How to recognize the Gothic Style?

Summary

How to recognize the Gothic Style?

Think you know Gothic style, Gothic architecture, and Gothic art when you see it? Gothic is cultural, it's not just architecture or a style of clothing, it's a philosophy. Besides the fact that we like to mix Gothic and steampunk , we have to admit that our movement is much less old and present than the Gothic universe. Keep reading to learn the main characteristics of Gothic, from its philosophy to its artistic expression, such as architecture, literature, and music. But let's start by defining Gothic style and its ideas.

Key points

🕯️ Gothic Philosophy : Blending romanticism and rebellion against materialism, emphasizing emotion and individualism.

🕍 Gothic architecture : Flying buttresses, vaults, stained glass windows, detailed carvings.

📚 Gothic Literature : Dark themes, supernatural elements, tragic protagonists.

🎸 Gothic Music : Evolution of punk rock with subgenres like darkwave, deathrock, and gothic metal.

👗 Gothic Fashion : Dark colors, layering, rich fabrics, and dramatic accessories.

🖼️ Gothic Art : Scenes of death and decay, mythical creatures like dragons and gargoyles.

🏰 Gothic Cathedrals : Dark and mystical places of worship, often dangerous because of the darkness.

👹 Gargoyles : Drains for rainwater, designed to scare away evil spirits with their grotesque appearance.

🕯️ Gothic script : Alphabetical style of the Middle Ages, aesthetic and economical in terms of space.

🎥 Gothic Movies : Creepy atmosphere, dark settings, themes of death, supernatural and passion.

Read on for more details

Definition and philosophy of the Gothic style

In the late 18th century, the Romantics rebelled against a world where logic and materialism had taken precedence over emotion. They made it their mission to put feelings back on the throne, to champion passion above all else, and to elevate individual expression to the priority of society. In fact, they lit the spark that gave birth to today's Gothic culture!

gothic ghost

Enter the sinister world of the Gothic atmosphere and let yourself be seduced by its mysterious charm. The underground Gothic movement is an eclectic mix of musical genres, artistic projects, fashion aesthetics and a particular way of life. From wandering through spooky cemeteries to partying in catacombs, admiring dark works of art like those of Baudelaire and Edgar Allan Poe or famous cinematic wonders like Fritz Lang's Nosferatu, this alternative culture draws inspiration from the folklore of the Middle Ages and timeless legends like vampires...

Steampunk Goggles

The gothic style offers an escape from reality. The black clothes and accessories worn by goths represent a mysterious and dark dimension that screams the beauty of being isolated and misunderstood. Music serves as a refuge for those who live their anguished love relationships with passion and express themselves without complexes in all forms - extravagant looks or spontaneous provocations! Because deep down, appearance is another way of showing who you are, without fear or judgment.

plague doctor

Rebelling against the status quo, Goth culture values ​​individualism and freedom. People may think it’s just a look or a taste in music, but they’re wrong on both counts! Goth is so much more than that: at the heart of the movement is a style and a vibe… that sets it apart from anything else out there. So if you want to be authentically “Gothic,” immersion in Gothic art is essential… but not enough on its own – how would life really be different without embracing alternative perspectives?

For goths, fear is not something to be avoided, it is something to be embraced and celebrated. They equate what society would deem "bad" or unsightly with a unique beauty, giving life an often hidden meaning. Death, chaos, disease - all of these are part of an atmosphere in which the music plays heavily on the emotions of its listeners. In short: fear is not scary when viewed through a gothic prism!

gothic universes

Being part of the goth movement isn’t just about wearing clothes – it’s a state of mind. People who belong to this culture can listen to anything from black metal to rock to classical tunes, all while still appreciating their punk roots! It’s not just about being fashionable; there’s something deeper beneath the surface!

Far from stereotypes, goths are not just about dressing in black and wearing combat boots, it is also a question of worldview. Sure, some are atheists, but there are also Christian and Satanist goths! And they may not be as into blood or cemeteries as we think; they are rather intrigued by their poetic beauty in many cases, especially when it comes to romance!

Who would have thought that under the curious appearance of these "beasts" hides a life similar to ours? Whether it's shopping or going to bed, they are not really different from us - they simply have a different perspective on how we see the world. It all starts with Gothic art, tastes define a certain vision of the world.

Gothic architecture or the origin of Gothic art.

Gothic architecture is characterized by its flying buttresses, pointed arches and groin vaults.

gothic vaults

Known as Opus Francigenum, this incredibly complex architectural form, developed from Romanesque architecture, originated in the Kingdom of France, in the Île-de-France region to be precise, around 900 years ago. The builders of this period invented very advanced construction techniques, such as the use of flying buttresses and buttresses to support very tall and light structures throughout Western Europe.

Gothic art is expressed in highly detailed decorations, such as sculptures and colorful stained glass, to tell religious and historical stories. Gothic cathedrals, which are impressive architectural buildings, still stand today and are visited by thousands of people from all over the world.

Gothic cathedrals are often very dark, with stained glass windows, flying buttresses and little light.

gothic architecture

Gothic cathedrals are often quite dark, with stained glass windows and little light. This was intentional, as the cathedral was meant to be a place of worship and contemplation. The darkness adds to the sense of mystery and awe that worshipers feel when they enter the cathedral. The Gothic Vault , in the famous church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva in Rome, is a prime example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral is filled with flying buttresses, dark woodwork, and has very few windows. The Chapel of the Virgin, which is at the far end of the cathedral, is even darker, with only a few small windows high up on the walls. This darkness was meant to create a sense of reverence and awe in those entering the cathedral. However, it also made it difficult for people to see what was going on around them. As a result, cathedrals were often quite dangerous places, as people could easily trip and fall.

The gargoyles of Gothic churches have a frightening appearance.

Gargoyles are a common feature of Gothic architecture and Gothic cathedrals, and they often have a frightening appearance. The word "gargoyle" means "throat" or "gullet." Indeed, the first gargoyles were carved in the shape of a dragon with a long neck and an open mouth.

The purpose of gargoyles was to serve as a drain for rainwater, but over time they became more ornate and were used as decorations. Many believe that gargoyles were originally intended to scare away evil spirits, and their grotesque appearance certainly serves this purpose. Today, gargoyles are still a popular decoration in Gothic architecture, and their sinister presence continues to fascinate onlookers.

What is a Plague Doctor?

The walls of Gothic cathedrals are often covered with intricate carvings.

The interior of a Gothic cathedral is divided into three main parts. The nave is the long central section where parishioners worship, while the choir is the section reserved for the clergy and choirs. The transept is the short section that crosses the nave in the middle, forming the shape of a cross. Gothic cathedrals are characterized by flying buttresses, tall arches that lead to vaults, or vaulted ceilings.

These flying buttresses are often supported by intricate pillars and decorated with intricate carvings. The walls of Gothic cathedrals are also covered with intricate carvings, tapestries and stained glass windows. Therefore, walking through a Gothic cathedral can be an inspiring and impressive experience quite different from the Romanesque style.

Gothic art since the 13th century

art architecture goth

Gothic art , what a fascinating style! For those who need a little definition, the term is used to describe a French artistic style from the mid-12th century to the beginning of the Renaissance. It is an adjective used to describe works of art that were influenced by the social, cultural and technical conditions of the time. Of course, this has evolved over the centuries.

The most important parts of Gothic art are its influences and techniques. The artists of the time were very talented at creating sculptures and paintings that reflected their world. Colorful stained glass, stone carvings, and detailed ornamentation were all key elements of Gothic art. But don't worry, Gothic art is not out of fashion.

In fact, it has never been more in vogue than today with the dark times we are going through.

You can even see Gothic elements on the menus of some restaurants... So don't hesitate to delve into Gothic art if you want to be up to date while learning the history of this fascinating art.

Gothic art, and not just architecture, often features scenes of death and decay, as well as images of dark and mysterious creatures such as dragons and gargoyles. The Gothic style took shape during the Middle Ages, a time when many people were afraid of the dark and were superstitious about what might lurk in the shadows.

For artists of this period, Gothic art was a way to explore the darker side of human nature and create paintings and sculptures that inspired fear in those who viewed them.

Today, Gothic art remains popular, with artists finding new ways to adapt this age-old style for modern audiences. From Gothic horror films to Gothic architecture, early Gothic still has a place in our world today. But let's continue with the literary works that have given it a rich and exciting imagery.

How to recognize Gothic Style literature?

Gothic literature is characterized by a number of elements, including dark themes, supernatural elements, and tragic protagonists. Gothic novels often explore the darker side of human nature, addressing themes such as death, madness, and evil. The supernatural is also a common element in the Gothic style, with ghosts, vampires, and witches often making appearances. Gothic novels often end in tragedy, with the protagonist meeting a sad or untimely end. However, despite the dark themes and tragic endings, Gothic novels are often suspenseful and captivating, offering readers a glimpse into a world of darkness and terror.

gothic forest

Automata, gargoyles and Gothic archways made a comeback in England during the 18th century. As an antidote to the classical architecture, humanism and science that dominated the era, people became interested in religious, medieval stories and legends of old, resulting in a Gothic revival that emerged from the Middle Ages, arguably one of the earliest forms of art and culture in history.

What is Steampunk Art?

As the dust settled on Protestant England after its break with Catholicism in the 1700s, something special began to emerge - an incredible curiosity for all things medieval. But this was not a true return; on the contrary, they found beauty and solace in the decaying ruins of what remained! This love affair between English culture and Gothic remains allowed them to give free rein to their imagination without making ideological statements that ran counter to Enlightenment thinking. This was the beginning of the Victorian era , which would come into its own during the period of mourning for Queen Victoria.

Writing and Poetry in the Gothic Style

poetry and gothic art

The writing style used in the late Middle Ages is Gothic in appearance, it is a very aesthetic alphabetic spelling used by a few initiates such as monks or rare scholars. This writing style developed in Northern Europe during the 11th century and gradually spread throughout the continent.
Gothic script became increasingly popular because of its aesthetic appeal and because it saved space on pages.
There are several types of Gothic writing depending on the different countries of Europe.

Gothic poetry evokes an imaginary realm of seductive and haunting beauty - a sublime blend of the beautiful and the uncanny. A place where the "beautiful" is shaped into something irrational and bewitching, often with voluptuous results (think Dracula!). Gothic literature can give traditional beauty a unique twist by elevating things to a mystical, uncanny, and timeless level.

Gothic Style Novels to Read

  1. Bram Stoker's Dracula is a classic that has captivated readers for generations. It is the first vampire story, and it is still as captivating today as it was when it was first published over a century ago. If you haven't taken the time to read it yet, you've missed a monument of modern literature about monsters of the night! Dracula is filled with Stoker's excellent ability to combine horror, gothic intrigue, and suspense. Once you read this novel, it will cast a spell over you and you will look at ravens, castles, and garlic in a whole new light!
  2. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a timeless classic of Gothic horror that continues to fascinate students and readers around the world. The morality tale of a mad scientist playing god, daring to create sentient life only to be confronted with the moral consequences of his actions, has been adapted multiple times throughout history, firmly establishing it as a cornerstone of imaginative literature. Not even 200 years after its initial release, we are still intrigued by Shelley’s exploration of human nature and her insistence on questioning scientific progress and responsibility. Even today, when technology gives us more power than ever, readers recognize that unchecked ambition is as dangerous today as it was then.
  3. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic novel by Oscar Wilde. It remains one of the most iconic works of literature, admired for its narrative structure, witty dialogue, and memorable characters. Narrated by a gentleman obsessed with beauty, the novel tells the story of an immortal man whose portrait takes on his own aging appearance to represent his guilt and depravity, while his real form remains youthful and beautiful. While the novel has been interpreted in various ways over the years, its overarching message is that excessive desires ultimately lead to our own downfall. Ultimately, Wilde challenges us to consider our own moral obligations, making "The Picture of Dorian Gray" an enduring and remarkable literary masterpiece.

We now come to the modern period of Gothic art, which was made through music and cinema.

How to recognize Gothic Music?

gothic music

Punk -derived goth music is a form of alternative rock that originated in the United Kingdom in the early 1980s. Goth music has evolved over time, and today there are several subgenres and styles of goth music. Here is a list of some of the most popular types of goth music:

  • Darkwave : Darker electronic music, often featuring heavily synthesized sounds and distorted vocals, it was one of the first forms to distinguish itself from punk in the 1970s.
  • Deathrock : A combination of punk rock, post-punk and music inspired by 80s horror films.
  • Gothic Metal : A mix of metal music and gothic elements such as dark romanticism, horror movie soundtracks, and classical music.
  • EBM (Electronic Body Music): A style of electronic dance music that incorporates elements of the industrial, goth, and synthpop genres.

The line between these styles is blurry and shifting, so some bands will find themselves in more than one of them. Here are three Goth bands to listen to:

  1. Type O Negative : The band was formed in Brooklyn, New York in 1989 by vocalist and bassist Peter Steele, guitarist Kenny Hickey and drummer Sal Abruscato. The band's debut album, Slow, Deep and Hard, was released in 1991 to mixed reviews but has since become a cult classic. They followed their debut album with Bloody Kiss in 1993.
  2. Siouxsie and the Banshees : With their 1982 album, A Kiss in the Dreamhouse, Siouxsie and the Banshees produced an eclectic mix of post-punk and gothic rock that incorporated elements of jazz and funk. The band is considered to have pioneered the goth subculture, infusing it with a sultry blend of decadence and darkness.
  3. The Cure : Formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1976. The band have undergone several line-up changes since their formation, with lead singer and main songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member. As a goth rock band, The Cure achieved mainstream success in the 1980s following the album Disintegration.

How to recognize a Gothic Film?

  • There is usually an atmosphere of dread or horror in Gothic films, which often have castles, graveyards and other eerie locations as their backdrop. The settings are expected to be dark and gloomy.
  • Gothic films are often associated with themes such as death, fate, the supernatural, and religion. The characters tend to be troubled, often having dark secrets and mysterious pasts.
  • Gothic films often contain elements of romance or passion, as well as tension and fear. They are usually suspenseful, with unexpected twists and surprises throughout the film.

As for music here are three recent movies that we like, but there are many more, you can check out the article on the best Gothic Movies if you want:

  1. Interview with the Vampire (1994) is a horror film directed by Neil Jordan, based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Anne Rice. The story follows Louis (Brad Pitt), a plantation owner in 18th-century Louisiana, who is transformed into a vampire by Lestat (Tom Cruise). Louis must now deal with his newfound immortality and its consequences.
  2. Crimson Peak (2015) is a horror film directed and co-written by Guillermo del Toro. Set in late 19th-century Victorian England, it follows Edith Cushing, a young author who discovers that her mysterious new husband, Sir Thomas Sharpe, is not who he seems.
  3. Sleepy Hollow (1999) is a compilation of two classic American horror stories, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle. Directed by Tim Burton, the film follows Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp) as he attempts to solve a supernatural mystery in a small, bleak New England town.

How to recognize Gothic Fashion and Gothic clothing?

gothic clothes and dress

Gothic Style fashion is inspired by creatures of the night such as vampires or demons. It is characterized by dark colors, dramatic silhouettes and an overall look that is both mysterious and seductive.

If you are interested in Gothic fashion, you can look for inspiration in our other article on Gothic Style for Women , there are a few key elements to look for. First of all, Gothic clothing often features rich fabrics, such as velvet or satin. These fabrics are often adorned with lace or other decorative details. Additionally, Gothic clothing is often very form-fitting, which accentuates the wearer's natural curves.

Gothic Woman

Another key element of the gothic style is the use of layering. This can involve combining different types of clothing, such as a dress over a blouse or a skirt over leggings.

By layering different pieces, you can create a look that is both unique and eye-catching. Finally, don't forget about accessories! A belt with a big buckle, chunky jewelry, or even a pair of high boots can help give your look a gothic touch. With these tips in mind, you will easily recognize and choose your gothic style clothes based on a theme or inspiration from a particular movie or creature.

Steampunk & Gothic Shop

The Gothic Style is a unique and interesting case that has been used for centuries in the arts from the Middle Ages to now. From cathedrals to today's music and cinema, its themes are of course still widely used.

You can find all this influence in our other blog articles and visit the store to choose clothes and accessories with an irresistible gothic style , happy shopping!