Early Medieval Art

  • Key Artworks: Lindisfarne Gospels (ca. 698-721), Abbey Church at Corvey (873-885), Gero Crucifix (ca. 970).

  • Characteristics: Small-scale artworks, personal adornments, cloisonné decoration, animal and interlace patterns.

  • Hiberno-Saxon Art: Notable for illuminated manuscripts with unique features like carpet pages and decorative text.

Carolingian Revival (800-814)

  • Charlemagne crowned by Pope Leo III; revived Early Christian art and culture.

  • Artists: Combined classical illusionism with northern traditions; depicted Christ as a youth.

  • Architecture: Influenced by Ravenna and Early Christian Rome; introduced twin-tower west facade (westwork).

Ottonian Period (919-1024)

  • Emperors' Goal: Preserve Carolingian culture.

  • Architecture: Basilican churches with alternate-support systems in naves.

  • Sculpture Revival: Large works like the Gero Crucifix and bronze at Saint Michael's in Hildesheim.

Romanesque Art (1050-1200)

  • Vaults: Characterized by barrel and groin vaults; primarily made of stone.

  • Architecture: Churches along pilgrimage routes, spacious for large crowds; incorporation of groin vaults and three-story elevations.

  • Sculpture: Revival in cloisters and church portals, e.g., Christ as last judge scenes.

Gothic and Late Medieval (12th-14th centuries)

  • Gothic Art Origin: Coined by Giorgio Vasari; seen as a term of ridicule for the late medieval style.

  • Urban Shift: From monasteries to cities; emergence of guilds and universities.

  • Architecture: Cathedrals like Reims showed verticality and light through stained glass.

Early Gothic (1140-1194)

  • Saint-Denis Church: Abbot Suger emphasizes light and uses rib vaults and pointed arches.

  • Sculpture Innovations: Royal Portal at Chartres; narratives focus on Christ and Mary.

High Gothic (1194-1300)

  • Chartres Cathedral: Sets standards for height and window design, use of flying buttresses.

  • Late Gothic (14th-15th centuries): Emergence of secular themes in art,
    e.g., Giotto's naturalistic approach.

Regional Variations in Gothic Architecture

  • France vs. England: French designs emphasized height; English designs focused on horizontal elements and less use of flying buttresses.

  • Perpendicular Style: Unique to England characterized by decorative elements rather than structural integrity.

Key Artists and Artworks in Italy

  • Nicola Pisano: Pulpit design blends Gothic and classical influences.

  • Vernacular Literature: Emerged during the Renaissance altering cultural life.

Late Gothic Examples

  • Sainte-Chapelle: Glass-filled structure emphasizing light.

  • Doge's Palace in Venice: Unique variation of Gothic architecture with ornate details.