Early Medieval Art and Architecture

Geographic Regions of the Roman Empire

  • Regions Mentioned:

    • Russia, CLURACUM, DIVA, BRITANNIA, CAMULODUNUM, LONDINIUM, GERMANIC Tribes, GERMANIA, LUDUNESIS, CLUTEHA, PARISCIRUM.

    • Northern Regions: NORICUM, DACIA, COLCHIS, GAUL, IBERIA, RAETIA, BOSPORAN, PANONNIA, DACIA, ALBANIA.

    • Provinces of Italia: RAVENNA, MOESIA, ARMENIA, ROMAN DALMATIA, EMPIRE, PONTUS.

    • Cities: Artaxata, Tehran, THRACE, CAPPADOCIA, MACEDONIA, CONSTANTINOPOLIS, Nisibis, TARRACONENSIS.

    • Others: Persia, ROMA, ASIA MINOR, THESSALONICA, ASSYRIA, Singara, HISPANIA, NEAPON, GREECE.

    • Byzantine Empire: kbatana, OTOUTUM, Isfahan, LUSITANIA, EPHESUS.

    • Regions and Cities in Africa: GAUL, Egypt, CAIRO, CARTHAGE, HIERAPOLIS.

Fall of Rome (395 - 493)

  • Overview: Discusses the gradual decline of the Roman Empire leading to its eventual fall.

Middle Ages = Medieval Period

  • Phases:

    • Early Medieval Period (6th – 10th century):

      • Fallen Rome (ca. 476).

      • Migration Period (ca. 375-800): Movement of Northern Germanic tribes.

      • Key Events: Conversion of Hiberno-Saxons (St. Patrick, 5th century), Viking raids (8th-12th century).

    • Romanesque Period (11th – 12th century): Architectural and artistic developments.

    • Gothic Period (12th/13th – 14th century): Characterized by new artistic approaches, higher ceilings, and stained glass.

Viking Artifacts from Oseberg Ship Burial

  • Historical Significance:

    • Viking ship excavated in 1904 displaying cultural significance of Viking burial customs and artistry.

    • Oseberg Viking Ship:

      • Date: ca. 815, length: 75 ½ feet.

Artwork and Artifacts

  • Animal-Head Post: From Oseberg ship burial, Norway, ca. 834, wood, height: 5".

  • Animal and Hybrid Representation:

    • Various animal forms depicted in Viking artifacts reflecting cultural ideas of hybrids and mythology.

Silver-Gilt Brooch

  • Details:

    • Found in a female grave on the Isle of Wight, England, early 6th century.

    • Illustrates intricate design distinguishing high-status individuals.

    • turning the brooch around revealing four head in profile

The Sutton Hoo Ship Burial

  • Purse Covers:

    • Found near Suffolk, England, ca. 625.

    • Materials: Gold, glass, cloisonné garnets, measuring 7" long.

Gold Belt Buckle

  • Found in Sutton Hoo Ship Burial, ca. 625:

    • Decorative features: Zoomorphic interlace, notable symbolic representation of power.

    • Represents fearsome creatures believed to confer strength and respect.

The Book of Kells

  • Canon Tables and Interpretation:

    • Illustrates the use of classical architecture as structuring elements alongside Evangelist symbols for reader guidance.

    • Symbolism in artwork and preservation of texts.

  • the Garima Gospels (AD 390-660)

    • illuminates gospel book written on vellum in the Ge’ez language

    • possibly one of the oldest surviving manuscripts in Ethiopia, showcasing intricate illustrations that reflect both religious significance and the artistic styles of the period.

Micrography and Early Manuscripts

  • Micrography:

    • Developed in 9th century, a Jewish art form using small letters to create images, originally used in Hebrew Bibles.

  • Illuminated Manuscripts:

    • Decorated handwritten books from early medieval period, example: Book of Kells, ca. 8th/9th century.

Irish High Crosses

  • Muiredach's High Cross, 923:

    • Sandstone, 19’ high, serves ceremonial and liturgical functions.

    • usually found on early church sites , to be internationally recognized icons of early medieval Ireland

Relief Panels and Biblical Scenes

  • Saint Michael’s, Hildesheim, Germany, 1015:

    • Significant bronze doors illustrating scenes from Genesis and life of Christ (typology).

    • Each panel (2' high) highlights Old Testament narratives as foreshadowing the New Testament.