Gothic is the term used to describe the art of the Middle Ages from the middle of the 12th century to around 1500. The name is derived from the Italian "gotico" for barbaric, strange, The Gothic period follows the Romanesque period, in which, however, there were already Gothic elements such as the typical pointed arch. The Gothic period is replaced by the Renaissance.

Gothic art can be found especially in church building of this period. It started in France, so the cathedral Notre Dame de Paris was built around 1140 in the surroundings of Paris. There was a spiritual, theological, political, economic and technical awakening. The economy developed positively, the population was drawn to the cities, new churches were needed and financing was also possible. The magnificent cathedrals in Chartres, Amiens and Reims are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites and attract millions of visitors. The largest Gothic cathedral is Santa Maria de la Sede in Seville. Religion was important, people wanted more light in the churches and so bigger and more colourful windows were built. The builders of these Gothic churches were originally stonemasons and became architects of the Middle Ages. They bore the title of cathedral master builder, for example Master Gerhard, one of the builders of Cologne Cathedral or Anton Pilgram of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. Cathedrals were decorated with stiff-looking figures in expressive garb.

Painting featured frescoes with religious motifs, much stained glass through the large Gothic windows, panel painting on wall panels and winged altars, Tilman Riemenschneider being famous for this. Liturgical books were illustrated and decorated with book painting.