Gothic Sculpture

This 1927 book traces the English gothic foliage sculpture from the eleventh century to the sixteenth century.

Architecture and sculpture in English churches changed and developed markedly between the eleventh and sixteenth centuries, partly due to the invading French influence on the existing Anglo-Saxon buildings. In this 1927 book, the different categories and forms of foliage sculpture and decoration are subdivided roughly chronologically showing how each form developed from a previous one and the possible influences and reasoning behind the changes. Each stage of growth is explored thoroughly using specific examples, all of which are detailed in the photographs in the second half of the book. Examples are taken from churches and cathedrals across England, whose individual architectural growth over centuries is often in parallel with the evolving forms of sculpture, particularly gothic foliage. The increased communication with Europe over the medieval period was mutually influential and with increased proficiency and innovation there was natural development of art and gothic sculpture evolved as a living art.