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Medieval Art

Medieval art flourished during the Middle Ages across three periods - Early Medieval, Romanesque, and Gothic. In the Early Medieval period, monks created illuminated manuscripts with delicate paintings. During the Romanesque period, feudalism rose and stone castles and churches with thick walls and semi-circular arches were built. Gothic architecture advanced with tall pointed arches and vaulted ceilings in cathedrals, considered medieval architecture's greatest achievement. Manuscripts, stained glass, sculpture, and architecture were prominent medieval art forms across these periods as faith guided artistic expression.

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27 views17 pages

Medieval Art

Medieval art flourished during the Middle Ages across three periods - Early Medieval, Romanesque, and Gothic. In the Early Medieval period, monks created illuminated manuscripts with delicate paintings. During the Romanesque period, feudalism rose and stone castles and churches with thick walls and semi-circular arches were built. Gothic architecture advanced with tall pointed arches and vaulted ceilings in cathedrals, considered medieval architecture's greatest achievement. Manuscripts, stained glass, sculpture, and architecture were prominent medieval art forms across these periods as faith guided artistic expression.

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MEDIEVAL ART

Art Appreciation
Discussion Questions:
■ How does a medieval art work look like?
■ What are the famous art styles and art works
in the medieval period?
■ What are examples of a medieval art work?
Overview
At one time the Middle Ages were known as the “Dark Ages,” a label
suggesting that they represented many blank pages in the history of
Western civilization. However, a closer look has helped to fill in those
pages with an impressive list of accomplishments.
During this period, many of the important features of our modern world
were born, including parliamentary government, common law, present-
day languages, and modern nation states. In art, the Middle Ages were
anything but dark. It was the most splendid of all periods for bookmaking,
a time of a great architectural revival, and an era of important
developments in sculpture.
The Medieval Period as the Age of Faith
■ Perhaps a more accurate label for this period would be the Age of
Faith.
■ The hearts and minds of Medieval people were fixed on one all
important goal—preparation for eternal life after death.
■ The Church, which had grown in power and influence since the
collapse of the Roman Empire, guided the people in this quest.
■ The Church influenced the lives of kings and peasants alike
throughout western Europe. Virtually everyone was born into the faith,
and all were expected to place loyalty to the Church above everything
else.
The Three Periods of the Middle Ages
Because of its length, it is helpful to divide the Middle Ages
into three overlapping periods.
They are the Early Medieval, which dates from about the last
quarter of the fifth century to the middle of the eleventh; the
Romanesque, which, in most areas, took place during the
eleventh and twelfth centuries; and the Gothic, which The
Early Medieval overlapped the Romanesque and continued in
some areas into the sixteenth century.
Early Medieval Period
■ The fall of Rome is considered the start of the Early Medieval period.
■ It stimulated a renewed interest in learning and the arts.
■ Throughout the long Medieval period, people labored in the service of
learning and art. Many were monks, devoted religious men who lived
under a strict set of rules in remote communities called monasteries.
Early Medieval Period

■ Monks often decorated manuscript


pages with delicate miniature
paintings done in silver, gold, and
rich colors. For nearly 1,000 years,
these illuminations, or manuscript
paintings, were the most important
paintings produced in Western
Europe. Illuminated manuscripts
were created by dedicated men who
worked anonymously to record and
illustrate history.
Sample illuminated manuscripts
Romanesque Period
■ The feudal system, which had developed in the ninth century, reached
its peak during the Romanesque period. It contributed to the constant
disputes and open conflict that continued to mark the Medieval
period. Under the feudal system, land was the only source of wealth
and power, but the supply was limited.
■ With warfare unchecked, nobles found it wise to further fortify their
dwellings. Towers of stone were built by the late eleventh century, and
by the twelfth century the now familiar stone castle had evolved. With
its tower, walls, moat, and drawbridge, the castle became the symbol
of authority during the Romanesque period.
Romanesque Period
■ Romanesque buildings were characterized by semi-circular arches,
thick stone walls, and durable construction. Sculptures were also
prevalent during this time, where stone was used to represent biblical
subject matter and church doctrines. Other significant media during
this period include stained glass and the continued tradition of
illuminated manuscripts.
Romanesque architecture
Romanesque architecture
Other Romanesque Artworks and
Art Forms
■ See:
https://artsandculture.google.com/usergallery/romanesqu
e-art/hgKSO_Kwjh0zKQ
Gothic Period
■ The name was coined by later critics who scorned the art of the period because it
did not hold to the standards of ancient Greek and Roman art. Because the Goths
and other barbarian tribes had brought about the fall of Rome, the term Gothic was
given to buildings that replaced classical forms.
■ The name, then, is misleading; the Goths did not design or construct Gothic
buildings.
Gothic Period
■ The Romanesque style paved the
way for the Gothic style and, in
most areas, merged with it. In fact,
many buildings that were begun as
Romanesque were completed as
Gothic. The lessons learned in
producing Romanesque churches
were put to good use during the
Gothic era. If the greatest of the
medieval arts was architecture,
then the Gothic cathedral was
Medieval architecture’s greatest
triumph.
10 Most Famous Gothic Art
■ See: https://www.theartist.me/art-inspiration/10-
most-famous-gothic-art/
Any questions?

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