1. Art of the Medieval World

2. The Middle Ages in Europe
Approx from 400 AD (fall of the Roman Empire) to 1400 AD (beginning of the Italian Renaissance)
KEY CHANGES IN SOCIETY:
Cultural leadership moved north to France, Germany & British Isles
Christianity was spreading over paganism
Emphasis in beliefs (and art) was focused on Christian salvation
KEY CHANGES IN ART:
SCULPTURE & PAINTING – main focus was to instruct believers about Church doctrine / biblical stories (realistic portrayal becomes less important & the physical world / the body is seen as corrupt = no nudes)
ARCHITECTURE – increasingly complex and beautiful church designs meant to bring ordinary people a feeling of being closer to God.

3. Early Christian Art (c.300-800 AD)
Catacombs – underground burial / meeting places for Early Christians (especially when Christianity was illegal – pre 400’s AD)
Fresco – wall painting on wet plaster (originally done by Romans)
Basilica – early church design based on Roman buildings

4. Slide #9:

8. Basilica:

9. Slide #10:

12. Byzantine Art (c AD)
Greek Cross Plan – Plan based on a Greek cross (fits in a square).
Pendentive – supports a round dome on a square base.
Icons – Images of Mary, Jesus, Saints painted on wood panels according to a strict set of rules. Often features almond- shaped eyes.
Byzantine Mosaic – An image made out of small pieces of glass (tesserae).

13. Greek Cross Plan:
Pendentive:

14. Slide #11:

18. Mosaics
Icons

19. Romanesque Art (c AD)
Latin Cross Plan – based on shape of Latin cross (one longer arm)
Barrel Vault – roofing created by extending a rounded arch
Cross / Groin Vault – roofing created by intersecting 2 barrel vaults
Tympanum – semi-circular area above a church door, often decorated with sculpture
Low Relief – shallow sculpture, carved out from a surface.

20. Latin Cross Plan:

21. Slide #12:

23. Barrel Vault:
Cross / Groin Vault:

28. Gothic Art (c AD)
Pointed Arch – The pointed arch directed weight and pressure downwards. Shows the influence of Islam.
Ribbed Vault – A groin / cross vault reinforced with a ribbing structure.
Flying Buttress – An external brace / support to allow architects to build with thinner and taller walls.

29. Ribbed Vault:
Flying Buttress:

30. Pointed Arch:

31. Slide #13:

32. Interior of Reims Cathedral…

35. Islamic Art ( of the Middle Ages)
Islam began to spread through the Middle East, Africa, and parts of the southern tip of Europe from the 600’s AD onwards
There are cross influences between European Christian cultures and Islam in Art – e.g. pointed arches
Islamic art often features decoration based on geometric or floral designs (images of people and animals were generally forbidden – only God can create these)

36. Christian Islamic Art Architectural features: bell towers
Architectural features: dome, cupola, arches, column Decorative features: mosaics
Christian
Islamic Art
Architectural features:
bell towers
Decorative Features:
sculptures
Images include nature, figures and storytelling
Architectural features: minarets Decorative Features: tiles, floral designs Images are floral designs, geometric patterns, writing

37. Slide #14:

40. https://upload. wikimedia

42. Slide #15:

48.
mocarabes

49. Slide #16
Mosaic
Design forms geometric patterns based on five- and ten-pointed stars.
This style of wall decoration was used especially in the interiors of mosques.