Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of

Technology
College of Science and Mathematics

FINAL EXAM:

WORKSHOP 3
ACTIVITY 1
RETRACING ART HISTORIES BY PEERING THROUGH
THE REMNANTS OF GREAT CIVILIZATIONS AND
CRITICIZING MAN’S GREATEST CREATION

Submitted by: Vince Francine Y. Emano

Submitted to: Prof. Hernenigildo M. Dico Jr.

JUNE 2023
EMANO, VINCE FRANCINE Y. JUNE 08, 2023
GEC106 A1 PROF. HERNENIGILDO M. DICO JR.

1. How ubiquitous is the influence of religion in the qualities of art produced in the
Medieval Period?

In the history of Europe, Medieval period also known as the Middle Ages occur
from the late 5th to the late 15h centuries, between the fall of Rome in 476 CE and
beginning of the Renaissance in the 14th century. One of the aspects that makes it
unforgettable is its arts, which focuses to the inclusion of religious subject matter,
decorative designs, bright colors, and iconography.
In consideration of religion, this period exhibits challenging philosophies that foster
greater understanding of Christian Faith and Islam through production of narratives of
epics and heroes included in the adventure, courtly love and exploits. Due to their
values in spiritual and eternal life, later, supplemented power, influence, and
dominated the art works and creative expressions. How?
In the Early Christian Art, décor with walls, frescoes and mosaics were about the
life of Christ, Holy Mother and saints through its rawness in the techniques, symbols
and art works united the Christian communities making art as hope and identity.

Early Christian Art. Image courtesy to Britannica

Moreover, Byzantine period under this age, became the center of art through its
architecture which is still evident in modern times seen in Italian cities of Rome,
Ravenna, Venice, and Sienna and in Moscow’s St. Basil’s Cathedral. The light which
reflected the heaven made the architecture aesthetic. Additionally, paintings were flat
two-dimensional figures in Asian tradition and sharp outline mixed with three-
dimensional quality of classical tradition which become a popular icon.
 St. Basil’s cathedral, image courtesy to Bridge to Moscow. Christ the Pantocrator
of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, image courtesy to traveling to Tuscany.

Romanesque, another period encompasses this age, illustrated illuminations,

hand-made manuscripts in gold and silver leaf and painted in bright colors where
scriptures are engraved. However, this period is known for its architecture of windows,
doors, aisles, figurines that are radiating and accommodating to large attendances.

Saint-Sernin Architecture, image courtesy to Britannica.

Finally, Gothic style in the Medieval ages is one of the greatest achievements
particularly in architecture which is naturalistic in style associated with cathedrals,
churches, abbeys and buildings including sculpture, paintings, frescoes, stained-glass
windows and manuscripts illustrations in a way that is appealing to the senses
because of light, expression, spiritually uplifting, and exhilarating.
Art is an expression and that is how religion was conveyed. People are in depth of
their faith and based their identity to it that is why as they express themselves in art,
religion is represented creatively and because many shares a common ground and
relates, the spread was fast.
References:
Britannica. (03 June 2023). Romanesque architecture. Retrieve from:
https://www.britannica.com/art/Romanesque-architecture
Britannica. (23 July 2015). Early Christian Art. Retrieve from:
https://www.britannica.com/art/Early-Christian-art
Britannica. (03 September 2022). Gothic Art. Retrieve from:
https://www.britannica.com/art/Gothic-art
History Channel. Middle Ages. Retrieve from: https://www.history.com/topics/middle-
ages
National Galleries Scotland. Byzantine. Retrieve from:
https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/glossary-terms/byzantine-
art#:~:text=Byzantine%20art%20appeared%20in%20a,churches%20around%20t
he%20world%20today
Troolin, A. (05 November 2021). Early Medieval Art & Architecture: Characteristics,
Techniques & Famous Works. Retrieve from:
https://study.com/academy/lesson/early-medieval-art-architecture-characteristics-
techniques-famous-
works.html#:~:text=That%20said%2C%20four%20of%20the,%2C%20bright%20
colors%2C%20and%20iconography.