Early Medieval and Romanesque Europe: Art and Architecture

Islamic Manuscripts and Art

  • Earliest Korans (9th century)

    • Features Kufic calligraphy and decorative motifs; figural illustrations were absent due to Islamic tradition against representation of fauna in sacred contexts.

  • Islamic Art: Focused on textiles, carved ivory pyxides, and enamel-decorated glass lamps used in mosques.

    • In secular contexts, figural decoration was permitted.

    • Example: Ivory pyxis of al-Mughira featured animals and hunters.

  • Carpets

    • Example: Carpets designed by Maqsud of Kashan for a funerary mosque, featuring at least 25 million knots each.

  • Timurid and Safavid Courts

    • Employed skilled painters for manuscript illustrations including famous manuscript painters Bihzad and Sultan-Muhammad.

Early Medieval Europe
Overview

  • The period from the fall of the Roman Empire in 410 to the Renaissance was deemed the Dark Ages by earlier scholars, but is now seen as a time of innovative and beautiful art.

  • Early medieval art (c. 500-1000) was a synthesis of Roman classical heritage, non-Roman cultures of northern Europe, and Christianity.

Early Medieval Artifacts

  • Merovingian Art: Items included small status symbols like weapons and adornments.

    • Example: fibulae found in Merovingian graves interpreted as treasures enhancing prestige.

  • Anglo-Saxon Epics: Example in Beowulf, highlighting burial practices with items buried with deceased important figures for honor.

Various Periods and Dynasties in Early Medieval Europe

  • Merovingian and Anglo-Saxon Art (410-768)

    • Produced portable items and patterns.

  • Carolingian Art (768-919)

    • Characterized by revival of Early Christian Roman art; innovations in church architecture and design.

  • Ottonian Art (919-1024)

    • Employed alternative support systems in churches, and focused on bronze sculpture revival.

  • Romanesque Architecture (1024-1200)

    • Introduced stone barrel and groin vaulting.

    • Major focus on monumental sculptures in church portals and manuscript illuminations.

Notable Art and Artifacts
Sutton Hoo Ship Burial

  • Historic burial site from 7th century, uncovered in 1939:

    • Featured treasures such as a gold belt buckle, silver bowls, and garnet inlaid purse cover.

    • The purse cover illustrates cloisonné decoration.

Hiberno-Saxon Art

  • Christianization led to illuminated manuscripts showing integration of Christian imagery with local styles.

  • Manuscript Illumination: Featured decorative patterns and 'carpet pages' between texts.

    • Examples: Lindisfarne Gospels and Book of Kells.

Carolingian and Ottonian Art
Charlemagne's Rule

  • Coronation Gospels: Manuscripts illustrated with portraits of evangelists, showing influence of classical styles.

Saint Gall Plan

  • An architectural plan emphasizing geometric organization.