Gothic art history no mystery

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Today's fans of gothic art and history seem at ease in the dark

Today’s fans of gothic art and history seem at ease in the dark

Purple hair? It?s optional. So is heavy, black eyeliner?for women and men. The vampire look, replete with black lipstick and long, black fingernails may or may not be deemed gothic. But black is indeed the color of the day when it comes to most things gothic. Those who wear fine gothic fashions and study gothic art history are the first to admit they tend to favor the dramatic and the mysterious.

Posters, jewelry and medieval-influenced gothic apparel items are more popular than ever. Crystals and gem stones are treasured. The term gothic once was a pejorative term known from the Renaissance period as describing all things medieval. But gothic art history has found a place among the marvels of world history.

Gothic trends thrive today

Some of the gothic fashions so trendy today have roots in gothic art history, which came into recognition after the midway point of the 12th century?long after Gothic barbarian tribes made their way from Germanic homelands. The Goths battled their way across the Roman Empire. Their travels occurred during the early Christian era. And it was their trek?one that took place between the 3rd and 5th centuries?that led to the evolution of gothic art history.

The copy-cat Goths of today express their would-be wild heritage in gothic dress, gothic makeup, music and attitude. Spiritualists, white witches, dark witches and those who believe in fairies and magic sometimes claim gothic roots. Gothic art history allows for the expression of beliefs and rituals that may stem from sources outside Christian doctrine. Today?s Goths proudly wear amulets, poison rings and spellbinding gothic jewelry to show unity with the past.

Goths impacted culture

No one can deny that the impact of the Goths was felt well into the 16th century. The Goths? gradual absorption into the population eventually influenced culture, gothic art history and architecture. Gothic styles with dynamic features that expressed an emphasis on religious mysteries replaced Romanesque influences in buildings and sculptural works of art. Today?s array of intricately detailed charm bracelets?adornments with deep, personal meanings?may owe homage to the sensual artistry of gothic art history.

The gothic thumbprint that constitutes gothic art history on the continent of Europe is seen in marvelously detailed clusters of human figures?legions of saints and angels?sculpted with an air of repetition. They look as if they are standing shoulder-to-shoulder in ever-diminishing rows. Such masterpieces often are seen at the entrances of grand cathedrals, whose multi-layered arches and sky-scratching spires are oh-so Gothic in design. Gothic art history is rich and detailed. Numerous renderings of Madonna and Child underscore the religious tone of the day.

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Gothic art is intricate

Gothic art history shows an infatuation with haughty poses and detail. Stained glass came into the forefront as an art form during the gothic period and gothic art history reveals beautiful examples in many of the period?s magnificent edifices. Hand-illustrated manuscripts, illuminated with gold and paint, also claim membership as a part of gothic art history. Eventually, it was recognized that gothic art history represents innovative works unique to the Germanic cultures that originated the style.

How did Gothic art history replace the classics? The early Goth invaders were experts at sacking and pillaging. They were pioneers in search of new land and acquisitions. Their push for land and conquest obliterated many of the classical works of art encountered as the invaders traveled. Classical art works gave way to a sharper-edged, bolder gothic art history whose perspectives, subjects, colors and tones were of a different flavor than previous preferences.

Goths influenced style

The new gothic art history that arose from the ashes of long-ago battles was expressed in paintings, architecture and sculpture branded by critics of the time as barbaric?Gothic?in style. Gothic art history remains of great interest to today?s designers, architects and artists. Gothic expressions in architecture arose during the period between the mid-12th century and ebbed as the 16th century progressed.

The legacy of the Goths includes elaborate gothic structures such as churches, cathedrals, various mansions of the wealthy and numerous centers of government. Bold and beautiful were many of the best-crafted monuments. And bold and beautiful are some of the modern-day admirers of gothic art history. Gothic chic is a nod to the past. Pink hair may be optional but a bit of black humor is a commonly found attribute shared by many of today?s Goths.