Art of Medieval Europe Reign of Religion. A mixture of Roman, Middle Eastern & European influences Art is primarily made for the church Begins with Fall

Art of Medieval EuropeReign of Religion

A mixture of Roman, Middle Eastern & European influencesArt is primarily made for the church

Begins with Fall of the Roman Empire; Ends with the Renaissance

Art of Medieval Europe 400 A.D. to 1400 A.D.

Two divisions linked to different global locations:


These two divisions are linked to global locations:

Europe: Romanesque & Gothic


These two divisions are linked to global locations:

Europe: Romanesque & GothicThe East: Early Islamic & Byzantine


invaders from Northern Europe, primarily Germany, destroy

almost everything Rome developed


invaders from Northern Europe, primarily Germany, destroy

almost everything Rome developed Buildings


invaders from Northern Europe, primarily Germany destroy

almost everything Rome developed BuildingsSculpture


invaders from Northern Europe, primarily Germany destroy

almost everything Rome developed BuildingsSculpture

government


Social Changes of the Medieval Period:



The center of art and innovation moves away from Rome to the North of

Europe –




Europe – Britain, France, Germany




Europe – Britain, France, GermanyThere is no central base of power

coming from Rome –




Europe – Britain, France, GermanyThere is no central base of power

coming from Rome – many different rulers all fighting for power


Religious Changes of Medieval Period:


Religious Changes of Medieval Period

Focus of life changes from here and now to life hereafter

(what happens after Death?)



Focus on gaining acceptance into a Christian Heaven



Focus on gaining acceptance into a Christian Heaven

Human body no longer celebrated as a beautiful thing

It’s now sinful and corrupt


Art Changes of Medieval Period:



Art no longer concerned with harmony, balance and realism…



Art no longer concerned with harmony, balance and realism…

art now concerned withworshipping God &

converting people to Christianity





Greco-Roman interest in realism dies.



Greco-Roman interest in realism dies.

Art becomes the servant of the Church


Gothic Art1200 to 1400 A.D.

Northern EuropeanGermany, England, Parts of France



Art is primarily highly decorated cathedrals, stained glass windows

& skinny sculptures



Art is primarily highly decorated cathedrals, stained glass windows

& skinny sculpturesBelieved a beautiful church with

beautiful art would inspire people To believe in God & be good


Notre Dame Cathedral France, 1200 AD

ARCHITECTURE: Huge cathedrals that took centuries to make


Very tall with lots of windows to let in light


Pointed arches and vaults

Decorated with lacey, intricate Decorations of cut Stone


SCULPTURE:Greco-Roman

interest in realism dies.

Long and skinny figures that are very

unnatural


Show ignorance ofhuman anatomy As the focus is now on religion & the spirit,

not body.


Show ignorance ofhuman anatomy As the focus is now on religion & the spirit,

not body.

Figures are covered with heavy drapery

to hide the body

no more nudes


Stained glassLets in light

Illustrates stories of the bible

Used to help illiterate church goers to

understand stories of the Bible


STAINED GLASSSymbols, patterns and Designs

STAINED GLASSSymbols, patterns and Designs

STAINED GLASSFigures from historical events

STAINED GLASSCreatures of lore

STAINED GLASSCreatures of lore

MedievalIlluminated Manuscripts

& Bestiaries

Highly decorative borders, initials &

spot illustrations

Seemed to ‘glow’ Vibrant color & real gold

used for embellishment

Most illuminated manuscripts were

religiously based Bible stories

Some illuminated manuscripts depicted animals & birds in an

encyclopedia-like format known as bestiaries

description of:animal’s appearance habitat

Behaviors symbolic attributes

Illustration

MedievalBestiaries

Byzantine Art400 to 1400 A.D.

Eastern Mediterranean Art:


Eastern Mediterranean Art:Turkey, Jerusalem, portions of

Europe and Middle East


Eastern Mediterranean Art:Turkey, Jerusalem, portions of

Europe and Middle East

Combination of Early Christian Art Middle Eastern influences

Known for a plethora of decoration & color

ARCHITECTURE:


ARCHITECTURE:

Created cathedrals

that all other cathedralsthereafter

would copy


ARCHITECTURE:


ARCHITECTURE:

Full of mosaicspieces of cut glass affixed to a

flat surface


ARCHITECTURE:

Full of mosaicspieces of cut glass affixed to a

flat surface

Many windows & huge

interiors Creates airy and bright

Interiors


ARCHITECTURE:

What effect would these bright, large, beautiful

cathedrals have on those who worship in it?


ARCHITECTURE:

So……why would Byzantine leaders

want to build cathedrals in this way?


Hagia Sophia - Turkey

530 A.D.


530 A.D.


Which elements are of a Roman influence?


530 A.D.


530 A.D.

EARLY ISLAMIC ART

Islam - Religion based around the prophet Mohammed & the god Allah,

EARLY ISLAMIC ART


developed around 600 A.D.

EARLY ISLAMIC ART


developed around 600 A.D.

Islam forbids idolatry (the representation of human forms) particularly that

of Allah and/or his prophets

EARLY ISLAMIC ART

Artwork is instead geometric & Abstract

shows no living creatures

EARLY ISLAMIC ART

Artwork is instead geometric & Abstract

shows no living creatures

Sculpture was thought evil most artwork was giant religious architecture &

architectural decoration

EARLY ISLAMIC ART

Most well-known Islamic art is the mosque, or

religious place of worship

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, 7th century

EARLY ISLAMIC ART

Built around the rock upon which Muslims believe Mohammed rose to Heaven.

Most well-known Islamic art is the mosque, or

religious place of worship

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, 7th century

EARLY ISLAMIC ART

Oldest piece of Islamic architectureExterior: Giant dome covered with

melted down gold coins

Early Islamic Art

Main building covered with colorful Turkish tiles in abstract designs

Documents

Art of Medieval Europe Reign of Religion. A mixture of Roman, Middle Eastern & European influences Art is primarily made for the church Begins with Fall