ARTH225 - Lecture 4 - 3_5_2025 (Wed)_default_60221287

Introduction to Medieval Art

• The status of the artist in the medieval period was significantly different from the Renaissance onwards.

• Major Renaissance artists include:

  • Michelangelo

  • Leonardo da Vinci

  • Raphael

  • Piero della Francesca

  • Giotto

• Difficulty Naming Medieval Artists:

  • Rarely do individuals recall specific medieval artists as opposed to Renaissance artists.

Defining the Medieval Period

• Duration: Approximately 500 to 600 years, starting from the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century to the onset of the Renaissance in the late 13th/early 14th century.

• Transition between these periods is not well-defined, often blurred.

Characteristics of Medieval Art

• Dominated by religious themes due to the influence of the Catholic Church.

• Art served religious functions or was produced for aristocracy and royalty.

• Lack of Individual Recognition:

  • Emphasis on collective culture rather than individual artists; artworks were often anonymous.

  • Cosideration of artists as craftsmen or artisans rather than modern artists.

Manuscript Illustration Example

• Image Description:

  • From a manuscript margin: humorous depiction involving a scriptor and a rat, displaying a unique artist's commentary on their own work.

• Art was seen as an act of devotion and humility, meant to celebrate God rather than promote individual creativity.

Transition to Recognized Artists

• Art in the medieval period was typically unsigned. However, some exceptions exist.

• Jean Van Eyck:

  • Among the first recognizable artists from the later medieval period.

  • Notable for painting the "Arnolfini Portrait," interpreted as a wedding portrait and contract.

• Van Eyck pioneered oil painting techniques that enhanced detailed representation.

Michelangelo's Shift in Artist Identity

• Michelangelo's Pieta (1498-1499):

  • Noteworthy for its signed inscription on the sash, indicating a shift in the perception of artist identity.

  • Claims authorship was relatively rare prior to this period but increased towards the end of the 15th century.

Architectural Highlights of the Medieval Period

Autun Cathedral (Romanesque Art)

• Construction Period: 12 years, begun around 1120 to accommodate pilgrims.

• Notable for the Last Judgment tympanum, emphasizing themes of salvation and judgment for the audience of pilgrims.

• Signed by Giselbertus, demonstrating a possible indication of individual artist recognition in medieval sculpture.

Bayeux Tapestry

• Date: Twelfth century, details the Norman conquest of England.

• Measures 70 meters long and 50 cm high, consisting of 58 narrative panels.

• Production: Likely commissioned by Bishop Odo, celebrated William the Conqueror's military achievements.

• Important distinction: This is an embroidery and not a tapestry; images are stitched onto fabric.

Chartres Cathedral (Gothic Era)

• Construction Period: Mostly completed by 1220, built on the site of a burnt cathedral.

• Key Features:

  • Distinctive spires built in different styles; one flamboyant Gothic, the other simpler.

  • Introduction of flying buttresses enabling taller, thinner walls and stained glass windows.

• Stained Glass:

  • Well-preserved original glass narrates biblical stories, providing color and illuminating the interior of the church.

Final Examples and Conclusion

• The Hamburg Bible Manuscripts: depict creation in Genesis and the artist at work in Revelation, showcasing the relationship between divine creation and artistic creation.

• This hints at artists’ awareness of their role as creators, paralleling divine creativity, yet framed as acts of devotion rather than self-aggrandizement.

• Acknowledgment of upcoming discussions on Renaissance artists will continue the exploration of evolving artist identity.