The labors of the Gothic architect were admirably seconded
by those of other artists. The sculptor cut figures of men, animals, and plants
in the utmost profusion. The painter covered vacant wall spaces with brilliant
mosaics and frescoes. The wood-carver made exquisite choir stalls, pulpits,
altars, and screens. Master workmen filled the stone tracery of the windows
with stained glass unequaled in coloring by the finest modern work. Some
rigorous churchmen like St. Bernard condemned the expense of these magnificent
cathedrals, but most men found in their beauty an additional reason to praise
God.
THE CATHEDRAL AS A RELIGIOUS EDIFICE
The Gothic cathedral, in fact, perfectly expressed the
religious spirit of the Middle Ages. For its erection kings and nobles offered
costly gifts. The common people, when they had no money to give, contributed
their labor, each man doing what he could to carry upward the walls and towers
and to perfect every part of God's dwelling. The interior of such a cathedral,
with its vast nave rising in swelling arches to the vaulted roof, its clustered
columns, its glowing windows, and infinite variety of ornamentation, forms the
most awe-inspiring sanctuary ever raised by man. It is a prayer, a hymn, a
sermon in stone.
THE SECULAR GOTHIC
Gothic architecture, though at first confined to churches,
came to be used for other buildings. Among the monuments of the secular Gothic
are beautiful town halls, guild halls, markets, and charming private houses.
But the cathedral remained the best expression of the Gothic style.
