Medieval Art Lecture Notes

Lesson Introduction

  • Quote:
    • "Bitter is the wind tonight. It tosses the ocean's white hair. Tonight, I fear not the fierce warriors of Norway coursing on the Irish Sea."
    • Written by a monk fearing Viking plundering.
    • Highlights turbulent yet beautiful medieval period.

Lesson Objectives

  • Analyze the Viking era.
  • Recognize the Osberg ship.
  • Compare Scandinavian timber architecture.
  • Recognize Etonian architecture and sculpture.

Key Terms

  • Vikings
  • Oesberg ship
  • Prowl
  • Gripping beasts
  • Scandinavia
  • Stave church
  • Waddle and daub
  • Timber architecture
  • Clerestory

The Vikings

  • Vikings came from Scandinavia.
  • Typically includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
  • Sometimes includes Iceland and Greenland.
  • Norse seamen from the 8th century.
  • Raided coasts of England and Ireland.
  • Traveled in flotillas of up to 350 ships.
  • Aggressive and successful, instilling fear.
  • Example: Viking ship raiding in 9th century France.
    • Ships were small, like the 22-meter Ausberg ship.
    • Used in calmer waters of fjords.
    • Propelled by wind and manpower.

Viking Expansion

  • Vikings initially kept to themselves until around July.
  • Reasons for expansion:
    • Easier to plunder than work.
    • Population increase required relocation.
    • Limited coastal plain in Scandinavia due to mountains.
    • Europe was an untapped market for Norse art.

Viking Uniforms and Weapons

  • Uniforms varied unless in the king's army.
  • Helmets:
    • Made of hardened leather, shaped to fit.
    • Often had a ridge for seam protection.
    • Some had decorative goggles for eye protection.
    • Myth: Horns on helmets were not typical.

Viking Sword

  • Symbolized honor and life story.
  • Made of iron, decorated with runes (Norse alphabet characters).
  • Double-edged for versatile striking.
  • Pointed for thrusting.
  • Hilt decorated with ivory, silver, gold, and jewels.

Viking Battle Axe

  • Two types: short and long (up to 1.5 meters).
  • Vikings were unique in using axes in battle.
  • Feared and effective weapon.
  • Decorated with symbolic references, much like swords.

Osberg Ship

  • Used as a grave ship for a high-ranking woman (likely a queen).
  • Found buried and preserved in soil.
  • Had been plundered, with gold and jewels missing.
  • Prow (front) and stern (back) had detailed carvings.
    • Ended in a spiraling serpent head.
  • Featured intertwined "gripping beasts" - grotesque cat-like creatures.
    • Symbolized intimidation and fear.
    • Showcased remarkable craftsmanship.

Scandinavia

  • Geographic area: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, sometimes Iceland, Greenland, and Finland.
  • Forest types:
    • Coniferous (pine) forests.
    • Mountain birch forests.
    • Non-forested areas: ice, barren, mountainous.
  • Coniferous Trees
    • Trees that have cones
    • Typically Pine Trees/Christmas Trees
  • Deciduous Trees
    • Trees like birch w/ broader leaves and white bark
    • Soft wood

Scandinavian Timber Architecture

  • Waddle and Daub:
    • Posts with woven framework filled with mud or plaster.
    • Associated with Birch Forests because of the softwood
  • Horizontal Log Construction:
    • Similar to American log cabins.
    • Derived from timber frame log construction.
    • Found in Coniferous forests.

Stave Church

  • Example of timber architecture in Norway.
  • Best-preserved stave church in Norway.
  • Built in the 12th century with no reconstruction.
  • Staves are the four central support beams.
  • Utilized long, linear log construction; timber frame.

Etonian Architecture

  • Church of Saint Cyriacus in Gernrode, Germany.
  • Etonian rulers attempted to replicate early Christian churches in Rome.
  • Locally trained architects lacked knowledge of Roman construction.
  • Resulted in blander, less ornate churches with timber frames, making them susceptible to fire.
  • Features:
    • Arcade region.
    • Gallery region (purpose uncertain).
    • Clerestory (windows below the roofline for light).

Etonian Sculpture

  • Followed a similar pattern to architecture - bland, lacking adornment.
  • Sculptures were removable, not fixed to the church structure.
  • Gero Crucifix:
    • Commissioned by Archbishop Gero of Cologne.
    • Over six feet tall, designed to be suspended above the altar.
    • Made of paint and gilded oak (thin gold leaf application).
    • Depicts Christ in a somber, humanized form on the cross.

Review

  • Analyzed the Viking era.
  • Recognized the Osberg ship.
  • Compared Scandinavian timber architecture.
  • Recognized Etonian architecture and sculpture.

Closing Remarks

  • Medieval period was turbulent, yet produced fine craftsmanship.
  • Despite fear and anxiety, tremendous treasures remain.