Published on April 7, 2026
As we delve into the realm of Gothic art, it is worth pausing to analyze an architectural element that has been commonly employed for centuries across various artistic styles, even though its presence in contemporary architecture has become more limited.
The element in question is the arch, which can be defined as a curved structure often serving a supportive function. It bears the weight from the upper walls or structures that it is embedded in, redirecting that force laterally and, when necessary, downward. Typically, the arch exhibits an opening that allows passage through the thickness of the wall it is part of; in the absence of such an opening, we refer to it as a “blind arch.” In certain instances, an arch may serve solely a decorative purpose.
Arches are typically supported elements called jambs, which can be constructed from various materials such as stone or brick. They are generally made up of wedge-shaped pieces known as voussoirs, which fit together securely. The center voussoir that sits at the top of the arch is referred to as the “keystone,” while the two bottom voussoirs on each end of the arch are called “imposts.” Lastly, the width of the arch, particularly if it features an opening, is known as the “span.”
Arches display a wide variety of typologies, some of which are immensely beautiful. Here, we will focus on the most common types found in our country. However, it is essential to note that the terminology of arches can be somewhat confusing and varies according to different sources, particularly among manuals dedicated to the analysis of artistic forms.
One of the simplest and most common is the “round arch,” formed by a semicircle. This type of arch is of great antiquity, having already been used in Mesopotamia during the third millennium B.C., and it is found in most artistic styles, although it is highly characteristic of the Romanesque period.
Another type is the “pointed arch,” which is created from two segments of a circle that meet at a point at the top. This type of arch was widely used in Gothic art but also appeared in other styles.
The “horseshoe arch” is characterized by a curvature that exceeds a semicircle, varying in its width at the bottom. This arch is prominent in Visigothic art and was extensively used in Islamic art and Mudéjar architecture. A variation of this is the “tumé d arch,” which is a pointed horseshoe arch found in the aforementioned artistic styles.
There are also the “trilobed arch” and the “multilobed arch,” notable for their multiple arches that appear in odd numbers and resemble small semicircles.
Lastly, the “carpanel arch” is a very reduced arch with three center points, which began to be utilized during the late Gothic period (in the so-called flamboyant Gothic style) and continued to be popular in Renaissance and Baroque styles.
In essence, the arch, with a history spanning about 5,000 years, has demonstrated its utility in architecture, competing with the flat forms that use only straight lines that are now predominant in contemporary architecture, except in isolated instances. The arch, always curvilinear, raises the question: who says that curves do not hide beauty?
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