Expert: Jeni Andrews-Fraser - 11/15/2007

Question
Who was actually credited for the creation of Gothic style?

Answer
Hi Tabby - thanks for your question.  For architecture: Abbot Suger at St Denis; for all other forms - a development of architectural principles to art - tall, slender, elegant forms.  In tapestry works - the Lady and Unicorn series; Classic contrapposto modified to incorporate an exaggerated 'sway' in figures - Madonna and Child statue from St Denis; the use of stained glass to give visible proof to 'super-essential' light as befitting the religious thinking of the time, see Chartres.  For International Gothic: the continued use of Byzantine gold backgrounds and hierarchical scale but with real, human emotion (see Martini's Annunciation of 1333).  Hope this helps.