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.