Normans, for most buildings were constructed almost immediately following the Battle of Hastings. The Normans did not really view God as a powerful man like he really was. Gothic buildings were focused more on the light of the world and positive energy. When Henry VIII was appointed the supreme head by parliament, he disbanded many cathedrals and abbeys, which caused them to be rebuilt. The Glastonburg Abbey was one of the most important abbeys that Henry suppressed. “Under Henry VIII, in the most successful land grab in English history, Henry VIII and his chief minister Thomas Cromwell suppressed the monasteries” (Medieval Sourcebook). The English changed their perspective of looking at God from dark to light. Romanesque and Gothic architecture can both be read by means of searching the meaning behind the religion and cultures.
Buildings in the Middle Ages were able to be read through their physical appearances. Romanesque architecture was bulky and thick while Gothic architecture was light and fresh. The changes in architecture were due to the corruption of power and the change in religious beliefs. The construction of architecture, Romanesque and Gothic, during the Middle Ages allows buildings to be read through interpretation of theology and power.
" Dissoultion of Monateries, England and Wales." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 23 Apr. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissolution_of_the_Monasteries,_England_and_Wales
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"Gothic Architecture." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 23 Apr. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_architecture>.
Luther, Martin. "Martin Luther: The Freedom of a Christian." Washington State University - Pullman, Washington. Web. 23 Apr. 2010. .
"Medieval Sourcebook: The Suppression of Glastonbury Abbey." FORDHAM.EDU. Web. 23 Apr. 2010. <http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/h8-glastonbury.html>.
"Romanesque Architecture." Medieval Life and Times. Web. 23 Apr. 2010. .
"Romanesque Architecture." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 23 Apr. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanesque_architecture>.
This is a very good start at a paper looking at architecture. One error that detracts from your work (though there's no reason you would know it yet) is that Luther was writing long after the Gothic period in France.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, the quote about Henry VIII doesn't really relate directly to your thesis. Use your citations wisely.