Medieval Period (450 C.E - 1400 C.

E)

covered almost 10 years between the Sack of Rome (c. 450 C.E) and early Italian Renaissance (1400)

Christian Church (center in Rome and Constantinople)

 Only one institution survived

 The church became the main sponsor of architecture and other types of arts during medieval
period.
 During the beginning of medieval period all works and art are comissioned by religious
authorities (for churces/monasteries) or secular leaders (for public edification) and most were
actually made by monks. The arts industry had widened considerably from its original monastic
base at the end of the period. It was during this time that not only were most artist Laymen, but
a number of artworks were commissioned by wealthy middle class patrons for personal
enjoyment.

Medieval Art

 A mixture of Roman, Middle East and European Influences.

 Art is primarily made by the church.

Medieval Architecture

 refers in architecture style in medieval Europe during the middle ages. The architecture of
structure in a pastoral landscape were there was no window or view and to make the room
larger.
 The romans archived a high degree of naturalism in painting through the artists' understanding
of perspective and use of light and shade.
 Mostly their subject are delightful scene from nature, portrait of children and beautiful young
men and women and also Religion.
 Their most popular colors were red, black, and cream-white.
 Medieval Europe was predominantly related to the sacred buildings such as churches. ( it
signifiying Christian Faith or a expression of Faith)

Art is divided into different period with different styles. All part of Medeival Period are Romanesque
Architecture, Gothic Architecture, Byzantine Architecture.
 Romanesque architecture was the first distinctive style to spread
across Europe since the Roman Empire. Combining features of
ancient Roman and Byzantine buildings and other local traditions,
Romanesque architecture is known by its massive quality, thick
walls, round arches, sturdy pillars, barrel vaults, large towers and
decorative arcading. Each building has clearly defined forms, frequently of very regular, symmetrical
plan; the overall appearance is one of simplicity when compared with the Gothic buildings that were to
follow. The style can be identified right across Europe, despite regional characteristics and different
materials.

Many castles were built during this period, but they are greatly outnumbered by churches. The most
significant are the great abbey churches, many of which are still standing, more or less complete and
frequently in use.The enormous quantity of churches built in the Romanesque period was succeeded by
the still busier period of Gothic architecture, which partly or entirely rebuilt most Romanesque churches
in prosperous areas like England and Portugal. The largest groups of Romanesque survivors are in areas
that were less prosperous in subsequent periods, including parts of southern France, rural Spain and
rural Italy. Survivals of unfortified Romanesque
secular houses and palaces, and the domestic
quarters of monasteries are far rarer, but these used
and adapted the features found in church buildings, on a
domestic scale.

Lessay Abbey,Normandy,France. Maria Laach

Abbey, Germany

Gothic Architecture

Gothic architecture was light, graceful and mostly spacious in nature. Several inspirations in architecture
techniques cames from Arabs, copied during the time of the crusades that led to changes in Gothic style.
This changes included the use of a pointed arch, ribbed vaults, and buttress. Heavy piers were also
replaced by clustered slender ones while window dimension became larger as vaults and spires increase
in height. Their purpose of art beleived that a beautiful church filled with beautiful art would inspire
church goers to be good or convert to christianity.
Norte Dame de Paris, France Reim's Cathedral, France

Byzantine Architecture

Created cathedral that influenced many future cathedrals in other parts of the world. Byzantine
Cathedrals are ornate with domes, columns and arches. Many windows are lot of decoration
and embellishment and are extremely large and airy. Their purpose of art is to Convert
Christian and celebrate Byzantine Empire's powers.

Hagia Sophia

Types of Medieval Art

1. Illuminated Manuscripts