Middle Ages

300 AD- 1400 AD

 The period known as the middle ages lasted from the fall of
Roman Empire(300AD) to the rise of the Renaissance(1400AD)
 The catholic church held a great deal of power during the Middle
Ages, and as result financed most of the art projects during this
era.
 Artist were paid to decorate churches and create religious
related pieces for the public to enjoy.

 CONSTANTINE’S CHURCH
In 350 AD the leader Constantine built a church for his
daughter,and employed an artist to cover the entire ceiling with
mosaic. Mosaic is small pieces of glass or stone put together to
create an image.
 ELEVENTH CENTURY
At the start of the eleventh century Romanesque buildings were
a sign of wealth and power in the church. During this time many
churches and monasteries were built with this semicircular
arches and thick stone walls.
 GOTHIC STYLE
An architecture style developed by the Goths of France, that
commonly featured tall peaking roofs and gargoyles. Many of the
churches built during this time came decorated with gargoyles
peering down over the roof, in protection. Many thought the
gargoyles to be ridiculous, but that aside, Gothic churches
became the most beautiful and accomplished art forms in all of
the Middle Ages.

 NOTRE DAME, PARIS

 Built between 1163-1240 AD. Has been reconstructed for
centuries, but still with holds the Gothic Style.

 FRESCO
The technique of painting on a moist, plaster surface with color
from ground up.

 GIOTTO
A famous Italian fresco painter. Became a painter, who
specialized in the technique of fresco painting. Most well known
For his work in St. Peter’s Chapel. He was called by Pope Benidict
the XI who commissioned this mosaic.

 ST.PETER’s MOSAIC (1300-1304)

CHURCH OF SANTA CROCE (Florence, Italy, FRESCO 1311)

RENAISSANCE ART

1400-1700

 Is a period in history described as the “rebirth”- of ideas, philosophy

and culture.
 During this time there was a real move into an era of literary,
intellectual and artistic development.

Features of Renaissance Art

 Christian Focus
 Moved from frescoes(wall painting) to easel or detached painting on
canvas
 Highly realistic figures
 Development of Perspective
 Mastered the use of light/shadow
 Scientific-human anatomy
 Depicted the beauty of nature
 The art of oil painting was mastered

The Four famous Renaissance Artist- Raphael, Michelangelo,

Donatello and Leonardo.
The Last Supper-Leonardo’s iconic painting is still being referred to in
pop culture.