Byzantine period

Paintings were lively styles which hd been invented in greekand rome but this time for Christian subjects.
By the 11th century, the Greek and oriented styles seem to blend together in splendid, imposing images which
ornamented the churches in large and small forms.

Sculptures were religions, everyday life scenesand motifs from nature. Animals were used as symbols such
as doves, deer, and peafowl while some had acrostic signs that contained a great theological intent or
significance.

Architecture from this period had a lot in common with the early Christian Architecture where mosaic
decoration was the use of clerestory to bring light in from high windows. Byzantine’s advancement in
developing the dome created a new style in global architecture.

ROMANESQUE ERA
Paintings have remarkable variety of artistic traditions where largely placed mosaics on the walls of the
churches that follow a strict frontal pose with modeling and treatment of faces that follow Byzantine convention
while the refreshingly decorative feeling came from southern French styles. It showed mosaic influence (Arabize
Influence) through elongated oval faces, large staring and fierce eyes, long nose and figures flat coloured bands
with heavy outlining.

Sculptures were pieces of reliquaries, altar frontals, crucifixes and devotional images. Small individuals works
of arts were generally made of costly materials for royal and aristocratic patrons.

Lightweight devotional images were usually carried during processions both inside and outside the churches.

Architectures from this period showed doorways of Romanesque churches that were often grand sculpted
portals or door openings. Wood or metal doors were surrounded by elaborate stone sculptures arranged in
zones to fit architectural elements. Many castles were built during this period but were greatly outnumbered by
the churches. Romanesque style in England was traditionally referred to as Norman architecture.

GOTHIC ERA
Paintings have been confined in the illuminations of manuscript pages and the paintings of frescoes on the
walls of the churches were of cosmopolitan style in elegant and sophisticated manner. Subjects of their
paintings usuall depict popular legends and love stories with patterns like mille fleur or thousand flowers
showed influence which may have been due to the Crusades. Stained glass windows were created to transform
the vast stone interiors with warm colours to instruct Christians in their faith.

Sculptures had a greater freedom of styles. They no longer lay against the wall but begun to project outward.
Figures were given their own particular attitudes instead of being set into particular patterns but were lively and
realistic at the same time.

Architectures from this period included two new devices such as pointed arch which enabled builders to
construct much higher ceiling vaults and stones ribs which were supported by piers and clustered pillars. These
elements together formed a structurally and aesthically integrated system or style which made the primary
engineering innovation and designs component of Gothic architecture.