Blog Post #5: Arches
DUE: 03/13
For this fifth blog homework, you will explain the differences between Roman and Gothic arches in Art.
1) Draw Roman and Gothic arches in your sketchbook. Clearly label them as Roman Arch and Gothic Arch. There are two distinct styles (typical shapes).
2) Explain why artists "invented" Gothic arches when they already had Roman arches.
The Roman Art presentation on Monday (3/4) discussed various Roman Architecture such as the Colosseum, Pont du Gard, and the Pantheon. Romans were able to build those impressive structures because they knew how to make round Roman arches. Roman arches have keystone, voussoir, and springing (see page 127) that made it possible for Romans to build domes. Romanesque churches also use this Roman technology.
Now, look at Gothic arches (see page 201). This discovery of pointed Gothic arch is considered a significant development from the Roman arches, but WHY? What is so good about Gothic arches? How did Gothic arches change the way people build church structures and other elements in them? In other words, what do we know about Gothic Style today?
You will discuss: Gothic elevation (potentially higher buildings), lighting from stained glass windows, shifted mood and color of the interior space (from Byzantine gold mosaics to red-and-blue stained glass windows), in comparison with Roman arches of Roman/Romanesque buildings.
Please include one jpeg image of your own drawings that show how you drew your two arches. This will be a photo of your own sketch.
Images of Gothic Art can be seen in Chapter #13 or at museum websites.
350 words (minimum).
Your finished writing needs to be at least 350 words. It should have an introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion. Post the writing on your Blogger page under the title, “Arches” and label the post “Reading 4.”
Please properly cite your sources if you borrow images and/or ideas from the textbook, video materials, or websites.
Bronx CC information on How To Avoid Plagiarism: < http://bcc-libweb.bcc.cuny.edu/docs/howtoavoidplagiarism.pdf >.
The course follows MLA citation: < http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/07/ >.
At the end of your post, cite one drawing of yours that show both arches in the following format.
Your First Name (no last name)
“Title of Work (clearly state which arch is which)” written in quotations*
*When referencing the work (your drawings) in the body of your writing, also be sure to write the titles in quotations. Your drawing/image needs to be in focus.
