In the Gothic period, sculpture was mainly used to decorate ecclesiastical buildings. Capitals, pinnacles and cornices were decorated with sculptures. The columnar nature of Gothic sculpture is typical. The figures appeared elongated and incorporeal and were only stylised. Character traits of the saints depicted were expressed through attributes. Folds in the robes of female statues were given an S-shape typical of the Gothic style. Depictions of the Virgin Mary were particularly popular.
Gothic sculptures were richly painted; the hair was often golden and the robes decorated with ornaments.

Gothic figures as building decorations were often combined with the architecture and made inseparable. They are not works of art in their own right.