History of Art: Art and Belief
if Europe, 500 to 1700
Context
The Medieval Period, also known as the Middle Ages, was a time in European history that
lasted from around 500 to 1500 AD. It was the second of the three traditional periods of
Western history, along with antiquity and modern.
Medieval Period
• The term “Medieval Period” only picked up in the 19th century
• Catholics praised religious purity of Middle Ages
• European identity was split amongst states
• Christianity vs. Islam
• European Unity during Medieval period is a fallacy
• Little to no travelling
• People only knew their close surroundings
• Portrayal of Christ developed significantly
• 2nd and 3rd centuries Christ depicted as Good Shepard, symbolising care and
guidance
• By 4th century Christ was depicted as an authoritative and majestic figure
• Coincided with theological developments such as Christ’s sacrifice and martyrdom
• Became more prominent in Medieval period due to rise in Cult Saints and and he
passion narratives
• Intimate and physical connection to an “invisible” God was portrayed and lived
• All descriptions of God are paradoxical
• Lion and Lamb
• Jesus had both lion-like qualities, such as power, glory, and dominion, and lamb-like
qualities, such as gentleness and vulnerability
• Judge and Friend
• Jesus was both the judge of all creation and a friend of sinners
• Priest and Sacrifice
• Jesus was both a priest and an atoning sacrifice
• Strong and Gentle
• Jesus was both strong and gentle, worthy and lowly, and infinitely holy yet merciful
toward his enemies
• Overcame through death and resurrection
• Overcame evil through both death and resurrection
• Tension of capturing ‘Holiness’ with dead, inanimate objects/medium
• Important to take into account the audience’s perspective when looking at Medieval art
• Where is the audience physically situated
• Artworks were mainly above the audience
• It was a privilege to look up at Christ
• God is beginning and end
• Alpha (A or α) beginning
• Omega (Ω or ω) end
• Reversal of Christs depiction is possibly the first form of protest art
• Christ depiction on cross was avoided until the 16th century
• The Medieval period was dominated by a siege in Christianity
, • led to the construction of cathedrals and the clearing of lands for the new Emperor,
following the loss of power by the Roman Emperor in Europe.
• The fall of the Roman Empire and rise of the Medieval Period
• Due multiple causes
• Weakening of the economy
• A weakening of the Roman Empire
• Draughts and cold weather
• Invasions by the Germanic tribes (barbarians)
• A crisis in leadership and rapid growth in Christianity
• Some regard the Medieval Period as the ‘Dark Age’ in European History
• Low Medieval Period, 5th to 10th centuries
• Decline in population
• Increased migration
• Decline in trade
• Effects of crises were visible amongst people
• Lack of communication systems made it difficult for people to exchange views
• High Medieval Period, 11th to 13th centuries
• Urbanisation and population growth brought about a social and political shift
• Emergence of various art styles
• Cultural and artistic developments
• Late Medieval Period, precedes Renaissance, 14th century
• Constant calamities marked end of Middle Ages
• Crusades
• Bubonic Plague
• Loss of gained knowledge and information
• Need for revival and reformation of society
• Medieval art extended to the Middle East and North Africa over the years
• Blend of Roman artistic heritage and Catholic iconography
• Art styles, phases, and movement varied depending on region
• 3 signifiant art periods during the Medieval period
• Byzantine
• Developed in Constantinople
• Belief that it influenced contemporary states
• Combination of Roman and “Oriental” art
• Revived antique aesthetics and took inspiration form classical art
• Panel paintings, wall and dome decorations marked beginning of period
• Focused on traditional representation of Christian theology and biblical teachings
• Devoted most artworks to Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ
• Lacked realism and naturalism
• Subjects were abstract, elongated and disproportionate
• Paintings were flat, grim, shadowless and expressionless
• Concentration on symbolism instead on realism
• Architectural aspect of Byzantine is symbolic of the magnificence and grandiosity
of the Church and religion
• Turkish invasion on Constantinople destroyed most Byzantine artwork
• Romanesque
• 1000 AD after advent of pre-Romanesque era
• Stayed until rise of Gothic era
• Originated in France and spread to Italy, England, Germany, Spain, Flanders, etc.
• Main motive was to preserve and focus on religion and biblical teachings
• Wanted to Chronicle main events of Christianity and influential religious leaders
, • Art mediums included illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, ivory work, metal
work, murals, panel paintings, and fresco on walls and domes
• Simplicity of buildings and constructions represented the simple life of artists
• Sophisticated architectural designs reflected Roman culture
• Massive increase in number and sizes of churches and cathedrals
• Creations were an excellent source of learning for future generations
• People understood a lot about the life of Christ and events of history through
these artworks
• Gothic Period
• 12th century
• Succeeded Romanesque period
• Lasted 200 years
• Society was moving towards revival and rebirth
• Brought about a revolutionary change in art history with rise of modern artists
• Use of brighter colours
• Much more realistic artwork
• Shadows, lines, perspective, and dimensions brought a refreshing change
• Paintings were more natural and lifelike
• Religious themes became secondary
• Human experiences, animals, and classical mythology gained importance in art
• Humans became interested in discovering and enjoying earthly life
• Experimentation with non-religious topics and themes
• Historians regarded Medieval Era achievements as inspiration for Western Art
• Art revolved around biblical concepts, Catholic mythology, and human experiences
• Churches, cathedrals, monasteries, and other sacred places were predominant in
artworks
• Diverse artistic mediums were used
• Ie. Sculptures, frescos, mosaics, stained glass, illumination
• Religion was only factor bridging social distinction
• Catholic issues and themes formed basis of majority of the artwork
• Illiteracy amongst people gave rise to creation of religious paintings
• Priests and Monks used illuminated manuscripts with Christian dogmas to teach the
masses
• Artists had to represent complex biblical symbolisms and narratives efficiently
• Paintings were rare in early Medieval period
• Few artists attempted to make realistic portrait paintings
• “Portraits” were sculptures
• Stature of religion was higher than humanity
• Church has power and say in empires political decisions
• Biblical tales were used to educate audience
• Gold leaf, gemstones, and precious metals were prevalent while decorating the walls of
churches and castles
• Moralism (tendency to make judgments about others) possibly derived from Medieval
period
• Writing replaces the human body
• Handwriting is important and valuable
• Which is more authorise, writing or visual?
• Losing sense of physical is shown in writing
• Longstanding belief that one should not be distracted by beauty or calligraphy
• Ethiopian was used as blanket term for Africa
• Blue was used to portray black skin
• In blackness, people and demons collided
, • Black skin was seen as a symbol is Satan
• Burnt Face
• Hell
• Damned
• Xenophobia was present even during Medieval period
• Art contests Xenophobia as Christ was depicted wearing “Jewish” clothing
• Complexity was an aesthetic
• Desire to reunite Greek East and Latin West which brought about complexity in works of
art
• Christ is model and ultimate power behind wearer of items such as crowns, mantels, etc.
• “Born to the purple”
• Born during reign empirical reign of family
• Royalty
• Imaginative use of variety of styles
• Artists attempted to master foreign techniques
• Patrons desires were shown by different art styles
• Desire to create unity from diversity
• Was medium a message?
• Something of God in all of the world as God created the world
• God created the 4 elements
• Art is composite and not easy to analyse or disentangle
• Objects and artworks are never reducible to single term or meaning
The Illuminated Manuscript
• Blending of word and image
• Animating the letter showed wealth
• Ornate
• Often used to convert people to Christianity
• Sharing of knowledge across the world (as known at the time)
• It was the message of God
• Text becomes alive
• Fluidity and movement throughout the manuscript
• Marriage of clad into flesh
• Word becomes flesh
• Harmony of creation
• Bestiary manuscripts were largely based on word of mouth
• Romance, historical and medicinal manuscripts
Examples
Book of Kells
Chi Rho
Cumdach
Fetish Objects
An object with supernatural powers, an object of obsessive devotion, or a body part or
object that causes sexual arousal
Relics & Reliquaries
• Things left behind
if Europe, 500 to 1700
Context
The Medieval Period, also known as the Middle Ages, was a time in European history that
lasted from around 500 to 1500 AD. It was the second of the three traditional periods of
Western history, along with antiquity and modern.
Medieval Period
• The term “Medieval Period” only picked up in the 19th century
• Catholics praised religious purity of Middle Ages
• European identity was split amongst states
• Christianity vs. Islam
• European Unity during Medieval period is a fallacy
• Little to no travelling
• People only knew their close surroundings
• Portrayal of Christ developed significantly
• 2nd and 3rd centuries Christ depicted as Good Shepard, symbolising care and
guidance
• By 4th century Christ was depicted as an authoritative and majestic figure
• Coincided with theological developments such as Christ’s sacrifice and martyrdom
• Became more prominent in Medieval period due to rise in Cult Saints and and he
passion narratives
• Intimate and physical connection to an “invisible” God was portrayed and lived
• All descriptions of God are paradoxical
• Lion and Lamb
• Jesus had both lion-like qualities, such as power, glory, and dominion, and lamb-like
qualities, such as gentleness and vulnerability
• Judge and Friend
• Jesus was both the judge of all creation and a friend of sinners
• Priest and Sacrifice
• Jesus was both a priest and an atoning sacrifice
• Strong and Gentle
• Jesus was both strong and gentle, worthy and lowly, and infinitely holy yet merciful
toward his enemies
• Overcame through death and resurrection
• Overcame evil through both death and resurrection
• Tension of capturing ‘Holiness’ with dead, inanimate objects/medium
• Important to take into account the audience’s perspective when looking at Medieval art
• Where is the audience physically situated
• Artworks were mainly above the audience
• It was a privilege to look up at Christ
• God is beginning and end
• Alpha (A or α) beginning
• Omega (Ω or ω) end
• Reversal of Christs depiction is possibly the first form of protest art
• Christ depiction on cross was avoided until the 16th century
• The Medieval period was dominated by a siege in Christianity
, • led to the construction of cathedrals and the clearing of lands for the new Emperor,
following the loss of power by the Roman Emperor in Europe.
• The fall of the Roman Empire and rise of the Medieval Period
• Due multiple causes
• Weakening of the economy
• A weakening of the Roman Empire
• Draughts and cold weather
• Invasions by the Germanic tribes (barbarians)
• A crisis in leadership and rapid growth in Christianity
• Some regard the Medieval Period as the ‘Dark Age’ in European History
• Low Medieval Period, 5th to 10th centuries
• Decline in population
• Increased migration
• Decline in trade
• Effects of crises were visible amongst people
• Lack of communication systems made it difficult for people to exchange views
• High Medieval Period, 11th to 13th centuries
• Urbanisation and population growth brought about a social and political shift
• Emergence of various art styles
• Cultural and artistic developments
• Late Medieval Period, precedes Renaissance, 14th century
• Constant calamities marked end of Middle Ages
• Crusades
• Bubonic Plague
• Loss of gained knowledge and information
• Need for revival and reformation of society
• Medieval art extended to the Middle East and North Africa over the years
• Blend of Roman artistic heritage and Catholic iconography
• Art styles, phases, and movement varied depending on region
• 3 signifiant art periods during the Medieval period
• Byzantine
• Developed in Constantinople
• Belief that it influenced contemporary states
• Combination of Roman and “Oriental” art
• Revived antique aesthetics and took inspiration form classical art
• Panel paintings, wall and dome decorations marked beginning of period
• Focused on traditional representation of Christian theology and biblical teachings
• Devoted most artworks to Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ
• Lacked realism and naturalism
• Subjects were abstract, elongated and disproportionate
• Paintings were flat, grim, shadowless and expressionless
• Concentration on symbolism instead on realism
• Architectural aspect of Byzantine is symbolic of the magnificence and grandiosity
of the Church and religion
• Turkish invasion on Constantinople destroyed most Byzantine artwork
• Romanesque
• 1000 AD after advent of pre-Romanesque era
• Stayed until rise of Gothic era
• Originated in France and spread to Italy, England, Germany, Spain, Flanders, etc.
• Main motive was to preserve and focus on religion and biblical teachings
• Wanted to Chronicle main events of Christianity and influential religious leaders
, • Art mediums included illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, ivory work, metal
work, murals, panel paintings, and fresco on walls and domes
• Simplicity of buildings and constructions represented the simple life of artists
• Sophisticated architectural designs reflected Roman culture
• Massive increase in number and sizes of churches and cathedrals
• Creations were an excellent source of learning for future generations
• People understood a lot about the life of Christ and events of history through
these artworks
• Gothic Period
• 12th century
• Succeeded Romanesque period
• Lasted 200 years
• Society was moving towards revival and rebirth
• Brought about a revolutionary change in art history with rise of modern artists
• Use of brighter colours
• Much more realistic artwork
• Shadows, lines, perspective, and dimensions brought a refreshing change
• Paintings were more natural and lifelike
• Religious themes became secondary
• Human experiences, animals, and classical mythology gained importance in art
• Humans became interested in discovering and enjoying earthly life
• Experimentation with non-religious topics and themes
• Historians regarded Medieval Era achievements as inspiration for Western Art
• Art revolved around biblical concepts, Catholic mythology, and human experiences
• Churches, cathedrals, monasteries, and other sacred places were predominant in
artworks
• Diverse artistic mediums were used
• Ie. Sculptures, frescos, mosaics, stained glass, illumination
• Religion was only factor bridging social distinction
• Catholic issues and themes formed basis of majority of the artwork
• Illiteracy amongst people gave rise to creation of religious paintings
• Priests and Monks used illuminated manuscripts with Christian dogmas to teach the
masses
• Artists had to represent complex biblical symbolisms and narratives efficiently
• Paintings were rare in early Medieval period
• Few artists attempted to make realistic portrait paintings
• “Portraits” were sculptures
• Stature of religion was higher than humanity
• Church has power and say in empires political decisions
• Biblical tales were used to educate audience
• Gold leaf, gemstones, and precious metals were prevalent while decorating the walls of
churches and castles
• Moralism (tendency to make judgments about others) possibly derived from Medieval
period
• Writing replaces the human body
• Handwriting is important and valuable
• Which is more authorise, writing or visual?
• Losing sense of physical is shown in writing
• Longstanding belief that one should not be distracted by beauty or calligraphy
• Ethiopian was used as blanket term for Africa
• Blue was used to portray black skin
• In blackness, people and demons collided
, • Black skin was seen as a symbol is Satan
• Burnt Face
• Hell
• Damned
• Xenophobia was present even during Medieval period
• Art contests Xenophobia as Christ was depicted wearing “Jewish” clothing
• Complexity was an aesthetic
• Desire to reunite Greek East and Latin West which brought about complexity in works of
art
• Christ is model and ultimate power behind wearer of items such as crowns, mantels, etc.
• “Born to the purple”
• Born during reign empirical reign of family
• Royalty
• Imaginative use of variety of styles
• Artists attempted to master foreign techniques
• Patrons desires were shown by different art styles
• Desire to create unity from diversity
• Was medium a message?
• Something of God in all of the world as God created the world
• God created the 4 elements
• Art is composite and not easy to analyse or disentangle
• Objects and artworks are never reducible to single term or meaning
The Illuminated Manuscript
• Blending of word and image
• Animating the letter showed wealth
• Ornate
• Often used to convert people to Christianity
• Sharing of knowledge across the world (as known at the time)
• It was the message of God
• Text becomes alive
• Fluidity and movement throughout the manuscript
• Marriage of clad into flesh
• Word becomes flesh
• Harmony of creation
• Bestiary manuscripts were largely based on word of mouth
• Romance, historical and medicinal manuscripts
Examples
Book of Kells
Chi Rho
Cumdach
Fetish Objects
An object with supernatural powers, an object of obsessive devotion, or a body part or
object that causes sexual arousal
Relics & Reliquaries
• Things left behind
