Gothic Themes
Museum Description:
For my museum project, I am going to go with the Gothic theme. The reason why I have chosen the Gothic theme is that it kind of compliments my style a little bit. I have always been very intrigued with Gothic art. I just think it is beautiful and satisfying to look at. I am currently in a rock band and the overall theme color wise tends to lean towards darker shades. So I see Gothic themes fitting right into my personal criteria. I tend to include all kinds of Gothic sculptures, paintings, and possibly even some photos. I am honestly really excited to work on this project. I have always wanted to dive deeper into what Goth art really is and means.
Impact Statement:
The goal of this project is to show people what the artists really meant when they made Gothic themes. I feel often times people are left feeling sad or somber after looking at any kind of gothic or gloomy piece of art. What really should be highlighted is the meaning of the art itself. Hopefully, by the end of my project, viewers will be able to get a comprehensive understand of what gothic art is and what it means. Also, they should have a greater appreciation for this type of art.
Room 1: Depictions of Architecture
The Architectural Room highlights goth themes on structures, buildings, and other man made creations. This section should give you the feeling of either sleepy warmth or cold-weathered history.
Gothic Chapel by Charles-Marie Bouton, 1781
(Context and Form) This art piece was used as a significant step in the work of the early photographic process. This work of art was displayed in 1822 where it completely changed the viewers idea of art/realism. The deep colors used, the light barely shining into the abandoned chapel created by a perfect amount of shading, and the spider webs forming all create a feeling as if you are actually there. Gothic artists were masters in making you feel the emotion that you would have in these areas/situations.
Gothic House by Friedrich Wilhelm von Erdmannsdorff, 1785-86
(Context and Form) This photo shows what the Web Gallery of Art would call the "Epitome of Enlightenment in Germany." This building themed from Gothic Architecture came from the German Classicism and Gothic Revival movements. This house alone marks the actual start of the Gothic Revival. The pointed towers and the lower center building being connected with diagonal and intersecting lines shows just how much details went into this work of art. This is Gothic architecture done to the max.
Interior of a Gothic Cathedral by Peeter the Elder Neeffs, estimated 1635–40
(Form and Content) This oil on panel work of art shows a day in the life of a Gothic Cathedral. Though this work of art is old and the colors are a little faded. You can see a great amount of detail given which allows us to dive deeper into all this piece has to offer. The artist used a great amount of depth and some overlapping to make it seem like the cathedral is truly alive. The ceiling has curved lines to highlight and show the curved architecture of the roof. With the amount of detail and people bustling through the cathedral, you really can get an idea of what it would have been like to be there.
Interior of a Gothic Church with Figures Attending Mass by Peeter the Younger Neeffs, 1620
(Form and Content) This work of art is more so about the architecture. The colors are bright and give a happy feeling which is uncommon for the Gothic Theme. However, The structure of this church fits right into the Gothic style. The high arching ceilings highlighted by curving lines, the groove lined pillars, and the statues depicting many historical figures truly show you how deep artists went to depict these works of art themselves.
Room 2: Historically Goth
Goth Themes have been used to depict historical scenes or represent historical figures. These portraits/depictions are typically very detailed and try to show whatever situation being shown to the extreme. Expect deep colors, sometimes graphic imagery, yet also some sophisticated looking works of art.
Golgotha by Mihály Munkacsy, 1884
(Content and Form) In Mihaly's depiction of Golgotha, which is the depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, we see several forms of overlapping, use of deep colors, and use of shading to show how dramatic this day was. This author tended to paint more religious paintings. The vibe of this piece perfectly illustrates the Goth Theme. Religious paintings were very popular for Gothic artists.
Portrait of Friedrich IV, Duke of Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg by Carl Christian, 1815
(Form) This photo shows the amount of detail in the setting. You can see the detail in the drapes in the back. A small bust of Friedrich himself on his right. Even his coat can be seen with intersecting, straight, and diagonal lines folding to match his sitting posture. Christian did a great job of portraying people in a very dramatic yet elegant pose.
Golgotha by Pordenone, 1521
(Content and Form) This is another depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This depiction is very different from the previous depiction of Golgotha. Here, we see far more elements of overlapping. The contrasting colors highlight a lot of the depth and shading that takes place here. The way he used curving lines to show cloth or hair flowing in the wind really gives you a sense of what it would have been like to be there at this time.
The Holy Women and St John at Golgotha by Gerard David, 1480
(Content and Form) This was a painting to depict Pilate's dispute with the High Priest. You can see the emotion of sorrow or worry on the woman and the man behind hers face. The amount of intersecting lines in this work of art helps to create all of the folds and texture in the people's faces, clothing, and background. These techniques for art helped form the perfect depiction of this woman pleading to the priest.
Room 3: Goth Themed Sketches
All of these artworks are sketches or rather unfinished works that may have later been completed or colored. This will help show how these works of art are formed structurally before they can be refined.
Design for a Sofa in the Gothic Revival Style by Augustus Charles Pugin, 1830
(Context and Content) This was a design for an original sofa. Augustus also had interest in designing furniture. Here, we can see his detailed illustration of what he would want his sofa to look like. The Gothic Revival style highlighted with brighter colors truly makes this piece unique. The curling and sharp lines show how dramatic this piece of furniture would be in a home.
Specimens of Gothic Architecture by Augustus Charles Pugin, 1821
(Content) This illustration is a drawing of the doorway of Henry VII's chapel. This may seem simple but the amount of lines and shading highlight the details that went into this. You can see the grain of the door and the rivets that hold the door together. Though a sketch, you get a perfect idea of what it would look like to stand in front of this door.
Interior of a Gothic Church by Netherlandish Artists (Artist Unknown), 1490
(Context) This piece is actually an engraving. Someone had to carve all of the lines and detail that went into this depiction of a Gothic church. Even the shading was done through engraving. The amount of time that the artist had to spend carving all of the tiny details is remarkable. A highlighting factor would be the window frames.
Plaque with View inside a Gothic Church by an Unknown Potter, 1662
(Content and Form) This piece was done by a potter who wanted to show the emptiness of a church during Gothic renovations. He or she wanted to highlight how even though the church may be empty, the structure itself is still beautiful with all of the details included. The lines that trace the floorboards all connect in the end showing intersecting lines and vertical/horizontal lines. The skill of this artist even for a sketch is remarkable.