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.

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