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period of European
history from the fall of
the Roman Empire in
the West (5th century)
to the fall of
Constantinople (1453),
or, more narrowly,
from circa 1100 to 1453.
The Middle Ages can be broken up
into several time periods:
Early, High and Late Middle Ages in
Europe-
Religious Icons
Romanesque Art/Architecture
Gothic Architecture
Byzantine Empire-
Religious Icons
Byzantine Architecture
Video-Tice Art 1010 Medieval and Byzantine Art
@ Beginning of Middle Ages
Romanesque structures featured round
arches and heavy thick walls, small
windows like the Roman style (necessary
so the windows do not weaken the
structure). A lot of sculptural decorations.
Gothic structures featured pointed arches
and have slender feel as if they soar upward
(to Heaven), large stained glass windows
filtered in light and color.
Byzantine structures featured large
Domes that cover soaring spaces, arches
and lavish decoration.
Rich colors
Heavily outlined
Flat and stiff figures showing no
depth
Religious Icons
Architecture is influenced by Greek
and Roman – Byzantine,
Romanesque and Gothic styles
emerged from this period.
Mosaics replaced carved decoration
Large Domes central to the church
Also called the “Dark Ages”
Characterized by decline in
population, culture, trade,
architectural and technological
advances.
Christianization “age of Faith”
influenced art and architecture.
Monasteries and churches grew in
number, size and political importance.
Focus on Europe
Romanesque Architecture – 6c -10c
Art of the Early
Middle Ages
Justinian as World
Conqueror
Made of Ivory
Made in mid-6th
century
1 ft. 1 1/2 in. x 10 1/2
in.
Christ Enthroned with
Saints
Triptych
Made of Ivory
Made in 950
9 1/2 in. x 5 1/2 in. high
Ireland's Book of Kells, is
considered to be one of the
most beautiful illuminated
manuscript that survives from
the early Middle Ages.
It consists of four Gospels
written in Latin.
Only two of its 680 pages are
without color.
10th -13th century (c.1001-1300)
Rapidly increasing population =
boost in economy and political
organization.
The Rise of Knighthood, Templar
Knights
The Crusades –control of the Holy
Land
Produced many forms of artistic
works
Most notable - Gothic Architecture
Glass Window from
Troyes Cathedral,
Troyes, France - 1200
14th -15th century (c. 1301–1500)
Great Famine of 1315–1317 and the
Black Death, reduced population by
half!
Social unrest, peasant uprisings,
Hundred Years War
Conflict within Catholic Church
Despite conflict and unrest it was a time
of great progress! A rebirth of interest in
Greek/Roman ideals…turning into the
“Age of Discovery” and then
Renaissance.
One of the finest examples of gothic architecture and most well known
churches in the world – Notre Dame de Paris
moist material
used to create
artworks such
as sculpture
and pottery.
Score- to
scratch hatch
marks into clay;
to attach two
pieces of clay
together.
Firing-
Heating clay
to the
required
temperature
to harden.
Kiln- The
furnace in
which clay
is fired to
harden it.
Glaze- A glass-like
surface coating for
ceramics that is
used to decorate
and seal the pores
of the fired clay.
Video-Medieval Art History-Goodbye Art Academy