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Medieval Art

Medieval Period

  • Time before the Renaissance

  • Lasted from the 5th to the 15th century (approx. 1000 years)

  • Key factors: religious faith, Catholic Church dominance, feudalism, crusades, Black Death

  • Subdivided into Early, High, and Late Middle Ages

Early Middle Ages

  • Began in the 5th century, coinciding with the decline of the Roman Empire

  • Characterized by multiple kingdoms in Europe

  • Byzantine Empire remained influential in the east

High Middle Ages

  • Started in the 11th century

  • Marked by strong religious faith and feudalism

  • Crusades commenced in 1095 CE, involving European knights attempting to reclaim the Holy Land

Late Middle Ages

  • Occurred from the 14th to the 15th century

  • Marked by hardships due to the bubonic plague (Black Death)

  • Estimated deaths: 30% to 60% of Europe’s population

Medieval Art

  • Includes sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, metalwork, mosaics

  • Higher survival rate compared to fresco wall-paintings

  • Minor arts valued excessively, especially illuminated manuscripts with precious covers

Romanesque Art

  • Spanned from 1000 to 1300 AD

  • Influenced by Roman and Byzantine art, focused on religious themes

  • Features include stained glass, murals, and architectural carvings

  • Characterized by Roman and Germanic influences

Illuminated Manuscripts

  • Handmade books, often Christian texts, produced in Western Europe (500-1600)

  • Decorative features with gold/silver, made from animal skin (vellum)

  • Highly prized by nobility, showcasing wealth

Gothic Art

  • Evolved from Romanesque art in the 12th century

  • Spread across Europe; brighter colors and realism emerged

  • Expanded subject matter beyond religion

Gothic Painting

  • Commonly featured New Testament scenes

  • Emphasized flowing lines, detail, and gold backgrounds

  • Secular subjects emerged in late Gothic art

Gothic Architecture

  • Popular from the late 12th to the 16th century

  • Evolved from Romanesque architecture, incorporated structural innovations

  • Characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaulting, and tall ceilings

Stained Glass Windows

  • Design emphasized light as a divine connection

  • Taller and larger than typical church windows

  • Included Biblical scenes and tracery detail

Arch in Gothic Architecture

  • Tall, pointed arches adapted from Islamic architecture

  • Ribbed vaulting allowed for higher ceilings and better support

Gothic Sculpture

  • Features include ornate moldings, statues, and gargoyles

  • Representations of animals, real and mythical

  • Decorative figures often intended to ward off evil

Gargoyles

  • Carved figures acting as water spouts

  • Protect building foundations from erosion

Grotesque Figures

  • Ornamental figures not functioning as spouts

  • Often mythical or demonic, enhancing architectural interest.