Medieval art

name? where? when?

• scale, composition, technique, materials, style

• Are the iconographic subject and cultural and historical context of each image identified and discussed?

Catacombs of Saint Peter and marcillenus

Rome Italy - 3rd century

• covers the entire ceiling of a burial chamber

• central image of good Shepard surround by small images like orant figure , Jonah and the whale

• painted fresco

• natural pigment used

• early christian art

• they used symbolic art since open worship was risky

• Orant figures represented symbolizes christian devotion and salvation with arms raised in prayers

• The good Shepard in the middle represents christ, carrying a lamb on his shoulder symbolizing him as a leader with his followers

• Jonah and the whale is an example of Old Testament typology . Jonah survived in the belly whale for 3 days just like Jesus was in the tomb before resurrection. it foreshadows the death and resurrection of Jesus.

name? where? when?

• scale, composition, technique, materials, style

• Are the iconographic subject and cultural and historical context of each image identified and discussed?

Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus

Rome italy, 4th century

• Medium-sized sarcophagus, 2 rows 10 carved panels

• symmetrical layout, christ in the middle, surrounded by biblical figures.

• carved from marble

• roman and christian artistic traditions

• a decorated coffin of a roman official who converted to christianity

• scenes from old and new testaments

• reflects the Roman Empire’s transition from paganism to Christianity, using classical artistic styles to depict biblical narratives, symbolizing Christianity’s growing power among the Roman elite

• for example, Adam and eve in the Old Testament shows death and separation, since they disobey God by eating the forbidden fruit, leading to sin, death, and separation from God. but in the new testamen Christ sits on a throne like a Roman emperor, ruling over the universe. Meaning: Christ is the "New Adam" → He undoes Adam’s sin by sacrificing Himself, offering salvation and eternal life.

name? where? when?

scale? composition? material? technique? style?

Old saint Peters’s Basilica

Rome, Italy, 4th century

• Huge! Held 3,000–4,000 people, symbolizing Christianity’s growth. 390 ft long, 109 ft high

• A basilica shaped like a cross, the sign of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection

• Basilican plan → Long nave, aisles, transept (cross shape), apse. Open atrium in front.

  Basilican plan – Large rectangular layout with:

  • Nave (central space)

  • Aisles (side passages)

  • Transept (cross arm near the altar, forming a cross shape)

  • Apse (semi-circular area for the altar)

• Brick walls, wooden roof, marble columns (spolia = repurposed Roman materials).

• Roman influence → Based on basilicas (public Roman buildings) but adapted for Christian worship

• first great Christian church, symbolizing the rise of Christianity in Rome. As a pilgrimage site over St. Peter’s tomb, it strengthened religious devotion and social unity. It also influenced later church designs and reflected the new connection between the Roman Empire and the Christian faith

 Baldacchino by Bernini

Old St. Peter’s Church, Rome, c. 320  reconstructions

• Baldacchino – A massive canopy over St. Peter’s tomb, marking it as sacred.

• Corkscrew columns – Inspired by the Temple of Solomon (Jewish tradition), donated by Constantine.

• Bernini (1598-1680) copied original columns, keeping continuity in Christian architecture.

• The church became a major Christian pilgrimage site, and its design influenced future church architecture.

•  Adapted from Roman law courts, allowing large congregations.

• Baldacchino (great canopy):

  • Designed by Bernini (17th century) to visually emphasize the tomb of St. Peter.

  • 70-foot-high corkscrew columns, believed to reference columns from Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem.

  • Porphyry material: A rare, imperial stone, reinforcing papal authority.

  • Serves as the liturgical focal point, marking the site where Mass and the Eucharist take place.

Shrine of St. Peter , Vatican (shrine of St. Peter), 4th century

Ivory casket → Small, used for relics or religious items.
Carved relief panels → Show biblical scenes with decorative borders.
Luxury material → Ivory + metal hinges = High status.
✔ Detailed relief carving → Mix of Roman & Christian art.
✔ Christ with lambs & crosses → Good Shepherd.
✔ Orant figures (praying) → Symbol of piety & worship.

⛪ Religious & Historical Importance
✔ Linked to St. Peter’s Basilica → Early Christian pilgrimage site.
✔ Made when Christianity became Rome’s official religion.
✔ Held relics of St. Peter → Shows importance of relics in worship.
✔ Marks transition from pagan Rome to Christian Rome.

Sant’Apollinare Nuovo,

Ravenna, Italy 6th century

• Large basilica (long central nave), designed to hold many worshippers. High ceilings and long walls covered in mosaics.

• Rows of mosaics along the nave show Christ’s miracles and processions of saints. Hierarchical arrangement (Christ is larger, saints in orderly lines).

• Gold, glass, and stone mosaics, set against a golden background. Marble columns and walls add elegance.

• Byzantine mosaic technique, with small pieces of colored glass (tesserae) creating rich, shimmering images. Figures appear flat and frontal but highly detailed.

• Follows the Roman architectural tradition, later adapted for Christian use.

Architectural Features of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo:

• Basilican plan with a long nave, colonnaded aisles, and an apse.

• Sant’Apollinare Nuovo (504 AD) was built by Theodoric the Great for Arian Christianity but was later converted into a Catholic church under Byzantine rule. Its mosaics reflect this shift, as religious imagery was altered to emphasize Christ’s divine authority. The church highlights Ravenna’s role as a political and religious center during the transition from Ostrogothic to Byzantine rule.

• It has a mosaic of Christ’s Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes

  • What is it? A mosaic from Sant’Apollinare Nuovo showing a key biblical event.

  • Key Features:

    • Christ is in the center, with a halo, distributing bread and fish.

    • Only a few apostles are shown, instead of the whole crowd, for simplicity.

    • Gold background – Symbolizes the divine, a common feature in Byzantine art.

  • Why is it important? The scene is simplified for clarity, focusing on Christ’s divine power rather than overwhelming detail.

name? where? when?

• scale, composition, technique, materials, style

• Are the iconographic subject and cultural and historical context of each image identified and discussed?

Hagia Sophia church

Constantinople, now Istanbul turkey, 6th century, early byzantine

• Enormous structure – 270 feet long, 240 feet wide. The dome is 180 feet high, making it feel like it’s floating in the air.

• Massive central dome (180 ft high), supported by pendentives.(Triangular support for a dome).

• a central dome supported by half-domes. Open, flowing space.

• Marble, mosaics, gold, and silver create a mystical interior.

• Byzantine style → Blends Roman engineering with spiritual design.

• Greek cross plan with an open, flowing space.

• Hagia Sophia: Byzantine church → Mosque → Museum → Mosque again. Huge dome, pendentives, mosaics. Symbol of empires and innovation!"

• Symbol of empire shifts and religious significance!
  represents the power shift from Byzantine to Ottoman rule.
  A sacred space for both Christianity and Islam.
  One of the most influential buildings in architectural history.

Name? when? where?

• scale, composition, technique, materials, style

• Are the iconographic subject and cultural and historical context of each image identified and discussed?

important drawings in it

San Vitale , Ravenna, Italy, 6th century early bizantine

• Medium-sized but highly decorated; its compact form contrasts with the vast basilicas of Rome.

• Central plan (rather than basilican), meaning it has a circular/octagonal layout rather than a long nave.

• Built using brick and marble inlay, with rich mosaics covering the walls and apse.

• Brick (common in Byzantine construction), marble inlay, and gold mosaics to create a luminous effect.

• Byzantine architecture, characterized by a dome, intricate mosaics, and complex spatial arrangements

• It looks different from Roman churches because it has an octagonal (8-sided) shape instead of the long rectangular basilicas.

• It is covered in mosaics, showing how powerful Justinian and Theodora were.It has a central plan → Instead of a long hall like Roman basilicas, it’s round/octagonal.

• It has a dome → The large round ceiling makes it feel spiritual and heavenly.

• It is covered in mosaics → The walls and ceiling are full of gold, glass, and colorful images.

• It was built to show Byzantine power → It proved that Emperor Justinian controlled Italy, even though he lived far away in Constantinople.

• It was used for worship → People came to pray, celebrate the Eucharist (Christian ceremony with bread and wine), and honor Saint Vitale.

1. Mosaic of Christ Enthroned (Inside the Apse)

2. Mosaic of Emperor Justinian and His Retinue

3. Mosaic of Empress Theodora and Her Court

what church is this in? name of the piece? represent?

Mosaic of Christ Enthroned (Inside the Apse) in San Vitale

What does it show? Christ sitting on a throne, with two saints next to him.

• What does it mean? Christ is shown as a king of heaven, ruling over the world.

• What to remember:

  • Gold background = Represents heaven.

  • Halo around Christ = Shows he is divine (holy).

  • Saints and angels next to him = Support him like royal servants.

what church is this in? name of the piece? represent?

Mosaic of Emperor Justinian and His Retinue

1. Holds a golden paten (plate for the Eucharist), emphasizing his role in church rituals.

2. Soldiers next to him symbolize military and divine power, reinforcing his rule over both church and state.

3. Justinian has a halo = He is chosen by God.

4. He wears purple and gold = Royal colors (symbolizing power).

5. He holds the Eucharist plate = Shows that he supports the Christian Church.

6. Soldiers next to him = Represent his army’s strength

What does it mean? He is shown as the leader of both government and religion.

what church is this in? name of the piece? represent?

Mosaic of Empress Theodora and Her Court

What does it show? Theodora, Justinian’s wife, wearing a huge crown and purple robe, standing with her ladies-in-waiting.

What does it mean? Even though she was a woman, she had great power.

What to remember:

• Theodora also has a halo = She is important in Christianity.

• She holds a golden cup = Symbolizing her donation to the church.

• Her robe has the Three Wise Men on it = Shows that she is like them—a great giver.

the Barberini Diptych, 6th century, created in Constantinople, early bizantine

• A large-scale ivory relief, meant to be displayed as an imperial statement piece.

• Divided into several registers (sections), each reinforcing the emperor’s power.

• The central figure dominates the scene, with supporting characters surrounding him.

• Symmetry and hierarchy of scale emphasize the emperor’s importance

• Made of high-quality ivory, a rare and valuable material.

• The use of ivory symbolized wealth, status, and divine power.

• Byzantine imperial style, influenced by Roman traditions but with a more spiritual focus.

• The emperor is shown in classical Roman military attire, but his large eyes and elongated proportions hint at the spiritual emphasis of Byzantine art.

• Justinian is shown as a warrior and ruler.

• Christ at the top shows that his power comes from God.

• The work connects Roman and Christian traditions, proving Byzantine emperors were both military and religious leaders

• showing Emperor Justinian’s power and divine approval.

Saint Augustine gospel manuscript , Rome, Italy

6th century

• the book is small made for reading

• mathew is central, sitting in a thrown like chair

• hand painted with ink and pigment

• made from parchment paper with gold petals

• St. Augustine Gospels = Oldest Gospel book, Roman-Christian art, and Four Evangelist symbols. Used to spread Christianity in England

• the four envangalist symbols are

• ox—> Luke fro sacrifice, showing christ patience and suffering

• man—> mathew showing christ human life

• lion—> mark for strength , and christ resurrection

• eagle—>John cz Eagles fly high in the sky → This represents a connection to heaven and God.

Sutton Hoo ship burial

England Suffolk, 7th century

huge wooden ship used as a tomb

filled with treaures

Pagan & Christian Mix → Ship burial = Pagan Viking/Germanic tradition, but some Christian influences show Anglo-Saxon religious transition.

Warrior-King Society → Rich grave goods (helmet, sword, armor) suggest a powerful warrior-king, likely King Rædwald of East Anglia.

Trade & Cultural Exchange → Items from Scandinavia, Byzantium, & the Mediterranean prove Anglo-Saxons traded widely.

Pre-Viking England → Shows Anglo-Saxon wealth, power, and beliefs before Viking invasions changed England

Sutton hoo shoulder clasp

• The Sutton Hoo Shoulder Clasp is a 7th-century Anglo-Saxon gold fastener, found in a royal ship burial. Decorated with cloisonné garnet and animal interlace designs, it symbolized strength and status. Its craftsmanship shows the Anglo-Saxons' wealth and cultural connection

Book of Durrow gospel book carpet pages

British isle

full page

symmetrical design

celtic knotwork

hand painted manuscript

animal interlace

cross( first one)

material , vellum , gold accents , natural pigemnt

Both reflect the Insular art style, blending Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, and Christian traditions

manuscript

evangelist portait, zoomorphic imagery

stylized body (not classical)

eagle:john, lion:mark, man:mathew, ox:luke

vellum, ink, gold accents

Celtic imagery, use of gold, British isle

Both reflect the Insular art style, blending Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, and Christian traditions

• Durrow = More abstract & geometric, bold colors, minimal detail.

• Lindisfarne = More refined, naturalistic, richer detail & colors.

• both vellum and Celtic metal work

Quick Trick: "Carpet Pages = Animal interlace! Evangelist Symbols = Zoomorphic!" 🔥

Lindisfarne Gospels, gospel book, c. 700; Carpet pages

✔ Scale: Full-page abstract designs, symmetrical layout.
✔ Composition: Interlaced Celtic knots, spirals, crosses, and animal motifs.
✔ Technique: Hand-drawn with precision, layered details.
✔ Materials: Vellum (calfskin), colored pigments (red, blue, green, yellow, black).
✔ Style: Hiberno-Saxon (Insular Art), inspired by metalwork & illuminated manuscripts.

Quick Trick: "Carpet Pages = Animal interlace! Evangelist Symbols = Zoomorphic!" 🔥

Lindisfarne Gospels, gospel book,7th century made at Lindisfarne Monastery.

evangelist portiats

Full-page depictions of the four Evangelists/gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
✔ Composition: Stylized figures with their symbolic animals (Man = Matthew, Lion = Mark, Ox = Luke, Eagle = John).
✔ Technique: Flat, frontal poses, bold outlines, decorative elements.
✔ Materials: Vellum, bright pigments, gold leaf.
✔ Style: Byzantine & Celtic influence, Insular manuscript tradition.

more shading then the other one

still stylized but more show more naturalism

• Durrow = More abstract & geometric, bold colors, minimal detail.

• Lindisfarne = More refined, naturalistic, richer detail & colors.

both vellum and Celtic metal work

Quick Trick: "Carpet Pages = Animal interlace! Evangelist Symbols = Zoomorphic!" 🔥

Palaca chapel, Achen, germany, 8th century

• Central Plan, based on San Vitale (Ravenna) but more rigid and heavy.
  Octagonal dome, supported by massive piers.

• Two-story interior with arched galleries, creating a monumental effect.
  Use of spolia (Roman columns, capitals, bronze doors) → Symbolic link to Rome.

• Mosaics Golden mosaics cover the dome → Represents the heavenly vision from Revelation.
  Christ in Majesty at the center, surrounded by 24 elders of the Apocalypse.
  ✅ngels and saints arranged hierarchically, emphasizing divine order.

  ✅ Marble and porphyry from Rome (spolia).
  ✅ Bronze casting workshops on-site → Produced Charlemagne’s famous bronze doors.
  ✅ Use of heavy stone piers rather than thin columns → More stable and massive.

  Blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Carolingian elements.
  Heavy, geometric, and symmetrical, unlike fluid Byzantine designs.
  Modeled after San Vitale, but more controlled and fortress-like.
  ✅ Symbol of Charlemagne’s authority as the "new Constantine".

• ✔ Inspired by San Vitale (Ravenna) → Octagonal central plan.
  ✔ Roman influence → Spolia (reused Roman columns, bronze doors).
  ✔ Carolingian architecture → Blends Byzantine, Roman, and Northern European styles.
  ✔ Mosaics of Christ & heavenly court → Symbolize Charlemagne’s divine rule.

  ⛪ Religious & Historical Importance
  ✔ Center of Carolingian Renaissance → Revived classical learning & Roman art.
  ✔ Political & religious power → Linked to Holy Roman Empire.
  ✔ Used for imperial coronations → Inspired future medieval churches.

  🚀 Quick Memory Trick:
  "Aachen Chapel = Charlemagne’s church, inspired by Rome & Byzantium, symbol of power & Christian rule.

Saint Matthew from the Coronation Gospels (Gospel Book of Charlemagne)800-810, ink and tempera on vellum (Kaiserliche Schatzkammer, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna);

0. Carolingian Renaissance, intense production of manuscripts, culture of copying, using classical (Roman) modelsfigure seated at a lectern, barefoot, in the

   act of writing, looking at classical models

1. Realistic, naturalistic style → Inspired by Roman painting traditions. Matthew sits on a chair, writing in a book, with draped clothing and shading.
   Golden halo symbolizes his holiness.

2. Style & Features

   • Calm, classical, Roman-inspired → Figures look realistic, smooth shading.

   • Soft colors, flowing drapery, relaxed posture.

   • Natural background → Roman landscape influence.

   • Gold & purple pages → Shows Charlemagne’s connection to imperial Rome.

   ✔ Historical Significance

   • Carolingian Renaissance → Revival of Roman artistic traditions.

   • Shows Charlemagne’s desire to restore Roman glory in his empire.

   🚀 Quick Memory Trick:
   "Coronation Gospels: Saint Matthew looks calm, Roman-inspired, soft shading, Charlemagne’s revival of Rome."

Saint Matthew from the Ebbo Gospels (Gospel Book of the Archbishop of Reims), c. 816-35, ink and tempera on vellum (Bibliothèque Municipale, Épernay)

figure seated at a lectern, barefoot, in the

act of writing, looking at classical models

✔ Style & Features

• Energetic, expressive, frantic lines → Shows spiritual excitement.

• Twisting drapery, intense face, wild hair → Looks inspired, almost nervous.

• Background has movement → Rolling hills feel alive.

• Quick brushstroke-like lines → Unique to Carolingian art.

✔ Historical Significance

• Expressive, emotional → Different from the calm, classical look of the Coronation Gospels.

• New artistic approach in the Carolingian period → More dramatic, spiritual intensity.

🚀 Quick Memory Trick:
"Ebbo Gospels: Saint Matthew looks excited, sketchy lines, wild energy, spiritual inspiration."

Bronze Doors of St. Michael’s, Hildesheim, Germany (1015 AD)

📌 What is it?

✔ Massive bronze doors made for St. Michael’s Church in Hildesheim, Germany.
✔ Commissioned by Bishop Bernward, a major patron of Ottonian art.
✔ First monumental cast bronze doors since Ancient Rome.

🎨 Style & Features

✔ Material → Cast bronze, over 16 feet tall.
✔ Technique → Made using the lost-wax casting method (a complex process).
✔ Composition → 16 biblical scenes from the Old Testament (left) & New Testament (right).
✔ Narrative Flow → Reads top to bottom (left) & bottom to top (right), linking Adam’s fall to Christ’s redemption.
✔ Expressive figures → Dramatic gestures, emotional storytelling.

⛪ Religious & Historical Importance

✔ Symbolizes human sin & salvation → Adam & Eve’s fall vs. Christ’s sacrifice.
✔ Ottonian Renaissance → Revival of large-scale bronze casting.
✔ Connects to Roman traditions → Inspired by ancient wooden doors of Roman churches.
✔ Innovative storytelling in medieval art → Meant to teach the illiterate public.

🚀 Quick Memory Trick:

"Hildesheim Doors (1015) = Huge bronze doors, first since Rome, tell Adam’s fall & Christ’s redemption in emotional scenes.