Chapter Ten High Middle Ages: The Search for Synthesis ______________________________ Culture and Values, 6th Ed. Cunningham and Reich
The Significance of Paris Center of Western civilization (1150-1300) Gothic architecture Scholasticism The University Distinct cultural expression Classical texts Judeo-Christian worldview Religious reforms
The Gothic Style: Saint Denis Abbot Suger (1080-1151) Saint Denis and Charlemagne Pilgrimage destination Lendit Hagia Sophia, Temple of Solomon Choir, double ambulatory Defining Gothic Gothic vs. Romanesque
The Mysticism of Light Luminous quality of the Gothic Suger’s “theology of beauty” Neo-Platonic philosophy, purity of light Stained glass windows Lux Nova …vs. Byzantine mosaics “Bible of the Poor”
To Teach and Edify Learning, wisdom, and God Collaboration of builders, theologians History of salvation in decoration Gargoyles
Many Meanings of the Gothic Cathedral Social functions “Cathedral Square” Church courts / civil courts Horarium Economic impact Pilgrimages, trade fairs, feast days Prestigious donations by guilds
Many Meanings of the Gothic Cathedral Motivation to build Actual design and construction Villard de Honnecourt’s notebook Combination of human knowledge and religious faith Pilgrim as central metaphor
Music: The School of Notre Dame Musical notation Guido di Arezzo Polyphony of organum Secular music Troubadours, trouvères, minnesingers Léonin’s Magnus Liber Organi Pérotin and counterpoint The Motet
Scholasticism: The Rise of the Universities Demand for an educated class Support for socioeconomic structures Intellectual and cultural needs Ancient texts (Aristotle) Relationships with Arab scholars Renaissance of legal studies Dialectics Peter Abelard Scholasticism
Scholasticism: The Rise of the Universities University of Paris William of Champeaux (1070-1121) Peter Abelard (1079-1142) Universitas Magistri / doctors Art vs. Theology Student financial assistance Curriculum and instruction
Scholasticism: The Rise of the Universities Student culture and lifestyles Saint Golias Goliardic Verse Carmina Burana Women not admitted to universities Educated by private tutors or in convents Few exceptions to the rule (Italy, Germany)
Francis of Assisi Mendicant brotherhood Humanity of Christ Life of total poverty, mobility Humanity of Christ Literal interpretation of the Gospels Stigmata Goodness of God’s creation Concern for all creatures Affective and emotional religion
Thomas Aquinas (1225?-1274) Intellectual and mystic “Master of the Sacred Page” Sought to harmonize reason and revelation Fideism vs. Rationalism Summa Theologica Intellectual tradition of Aristotle Hierarchical, synthetic worldview
Dante’s Divine Comedy Influenced by intellectualism from Paris Hierarchical, synthetic religious humanism Wide array of publications The Comedy of Dante Alighieri… Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso Organization Terza Rima Encyclopedic and complex
Symbolism in The Divine Comedy Journey Vergil, Beatrice Numbers Multiples of three, Trinity Punishments and Blessings Satan Light and Darkness Intellectual estrangement from God
Chapter Ten: Discussion Questions Consider the pilgrimage both as a metaphorical and literal journey. What role did the pilgrimage play during the Middle Ages? What specific qualities are present in Gothic architecture that are not present in the Romanesque? What is the symbolic message inherent in each architectural style? Explain the “hierarchical and synthetic” natures of the Gothic cathedral, Aquinas’ Summa Theologica, and Dante’s Divine Comedy. In what ways are they hierarchical? What is being synthesized in these artistic and intellectual examples? In what ways is this a commentary on the patterns of thought during the Middle Ages?