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.