Key Characteristics of Gothic Art and various types of Gothic Art

Gothic art is a unique style that is expressed through sculptures, paintings and architecture. Originally Gothic characteristics included depictions of religious figures and stories contained within the bible. Throughout time this style of art has evolved and become a more distinct form of art. Modern day Gothic art has many different characteristics that make it unique.

One of the ways that Gothic art is expressed is though paintings. Gothic art paintings are distinct in the fact that they are dark and there is a foreboding sense of danger that is represented in the portrait. The paintings often portray a woman that is in need of help. She will also be profoundly sad in the portrait. There may or may not be a villain in the painting as well. The villain will be portrayed as very evil and lustful and wishes to do deplorable things to the woman.

Another Gothic art characteristic is the use of supernatural themes in art. Gothic art will often depict mythical creatures. The creatures that are often depicted in Gothic art are vampires, dragons and winged creatures. The back drop in the painting will be dark and portray of sense of fear and impending doom. When a vampire is portrayed in the painting the vampire will be depicted as very evil and may have a victim in his clutches. Other creatures that are the subject of these paintings will appear profoundly sad or even dying.

Gothic art is not just expressed through paintings. Gothic art is portrayed in architecture and sculptures as well. When expressed through architecture, Gothic art is characterized by pointed arches throughout the building and ribbed vaults. Gothic architecture, much Gothic paintings, portrays a sense of danger. Often times sculptures were added to the buildings that added to this sense of doom. The buildings erected in the style of Gothic art contain sculptures of gargoyles on the eves of the building.

A gargoyle is a chimera, meaning that it is a mix of two different creatures. Gargoyles are characterized by the fact that they are a demon and human. The faces are demonic and grotesque. The creature will have wings and talons. Some gargoyles are portrayed with horns and a tail.

Gothic art characteristics are that of a dark, gloomy and mythical nature. The Gothic art style has gained more popularity over the last fifty years and once again started to resurface. The rebirth of this style of art is sure to inspire some very interesting pieces of art.