Brief vocabulary of Gothic Art

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archivolt (n)

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archivolta: an ornamental moulding that follows the curve on the underside of an arch.

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ashlars (n)

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sillares: blocks of stone of different sizes for building walls.

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buttress (n)

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contrafuerte: a stone structure built against the outside of a wall to support it.

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façade (n)

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fachada: the front of a building.

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gargoyle (n)

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gárgola: a grotesque creature or face made of stone found on the roofs of buildings. It often acts as a spout for rainwater.

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Gothic (adj)

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gótico: a style of European architecture that began in France in the 12th century.

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mason (n)

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cantero: a stonecutter. Masons were the most important and well-paid workers on medieval building sites.

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miniature (n)

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miniatura: a small elaborate painting or highly decorated illustration.

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Mudéjar Gothic (adj)

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Gótico mudéjar: a style of architecture that combined Gothic with Mudéjar characteristics from the influence of the Muslims who remained in the reconquered territories.

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oil painting (n)

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pintura al óleo: a style of painting that used coloured pigments combined with oil.