6th – 12th Centuries CE(500 – 1100 CE)

Early Medieval Art (The Middle Ages)

Medieval Times

• Period of History in Europe between the Collapse of the Roman Empire and The Renaissance

• Terms Medieval / Middle Ages reflects the view of early historians who saw this period as an age of ignorance, decline, barbarism between two “golden ages”

• But, this period is important in the development of Europe

The Christian Church

• During the Middle Ages in Europe, the Christian Church was very powerful and wealthy

• The Christian Church was the main repository of learning and the arts

• The Christian Church was the primary Patron of the Arts, hiring artists to make art and architecture

Manuscripts

• A manuscript is a handwritten book or document also known as an “Illuminated Manuscript”

• Manuscripts were made before the invention of the printing press

• Many manuscripts were made by monks

• A scribe is the person who writes in a manuscript and the illuminator does the drawings

• Most manuscripts during the Middle Ages in Europe told Christian stories

Chi Rho Iota

Chi Rho Iota, Page from Manuscript (Drawing),

Medieval Art, 800 CE

Chi Rho Iota

Chi Rho Iota, Page from Manuscript (Drawing), Medieval Art, 800 CE

• Chi Rho Iota are Greek letters which represent the first three letters of Christ’s name

• from the Book of Kells, a book made by monks on an island near Scotland

• Illuminated Manuscript written in Latin containing the four Gospels of the New Testament (Bible)

• The ink and colors for the book were imported from the Near East

•Celtic style (the Celts were a group from the British isles) – Celtic style uses “knots” – intertwining / overlapping lines and shapes – also influenced by Barbarians

• The design also contains images of St. Matthew, and moths (symbol of Christ)

Matthew the Evangelist

Page with Matthew the Evangelist, page from Manuscript (Ink and colors on vellum), 850 CE

Matthew the Evangelist

Page with Matthew the Evangelist, page from Manuscript (Ink and Colors on Vellum), 850 CE

• An evangelist is someone who receives messages from God

• Matthew is listening to the words from God sent from an angel (upper right hand corner).

•Matthew wrote stories in the Old Testament (Bible)

• Powerful message – feeling of wind blowing and “energy”

Manuscript Cover

Crucifixion with Angels and Mourning Figures, outer cover of Lindau Gospels (Gold with relief and Precious Stones / Pearls), 870 CE

Manuscript Cover

• Manuscripts often had elaborate book covers

• Story of Crucifixion of Christ (Christ on the Cross / suffering)

• Mourning Figures on both sides of the Crucifix

• Angels on each side of the Crucifix on the top and in the “frame”

• Gold with gemstones and pearls

• Repousse technique – type of relief (pushing out from the back with tools)

Crucifixion with Angels and Mourning Figures, outer cover of Lindau Gospels (Gold with relief and Precious Stones / Pearls), 870 CE

Hinged Clasp

Hinged Clasp• Decorative Clasp from military uniform (decorative arts)

• Example of ornate Medieval-style design

• Found in Sutton Hoo burial site, Suffolk, England

• Decorated with garnet and blue checkered glass - technique called millefiori (“a thousand flowers”)

• Geometric designs, snakes, overlapping boars, a symbol of strength and bravery in Anglo-Saxon culture, inspired by Scandinavian design

Hinged Clasp, Gold plaques with inlays of garnet and millefiori glass, 650 CE, length 12.7 cm

Viking Burial Ship

Bow of Viking Burial Ship

Viking Burial Ship

Burial Ship (Oseberg Ship), Norway, Wood, 815-820 CE

Vikings – Seafaring culture from Scandanavia – colonized a vast area of Europe in 9th and 10th Centuries

Ships symbolize dead warrior’s passage to Valhalla (afterlife)

Serpent shape (coil shape with serpant’s head at the prow)

Borgund Stave Church

Borgund Stave Church

• Made from four huge timbers (staves) that form the structural core

• Viking Style

• Wooden buildings dominated Northern European landscapes in Medieval Period (including palaces, assembly halls, churches, and homes / barns)

• Steep pitched roofs protect the walls from the rain and snow

• On all the gables, either crosses or dragon heads protect the church and its congregation from trolls and demons

Borgund Stave Church (Norway), 1125 - 1150 CE

Church of St. Cyriakus

Church of St. Cyriakus

• Medieval style architecture often has towers, small arched windows and doors, made of stone, appears “heavy”, simple decoration

•The Church of St. Cyriakus, inspired architects in Europe for at least 300 years after it was built

Church of St. Cyriakus (Germany), Begun 961 CE