Medieval Art and Architecture

Art Medieval art reflected many religious themes. Medieval art reflected many religious themes. Paintings and sculptures of Christ and Christian saints were used to help people worship. Paintings and sculptures of Christ and Christian saints were used to help people worship.

Madonna and Child, Giotto Reims Cathedral, Reims, France

Cathedrals Designed to look as though “rising to heaven” Designed to look as though “rising to heaven” Most were in the “Gothic” style Most were in the “Gothic” style Took between 50 and 200 years to complete Took between 50 and 200 years to complete

Notre Dame, Paris, France Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France Laon Cathedral, Laon, France

Cathedrals Stained glass was often decorated with images from stories in the Bible Stained glass was often decorated with images from stories in the Bible These images were important because most people could not read. These images were important because most people could not read.

Gargoyles Were waterspouts to keep water away from the walls of buildings Were waterspouts to keep water away from the walls of buildings Usually carved as beasts Usually carved as beasts People believed they were warnings that evil spirits would catch you if you did not attend church People believed they were warnings that evil spirits would catch you if you did not attend church

Illuminated Manuscripts Decorated with ornate details, gold and silver Decorated with ornate details, gold and silver Manuscripts were often religious documents Manuscripts were often religious documents Monasteries had large collections of manuscripts and books Monasteries had large collections of manuscripts and books