XV Международная студенческая научная конференция Студенческий научный форум - 2023

Neo-Gothic (“New Gothic”) is the most common direction in the architecture of the eclectic era, reviving the forms and design features of the medieval Gothic. Originated in England in the 40s of the XVIII century, Neo-Gothic was in demand all over the world: it was in this style that Catholic cathedrals were built in New York and Melbourne, Sao Paulo and Calcutta, Manila and Guangzhou and Rybinsk.

In the 19th century, the British, French and Germans challenged each other for the right to be considered the founders of the Gothic, but the palm in the revival of interest in medieval architecture was unanimously given to Great Britain. During the Victorian era, the British Empire carried out neo-Gothic construction of vast scope and functional variety, the fruits of which were such well-known structures as Big Ben and Tower Bridge.

Neo-Gothic mixed different styles and directions belonging to different eras and countries, as well as mixed methods for building cathedrals and castles (which was unacceptable in the Middle Ages). For example, during the formative years of the style and the construction of residential building, its doors could be made as portals of cathedrals, and bedrooms with their wall paintings could resemble tombs.

The heyday of neo-Gothic dates back to the 19th century. The architects sought to create unusual, romantic buildings, catering to the taste of the public of the time, inspired by medieval aesthetics. The construction of both residential and public buildings was actively going on - cathedrals, government buildings, universities, schools, town halls, and railway stations were erected. The return to the Gothic style was perceived as a return to the roots.

Over time, eclecticism was creatively reworked, and architects developed universal requirements for a new style. The main feature of Neo-Gothic architecture is the use of a frame vault as a structural element. Other elements of medieval architecture were also adapted: battlements, stained-glass windows, stucco, lancet arches, high elongated pediments, turrets, internal columns, narrow windows, heraldic motifs.

Neo-Gothic was recognized as the ideal style for the countryside: its complex and irregular forms fit perfectly into the natural landscape. Also, the new style was popular for the construction of churches, where elements such as openwork high windows, turrets, stained-glass windows, lancet arches, and spiers were actively used.

The most striking example of neo-Gothic architecture in Germany is the Cologne Cathedral, one of the tallest and most massive buildings of the 19th century. The neo-Gothic was celebrated by the construction of the Palace of Westminster in London.

The spread of neo-Gothic in Europe was facilitated by the works of romantic writers. In English literature, neo-Gothic is called Gothic Revival.

In Russian-language literature, the term “pseudo-Gothic” is used to refer to neo-Gothic, since there was no genuine Gothic on the territory of Ancient Russia. In Russian pseudo-Gothic, romantic fantasies on the themes of the Western Middle Ages prevailed, which reflected the idealized idea of ​​​​customers about the Middle Ages as an era of the triumph of Christianity and knightly tournaments. An interesting example of the Russian Neo-Gothic of the mid-19th century is the complex of buildings erected in Peterhof.

In conclusion, we highlight the main features of the neo-Gothic style:

• frame vault at the base,

• battlements,

• stained-glass windows in the windows, the glass in which is made in the stained glass technique,

• carved moldings,

• openwork details (from iron fences to interior decoration),

• elongated structures,

• columns holding vaults and arches.

In 1906, the Neo-Gothic craze in Germany and Austria-Hungary declined sharply. Among others, there were ideological reasons for this: after a long debate, it became clear that the Gothic style originates in a hostile France and cannot be considered a national Germanic style.

Bibliography:

Dierk Lawrenz: Die Hamburger Speicherstadt. EK-Verlag, Freiburg, 2008 ISBN 3-88255-893-7

Gurevich A.Ya. Categories of medieval culture

Kozhin, N.A. Medieval architecture

Bott I.K. General History of Architecture in XII Volumes, Volume 4