Early Medieval Art: Illuminated Manuscripts

Early Medieval Art: Illuminated Manuscripts

Introduction

• A quote from Jared of Wales, a 12th-century priest, describes the manuscripts as works of art so intricate and delicate that they seem to be the work of an angel rather than a man.

• Initial impressions of illuminated manuscripts reveal beautifully composed images that, upon closer inspection, break down into specific and complex details.

Lesson Objectives

• Understand the roles of monks and nuns in the production of illuminated manuscripts and gospels.

• Recognize illuminated manuscripts, such as the Chi Rho Iota page from the Book of Kells.

• Recognize the Gospels of Charlemagne, the Igbo Gospels, and the Utrecht Psalter.

• Compare Carolingian manuscripts with Ottonian manuscripts.

Key Terms

• Monasteries: Centers of art and learning where manuscripts were created.

• Book of Kells: A beautifully preserved example of illuminated manuscripts.

• Chi Rho Iota: The first three letters (XPI) of Christ's name in Greek.

• Scribe: The individual who wrote the text of the manuscript.

• Vellum: Animal skin used as the writing surface for manuscripts.

• Gospels of Charlemagne: One example of illuminated gospel books.

• Igbo Gospels: Another example of illuminated gospel books.

• Utrecht Psalter: A famous Carolingian manuscript.

• Ottonian Manuscripts: Manuscripts from the Ottonian period.

Creators of Illuminated Manuscripts

• Illuminated manuscripts were primarily created in monasteries, specifically in small workshops called scriptoria.

• Monasteries functioned as centers of art and learning.

• Most of the authors of these manuscripts were monks or religious figures.

Reasons for Monastic Creation

• Literacy: Most of the population was illiterate, making it the duty of educated monks to create these works.

• Utilitarian Purpose: The initial function was not artistic, but to copy religious texts, particularly the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).

• These gospel books were crucial for missionary work, conveying the "good news" of salvation through Jesus Christ.

• The manuscripts served to glorify the word of God, both in content and through craftsmanship.

Elevation of Craftsmanship

• Monks and nuns were dedicated painters, jewelers, carvers, weavers, and embroiderers.

• Their efforts in creating religious masterpieces elevated their craft to high art.

Impact of Vikings

• Viking raids had a profoundly negative effect on monasteries due to their wealth, isolation, and lack of defense.

• Monasteries along the coastlines of England, Scotland, and Ireland were frequently targeted.

• Monks from Iona fled to Kells in Ireland in 806 AD due to Viking threats, leading to the creation of the Book of Kells.

The Book of Kells

• One of the most well-preserved examples of illuminated manuscripts.

• It took four scribes and three major illuminators to create.

• Scribe: wrote the underlying text.

• Illuminator: embellished the text.

Chi Rho Iota Page

• A page from the Book of Kells, specifically the opening page of the Gospel of Matthew.

• It begins with the birth of Jesus Christ.

• XPI is the monogram of Christ's name in Greek (Christos).

• The creation of the book required the skins of 185 calves to make vellum.

• Pigments were sourced from as far away as Afghanistan.

• The Book of Kells was discovered in a peat bog in Kells and was remarkably preserved.

Symbolism

• The Chi Rho Iota page features many circles and swirls.

• Triple circles within a larger circle reference the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

• The page is filled with detailed images that symbolize greater concepts.

• The page can be appreciated from a distance, but zooming in reveals even smaller, specific images.

Gospels of Charlemagne

• A page from the Gospel of Charlemagne depicts Saint Matthew.

• It conveys a sense of great spirituality and intellect, portraying Matthew as methodical in composing his gospel.

• The style is soft, featuring large patches of color and strong, bold lines.

• A stoic effect is achieved through the lack of tight, energetic lines.

• Subtle use of light and shadow creates a three-dimensional effect.

Igbo Gospels

• Depicts Saint Matthew in a style different from the Gospels of Charlemagne.

• Features a very energetic use of line, creating a rough and edgy landscape.

• Reflects a unique style associated with Rheims.

• Expresses intense passion, particularly in the eyes of Saint Matthew.

• Interprets Matthew as full of energy and fervor in writing the story of Jesus Christ.

Utrecht Psalter

• The most famous of Carolingian manuscripts, also known as the Old Testament Book of Psalms.

• Psalms are not stories, making illustrations challenging.

• Artists would choose a line from a psalm to illustrate.

• An image from Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want) depicts Christ as the shepherd overseeing his flock.

• The flock is a metaphor for humanity, with Christ leading them to salvation.

• Similar use of line and energy as in the Igbo Gospels, but not the Gospels of Charlemagne.

Ottonian Manuscripts

• The Aachen Gospels are from the Ottonian period.

• Show a sophisticated and complex energy in the relationships between subjects.

• Everyone's attention is focused on Christ washing the feet of his apostles before the Last Supper.

• Conveys deep spirituality and emotion.

• Demonstrates a primitive but developing sense of perspective.

• Testament to the humility and humanity of Christ.

Review of Objectives

• Understood the roles of monks and nuns in manuscript production.

• Recognized illuminated manuscripts like the Chi Rho Iota page from the Book of Kells.

• Recognized the Gospels of Charlemagne, the Igbo Gospels, and the Utrecht Psalter.

• Compared Carolingian manuscripts with Ottonian manuscripts.

Conclusion

• The detail of the Chi Rho from the Book of Kells was not created by an angel, but the beautifully decorated gospels and manuscripts from the medieval period are worthy of that compliment.