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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.