Structures of Romanesque and gothic style
Identify one (1) existing structure (the closer to your home the better) that is Romanesque or Gothic, and explain the features that support your identification.
The distinctive feature of the Gothic cathedral was it large stained glass windows. Earlier the churches had small windows set in the thick walls that made the interior darker. The innovative design was carved to divert the weight of the large roof away from the wall by using stained glass windows. The abundance of light was the prime reason for using the stained glass window. The light fostered theological ideas in the spirit of God. It was like the spirit of God had passed through the womb of a virgin and yet trailing nothing of its holiness in the progression. This concept gave way to stained glass. The light passes through the glass and yet maintains its enlightening properties. The stained glass was used to convey the theological beliefs and induce sensory knowledge through which the unseen becomes evident. The windows not only illuminated the interiors but they also fulfilled a very concrete objective. Every window was used for illustrating story through pictures. Some of the windows told the stories from the Bible while others told the stories of how the saints gave up their lives in order to keep up the humanity. The windows of Chartres show the Virgin Mary holding Christ. In this particular picture the head of both the mother and child are guarded by nimbus (Kinnon, 1990).
The mood of the Romanesque cathedral was very dark and gloomy while that of the Gothic was fully illuminated with light. Romanesque churches were bulky and strong with thick walls. The windows were Roman arch shape. The ceiling is lower that does not allow much light. They are in shape of a cross. Gothic cathedrals have pointed arches with tall windows and roofs that allow lot of light inside. The windows were of stained glass. Flying buttresses to help the higher and thinner...