Gotiken

Gotiken is a term used in some languages to refer to the Gothic phenomenon, encompassing its architectural, artistic, and literary dimensions as well as related revival and subcultural expressions. The Gothic period in Europe traditionally spans roughly from the 12th to the 16th century, though the term is also applied to later revivals and to related stylistic sensibilities. Gotiken connotes a focus on verticality, light, and elaborate ornament, often achieved through new building technologies and decorative programs.

In architecture, Gotiken is defined by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and expansive stained-glass windows. These elements enabled taller structures with more luminous interiors and intricate exterior façades. The movement began in northern France and rapidly spread to other parts of Europe, giving rise to distinct phases such as Early, High, and Late Gothic. Notable examples include Chartres and Reims cathedrals in France, Amiens Cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral in England, and later works like Westminster Abbey and Burgos Cathedral.

Gothic art and sculpture evolved to harmonize with architectural space, with sculpture increasingly integrated into portals and façades. Illumination of manuscripts grew more ornate, and international networks linked artists across regions, especially during the International Gothic phase of the 14th and 15th centuries.

Gothic literature emerged in the 18th century as a genre emphasizing atmosphere, mystery, and the supernatural, beginning with Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto (1764) and expanding through writers such as Ann Radcliffe and Mary Shelley. The Gothic also inspired a revival in the 18th and 19th centuries, influencing architecture, design, and later subcultures characterized by dark aesthetics and fashion.