Which visual arts are included in Gothic art?

Gothic art, which flourished in Europe during the Middle Ages, primarily encompasses three major visual arts: architecture, sculpture, and painting.1

• Architecture: This was the most significant and original form of Gothic art. It is defined by structural innovations such as the ribbed vault, the pointed arch, and the flying buttress, which allowed for taller, thinner walls and expansive windows.2
• Sculpture: Initially used to decorate the exteriors of cathedrals, Gothic sculpture evolved from stiff, hieratic forms to more naturalistic and individualized figures. It played a prominent role in the High and late Gothic periods, often integrated into cathedral facades.3
• Painting: This category includes panel and wall painting, as well as manuscript illumination. These works often featured religious themes and evolved toward greater complexity and spatial depth.4

Additionally, the art of stained glass was a vital component of Gothic cathedrals, where it was masterfully integrated with architecture to create complex, light-filled spaces.56