Early Medieval Art

Art in the British Isles (Anglo-Saxon & Hiberno-Saxon)

• Metalwork Golden Buckle, Sutton Hoo

  Burial of an Anglo-Saxon elite, showing wealth and skill

• Illuminated Manuscripts Lindisfarne Gospels and Chi Rho page, Book of Kells Handwritten book decorated

  with gold or silver, brilliant

  colours, or elaborate designs.

• Sculpture Muiredach Cross

  Tall stone cross with biblical relief scenes

Visigothic Architecture

• Germanic people united under the rule of a king and living within the Roman Empire during late antiquity

• Church Architecture

  • Key Features: Horseshoe arches, small size, plain exteriors, carved capitals

    eg. San Juan Bautista, Santa Comba de Bande, San Pedro de la Nave

• Home Architecture

  La Cabilda (Madrid): Archaeological remains show Visigothic domestic life

Visigothic Art

Metalwork

• Alovera Brooch: gold, bronze, glass – luxury personal item

• Guarrazar Treasure: symbols of power and devotion

Carolingian Art

Empire

Manuscripts

• St. Matthew, Coronation Gospels: Naturalistic Roman style, imperial symbolism

• Lindau Gospels: jeweled cover, gold, enamel – emphasizes divine beauty of the text

Carolingian Architecture

Palatine Chapel, Aachen

• Octagonal plan, large dome, imperial tribune

• Symbol of Charlemagne's religious and political power

Ottonian Art and Architecture

• Empire, Inspired by Carolingian and Byzantine art and architecture.

Church of St. Cyriakus

• Basilica plan with alternating columns and piers, galleries, crypt

• Reflects influence of Carolingian and Byzantine design