ARTH 100-Medieval Art in Europe

Islamic Art and Architecture

• Prohibition Against Figuration

  • Central to Islamic religious art conventions.

  • Focus on intricate geometric patterns and decorative designs instead of human figures.

  • Examples: Mosaic work in the Dome of the Rock.

• Adaptation of Artistic Conventions

  • Influences from Christian, Roman, and Persian art in early Islamic art.

  • Seen in structures like the Dome of the Rock and Great Mosque of Khairan.

• Historical Significance of Early Mosques

  • Great Mosque: Earliest mosque that retains its original form, providing insight into early mosque architecture.

The Medieval Period in Europe

• Terminology

  • Known as Middle Ages or Dark Ages.

  • Time period between ancient history and early modern period; notable gap between classical antiquity and the Renaissance.

  • "Dark Ages": Characterized by perceived lack of enlightenment, attributed to religious oppression and decline in cultural values.

• Scholarly Reappraisal

  • Modern scholarship disputes the "dark ages" notion, highlighting the richness of medieval Christian art and culture in Europe.

• Art as a Tool of Christianity

  • Primarily Christian in nature due to the spread of Christianity across Europe.

  • Art utilized for conversion, instruction, and teaching about Christianity, especially to pagan regions.

• Five Main Periods of Medieval Art

  • Early Medieval Art (British Isles and Scandinavia).

  • Carolingian Art (France).

  • Ottonian Art (Germany).

  • Romanesque Art.

  • Gothic Art; all contributing to a shared visual language across Europe.

Societal Structure of Medieval Europe

• Feudal Society

  • Lack of centralized power; society organized around kings, lords, and nobles.

  • Knights received land in exchange for military service; peasants worked the land in exchange for protection.

The Role of Art in Early Medieval Society

• Art as a Visual Bible

  • Serves to educate the illiterate about Christian teachings.

  • Blends geometric patterns from pre-Christian cultures (e.g., Viking art).

• Christian Art Flourishing (9th-11th Centuries)

  • Rise of religious art and power especially noticeable in Central Europe.

  • Formation of the Holy Roman Empire incorporating Christian principles.

  • Dominance of religious themes in art, architecture, and manuscripts.

Illuminated Manuscripts

• Definition and Production

  • Books decorated by hand, typically on parchment (animal skin), featuring gold leaf and colored pigments.

  • Primarily handwritten before the printing press era.

  • Created in monastic communities for liturgical functions.

• Subject Matter

  • Themes derived from the Old and New Testaments; lives of saints and martyrs.

  • Often included musical notes for hymns (Psalms).

• Impact of Writers

  • Created by monks and nuns; wrote mostly in Latin, limiting access for the illiterate.

  • Manuscripts featured elaborate covers adorned with jewels and Christian symbols.

• Artistic Features and Details

  • Decorative initials designed using ornamental styles.

  • Miniatures depict religious narratives; marginalia features comedic or lewd imagery critiquing society.

  • Example: L'attre psalter and its elaborate decorations.

Notable Manuscripts

• Lindau Gospels

  • Famous for intricate metalwork and jeweled cover, dated to the late 9th century.

  • Depicts the crucifixion scene, emphasizing luxury and sacred significance of the book.

• Book of Hours

  • Secular manuscript for wealthier patrons, focusing on laity's devotional practices.

  • Shift from strictly religious texts to broader themes in later medieval manuscripts.

Sculptural Works in Medieval Art

• Devotional Sculpture

  • Created to promote prayer and contemplation.

  • Common subjects include the Pieta (Mary holding Christ) and large crucifixes.

  • Emphasis on drama, emotion, and human suffering in representations of Christ's sacrifice.

• Contrast with Byzantine Art

  • Medieval sculpture focuses on realism, pain, and emotion, differing from the idealized figures of Byzantine works.

Secular Art in the Medieval Period

• Commissioned Works

  • Created for nobility, depicting courtly life and romantic themes.

  • Highlight the differences from religious art, showcasing a broader cultural spectrum in medieval artistry.