Early Medieval Art and Architecture in Western Europe

Introduction

  • Geographical, historical, and cultural context of Western Europe during c. 500 - c.1000 CE.
  • Fusion of styles and influences, creating a "melting pot".

Art in the British Isles

  • Introduction to the Anglo-Saxons.
  • Metalwork: Golden buckle from Sutton Hoo (c. 600-50 CE).
    • Depicts animals and serpents.
  • Illuminated manuscripts:
    • Lindisfarne Gospels (c. 715–25 CE):
    • "Carpet" pages.
    • St. Matthew and St. Luke pages.
    • Chi Rho page from the Book of Kells (late eighth or early ninth century CE).
  • Sculpture: Muiredach Cross (c. 923).
    • Located at Monasterboice.
    • Features depictions of:
    • Christ in judgement.
    • Saints Paul and Anthony in the desert.
    • David playing the lyre.
    • Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Visigothic Art and Architecture

  • Visigothic art produced in southern France and Spain (5th - 8th century CE).
  • Key features:
    • The horseshoe arch.
    • Visigothic church plan types (fusion of cross and basilical plans).
    • Examples:
    • Church of San Juan Bautista in Baños de Cerrato (661 CE).
    • Church of Santa Comba de Bande (c. 650-700 CE).
    • Church of San Pedro de la Nave (c. 680 -711).
    • Visigothic homes: La Cabilda (Madrid) remains.
    • Visigothic metalwork:
    • Alovera brooch (6th century).
    • Guarrazar treasure (621-672).

Art and Architecture of the Carolingian Empire

  • Carolingian Empire (800–888): Frankish-dominated empire.
  • Ruled by the Carolingian dynasty (Charlemagne and descendants).
  • Charlemagne (Charles the Great):
    • Crowned “emperor of the Romans” by Pope Leo III in 800 CE.
  • Architecture: Palatine Chapel at Aachen (792-805 CE).
  • Illuminated manuscripts and books:
    • St. Matthew from the Coronation Gospels (early ninth century CE).
    • Lindau Gospels (front cover 870-80 CE, back cover 760-90 CE).

Ottonian Art and Architecture

  • Evolved during the reign of Emperor Otto the Great.
  • Lasted from the mid 10th century to the mid 11th century in Germany.
  • Inspired by Carolingian and Byzantine art and architecture.
  • Church architecture and interior decoration: Church of St. Cyriakus, Gernrode (959/960-965).