Fall of Rome
Before we can discuss the Medieval period we must discuss the fall of Rome. The fall of Rome did not occur quickly, or by a single catastrophic event. It happened over a long period of time. See this short article by Evan Andrews to further explore the fall of Rome.
Early Christian, Byzantine, Migratory
Early Christian Context:
1. Constantine legitimizes Christianity - Edict of Milan in 313 CE. He makes Byzantium the capitol of the eastern Roman Empire and changes the name to Constantinople. In 600 CE Pope Gregory (in Rome) establishes the papacy as a political power.
2. The fall of Rome/Roman Empire. In 410 CE the Visigoths sack Rome. Ravenna becomes the capital of the Western Roman Empire under Honorius. The Western Roman Empire falls in 476 CE, Odoacer conquers Italy and Ravenna becomes the capital of the Ostrogothic kingdom.
3. The early Christian church appropriates Greek and Roman forms for architecture, sculpture, painting, and mosaics for purposes of illustrating the characteristics of Christianity (below). By 392 CE Christianity is the official religion of the Empire.
4. Distinctive characteristics of Christianity:
a. proselytizing (converting from one religion or belief to another) making didactic art work (art that teaches/ulterior motive) in sacred spaces
b. congregational with shared prayer, sermons, sacrament, confession making large assembly halls necessary for worship
c. burial requirements makes catacombs and sarcophagi necessary
d. mysticism and miracles are cornerstones of the faith = didactic art work requires images and storytelling
1. Constantine legitimizes Christianity - Edict of Milan in 313 CE. He makes Byzantium the capitol of the eastern Roman Empire and changes the name to Constantinople. In 600 CE Pope Gregory (in Rome) establishes the papacy as a political power.
2. The fall of Rome/Roman Empire. In 410 CE the Visigoths sack Rome. Ravenna becomes the capital of the Western Roman Empire under Honorius. The Western Roman Empire falls in 476 CE, Odoacer conquers Italy and Ravenna becomes the capital of the Ostrogothic kingdom.
3. The early Christian church appropriates Greek and Roman forms for architecture, sculpture, painting, and mosaics for purposes of illustrating the characteristics of Christianity (below). By 392 CE Christianity is the official religion of the Empire.
4. Distinctive characteristics of Christianity:
a. proselytizing (converting from one religion or belief to another) making didactic art work (art that teaches/ulterior motive) in sacred spaces
b. congregational with shared prayer, sermons, sacrament, confession making large assembly halls necessary for worship
c. burial requirements makes catacombs and sarcophagi necessary
d. mysticism and miracles are cornerstones of the faith = didactic art work requires images and storytelling
Context
Byzantine Context: Constantinople: Founded in 330 CE by Constantine as the center of the Eastern Roman Empire. The Byzantine Empire ended with Constantinople falling to the Ottoman Turks in 1453.
Theocracy: The belief that the ruler as head of state is also the religious leader (the head of the Eastern Orthodox Church). Justinian claimed to be “Vicar of Christ on Earth”. The Eastern Orthodox Church splits with the western church in 1054. Justinian: Was the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire in 550 CE. He invades Ravenna and eastern Italy comes under his control. Justinian declares Christianity to be the only lawful religion of his empire. Mosaics: The main decorative element in church interiors - they were best preserved in Ravenna. Mosaics were iconic representations of complex theological ideas.
Migratory + Early Northern Medieval Context: Fall of the Roman Empire: Roman traditions diminish in importance and influence as northern European ethnic groups and indigenous art traditions assert themselves. Impermanence/mobility: Nomadic traditions of northern European peoples and Viking marauders threaten stability of northern Europe therefore, no significant architecture or large scale sculpture. Craft traditions/portable art objects: The creation of ornamental art with zoomorphic “animal style” serpentine and interlacing designs as portable art objects that had value and “currency”, especially jewelry and gold, leather goods, and wood carving. Rise of Monasticism and the Benedictine Order: The order was founded in 529 CE with emphasis on work - manual labor and religious study. Irish monks (missionaries to the “barbarian” north) are known for copying the gospels and Bible by hand in scriptoria in monasteries on the islands of Lindesfarne and Iona from 600 - 800 CE. This was the “Golden Age” of Irish art .
Theocracy: The belief that the ruler as head of state is also the religious leader (the head of the Eastern Orthodox Church). Justinian claimed to be “Vicar of Christ on Earth”. The Eastern Orthodox Church splits with the western church in 1054. Justinian: Was the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire in 550 CE. He invades Ravenna and eastern Italy comes under his control. Justinian declares Christianity to be the only lawful religion of his empire. Mosaics: The main decorative element in church interiors - they were best preserved in Ravenna. Mosaics were iconic representations of complex theological ideas.
Migratory + Early Northern Medieval Context: Fall of the Roman Empire: Roman traditions diminish in importance and influence as northern European ethnic groups and indigenous art traditions assert themselves. Impermanence/mobility: Nomadic traditions of northern European peoples and Viking marauders threaten stability of northern Europe therefore, no significant architecture or large scale sculpture. Craft traditions/portable art objects: The creation of ornamental art with zoomorphic “animal style” serpentine and interlacing designs as portable art objects that had value and “currency”, especially jewelry and gold, leather goods, and wood carving. Rise of Monasticism and the Benedictine Order: The order was founded in 529 CE with emphasis on work - manual labor and religious study. Irish monks (missionaries to the “barbarian” north) are known for copying the gospels and Bible by hand in scriptoria in monasteries on the islands of Lindesfarne and Iona from 600 - 800 CE. This was the “Golden Age” of Irish art .
Artworks:
Early Christian Art/Medieval Art
48. Catacomb of Priscilla (Greek Chapel, Orant, Good Shepherd frescos)
49. Santa Sabina * Old St. Peter’s * Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus Byzantine
52. Hagia Sophia
51. San Vitale (including Justinian and Theodora panels)
54. Virgin (Theotokos) and Child between Saints Theodore and George
50. Vienna Genesis (Rebecca and Eliezer at the Well and Jacob) Migratory Art + Early Northern Medieval Art
53. Merovingian looped fibulae
55. Lindisfarne Gospels, St. Matthew, cross-carpet page; St. Luke incipit page
49. Santa Sabina * Old St. Peter’s * Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus Byzantine
52. Hagia Sophia
51. San Vitale (including Justinian and Theodora panels)
54. Virgin (Theotokos) and Child between Saints Theodore and George
50. Vienna Genesis (Rebecca and Eliezer at the Well and Jacob) Migratory Art + Early Northern Medieval Art
53. Merovingian looped fibulae
55. Lindisfarne Gospels, St. Matthew, cross-carpet page; St. Luke incipit page
Migratory Art
Ornament Art (decorative) Interlacing pattern and complex design
Visual experience of the work of art
Complex pattern composed of a single line which overlaps and intertwines organic and animal forms simplified and abstracted into geometric patterns
Decorative elements can dominate geometric organization with extreme complexity in design and elements
Miniaturist sensibility = extremely fine work
Visual experience of the work of art
Complex pattern composed of a single line which overlaps and intertwines organic and animal forms simplified and abstracted into geometric patterns
Decorative elements can dominate geometric organization with extreme complexity in design and elements
Miniaturist sensibility = extremely fine work
Byzantine Art (and Early Christian)
Iconic Art (symbolic)
Icon: Image symbolic of an idea
Conceptual experience of the work of art
Simplification of an image into something easily recognizable
Move toward realism but not exactly representation of visual reality
Clarity of purpose means unambiguous image and decorative elements are secondary to central image or icon
Simplification and stylization
Icon: Image symbolic of an idea
Conceptual experience of the work of art
Simplification of an image into something easily recognizable
Move toward realism but not exactly representation of visual reality
Clarity of purpose means unambiguous image and decorative elements are secondary to central image or icon
Simplification and stylization
Vocabulary:
iconoclast/iconodules
aniconic
orthodox orant figures
catacomb
spoila
atrium
crossing
narthex
arcade
nave
blind arcade
colonnade
transept
clerestory
theocracy
tesserae
encaustic
dome
curtain wall
squinch
conches
pendentive
lunette
buttress
zoomorphic
serpentine
interlacing
filigree
cloisonne
aniconic
orthodox orant figures
catacomb
spoila
atrium
crossing
narthex
arcade
nave
blind arcade
colonnade
transept
clerestory
theocracy
tesserae
encaustic
dome
curtain wall
squinch
conches
pendentive
lunette
buttress
zoomorphic
serpentine
interlacing
filigree
cloisonne
Romanesque
History of 11th Century Europe:
c 1000 Leif Erickson reaches America
Pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela in Spain or St. Peter’s in Rome (less frequently)
1054 Great Schism - Christian Church splits between western (Rome) and eastern (Orthodox) branches -
Pope of Rome consolidates political and religious power in Western Europe
c 1066 Battle of Hastings - William the Conqueror invades England and is crowned King of England after defeating Harold, uniting England with much of France. Normans conquer Sicily (freed from Byzantine control)
c 1080 Hugh of Semur Abbot of Cluny (St. Benedict, founder of western monasticism, est. Benedictine Order c 540)
c 1095 The First Crusade - encouraged by Pope Urbane II (former Abbott of Cluny) Free Jerusalem from Islam/Turks
1149 The Second Crusade
c 1000 Leif Erickson reaches America
Pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela in Spain or St. Peter’s in Rome (less frequently)
1054 Great Schism - Christian Church splits between western (Rome) and eastern (Orthodox) branches -
Pope of Rome consolidates political and religious power in Western Europe
c 1066 Battle of Hastings - William the Conqueror invades England and is crowned King of England after defeating Harold, uniting England with much of France. Normans conquer Sicily (freed from Byzantine control)
c 1080 Hugh of Semur Abbot of Cluny (St. Benedict, founder of western monasticism, est. Benedictine Order c 540)
c 1095 The First Crusade - encouraged by Pope Urbane II (former Abbott of Cluny) Free Jerusalem from Islam/Turks
1149 The Second Crusade
Context
Development: = Effect on art of the time:
Pilgrimage Routes = exchange of ideas, income for towns on the way to Santiago de Compostela = influence on church design especially ambulatory and extended nave
Cult of Saints = increased church building due to relics of saints and martyrs
Monasteries = become centers of learning and continue illuminating manuscripts
Growth of Cities = trades and craftsmen flourish - there is a rekindling of sculpture traditions
Crusades = middle-eastern / Islamic influences art and architecture enter Europe
Pilgrimage Routes = exchange of ideas, income for towns on the way to Santiago de Compostela = influence on church design especially ambulatory and extended nave
Cult of Saints = increased church building due to relics of saints and martyrs
Monasteries = become centers of learning and continue illuminating manuscripts
Growth of Cities = trades and craftsmen flourish - there is a rekindling of sculpture traditions
Crusades = middle-eastern / Islamic influences art and architecture enter Europe
Artworks
Romanesque Art – 1000-1150 CE
58. Abby Church of Sainte-Foy
- Last Judgment Tympanum of Ste. Foy
- Reliquary of Ste. Foy
59. Bayeux Tapestry
58. Abby Church of Sainte-Foy
- Last Judgment Tympanum of Ste. Foy
- Reliquary of Ste. Foy
59. Bayeux Tapestry
Characteristics of Romanesque Pilgrimage Churches
1. Barrel vaulting over nave with transverse ribs
2. Round - headed windows “punched out” of thick load bearing walls
3. Exterior buttresses counter - thrust force of barrel vaults
4. Compound piers on interior nave wall with galleries below triforium
5. Ambulatory around apse/altar with radiating chapels
6. Extended choir behind crossing and altar
7. Latin cross plan - distinct transepts with radiating chapels
8. Twin towers on westwork of facade, single tower over crossing
9. Narthex between towers of westwork
10. Relatively dark interiors (compared to later Gothic structures) due to load bearing walls
11. Plan of church based on a square module (a bay) repeated throughout the church in multiples (2X, 4X)
1. Barrel vaulting over nave with transverse ribs
2. Round - headed windows “punched out” of thick load bearing walls
3. Exterior buttresses counter - thrust force of barrel vaults
4. Compound piers on interior nave wall with galleries below triforium
5. Ambulatory around apse/altar with radiating chapels
6. Extended choir behind crossing and altar
7. Latin cross plan - distinct transepts with radiating chapels
8. Twin towers on westwork of facade, single tower over crossing
9. Narthex between towers of westwork
10. Relatively dark interiors (compared to later Gothic structures) due to load bearing walls
11. Plan of church based on a square module (a bay) repeated throughout the church in multiples (2X, 4X)
Vocabulary:
tympanum
trumeau
lintel
voussoirs
jambs
archivolts
reliquary
mandorla
Cult of the Saints
cloister
nave
transept
crossing
radiating chapels
choir
ambulatory
triforium
westwork
trumeau
lintel
voussoirs
jambs
archivolts
reliquary
mandorla
Cult of the Saints
cloister
nave
transept
crossing
radiating chapels
choir
ambulatory
triforium
westwork
GOTHIC
Key Ideas:
- "Gothic" term coined by the historian Georgia Vasari during the Renaissance. Originally meant to be derogative as he thought the Gothic style was crude and ugly.
- Perfected the Romanesque style (ribbed vaults, groin vaults, pointed arches, and clerestories.
- The quest for Height and Light is very important. The higher the architecture, the closer to God you'll be. Light is the manifestation of God known as lux nova, new light.
- Sculpture/reliefs are higher in relief and emphasizes the vertical of the architecture.
- Women were no longer considered "handmaidens of the devil". The Cult of the Virgin replaced a previous veneration of Eve, the great sinner.
- Saint Denis is the first fully Gothic structure in France. The ambulatory becomes the new focus. Abbot Suger is credited to creating this new Gothic style. He believed the church should be of great beauty. The more grand, the closer to God the worshiper could become.
History in 12th Century France:
1. “Ile de France”: Paris is at the center of the region about 100 miles around Paris. King Louis of France asserts his power.
2. Economics: Paris was the mercantile hub of Europe with trade fairs, European banking, new methods of taxation, and a money economy developed during the 12th century under a strong monarchy (Louis VI and VII)
3. Scholasticism (Thomas Aquinas): a new, rational approach to philosophy and theology - School of Chartres (cathedral) and University of Paris (founded around 1150) was intellectual center of Europe (also Oxford, Cambridge, and Padua)
4. Courtly Love: Eleanor of Aquitaine established a center of culture in Poitiers - status of courtly women/ cult of the Virgin 5. History: Two catastrophic events occur: Hundred Years War between England + France in 1337 and decimates much of Europe Black Plague strikes Europe in 1348 and decimates the population of Europe by 40%
6. Religion: Cult of the Virgin - new devotion to “Our Lady” - elevation of the Virgin to new status as “Queen of Heaven” The Great Schism - 1378 the Catholic Church has two popes claiming title - one in Avignon, one in Rome (until 1417)
1. “Ile de France”: Paris is at the center of the region about 100 miles around Paris. King Louis of France asserts his power.
2. Economics: Paris was the mercantile hub of Europe with trade fairs, European banking, new methods of taxation, and a money economy developed during the 12th century under a strong monarchy (Louis VI and VII)
3. Scholasticism (Thomas Aquinas): a new, rational approach to philosophy and theology - School of Chartres (cathedral) and University of Paris (founded around 1150) was intellectual center of Europe (also Oxford, Cambridge, and Padua)
4. Courtly Love: Eleanor of Aquitaine established a center of culture in Poitiers - status of courtly women/ cult of the Virgin 5. History: Two catastrophic events occur: Hundred Years War between England + France in 1337 and decimates much of Europe Black Plague strikes Europe in 1348 and decimates the population of Europe by 40%
6. Religion: Cult of the Virgin - new devotion to “Our Lady” - elevation of the Virgin to new status as “Queen of Heaven” The Great Schism - 1378 the Catholic Church has two popes claiming title - one in Avignon, one in Rome (until 1417)
CONTEXT
Context for development of Gothic style in Sculpture:
1. Re-emergence of the human body as a central subject matter of art - religious character still within the context of architectural decoration/embellishment - still primarily surrounding portals to churches.
2. Growing belief that the Christian “soul” must be manifested within the human body. ( Aristotle’s writings rediscovered - the human body is the form of the soul - a manifestation of it, and therefore should be beautiful, to represent God’s creation.)
1. Re-emergence of the human body as a central subject matter of art - religious character still within the context of architectural decoration/embellishment - still primarily surrounding portals to churches.
2. Growing belief that the Christian “soul” must be manifested within the human body. ( Aristotle’s writings rediscovered - the human body is the form of the soul - a manifestation of it, and therefore should be beautiful, to represent God’s creation.)
ARTWORKS
Gothic Art + Architecture + Sculpture
60. Chartres Cathedral - West, North, South Portals - Notre Dame de la Bella Verriere
61. Dedication Page with Blanche of Castile and King Louis IX of France
62. Röttgen Pietà
Additional Images:
* Reim Cathedral – Visitation/jamb statues
* Strasbourg Cathedral – Death of the Virgin tympanum
* Naumburg Cathedral – Ekkehard and Uta
* Visitation, jamb statues, Reim Cathedral
* The Virgin of Paris
* The Virgin of Jeanne d’Evreaux reliquary
60. Chartres Cathedral - West, North, South Portals - Notre Dame de la Bella Verriere
61. Dedication Page with Blanche of Castile and King Louis IX of France
62. Röttgen Pietà
Additional Images:
* Reim Cathedral – Visitation/jamb statues
* Strasbourg Cathedral – Death of the Virgin tympanum
* Naumburg Cathedral – Ekkehard and Uta
* Visitation, jamb statues, Reim Cathedral
* The Virgin of Paris
* The Virgin of Jeanne d’Evreaux reliquary
Structural device: Function: Effect or result:
Flying buttress supports roof vaulting = more window space and light
Ribbed- Groin roof structure = flexibility of the shape of the bays + complex geometry of plan
Pointed Arch opening of space = greater vertical (more thrust downward - less thrust outward)
Flying buttress supports roof vaulting = more window space and light
Ribbed- Groin roof structure = flexibility of the shape of the bays + complex geometry of plan
Pointed Arch opening of space = greater vertical (more thrust downward - less thrust outward)
Characteristics of Gothic Style:
1. Choir, ambulatory, radiating chapels become one unified space - interior walls “dissolve”
2. Rib-groin vaulting carries weight of roof structure above down to cluster piers and columns
3. Stain glass windows replace heavy walls of Romanesque style
4. Pointed arch (instead of round headed arch) transfers weight more vertically, reducing outward thrust of vaulting
5. Greater flexibility in spanning spaces using ribbed groin vaulting and pointed arch
6. Flying buttresses transfer weight of walls and roof to exterior of Gothic cathedral
7. Increased vertical is possible using the above building forms - nave and tower become higher
8. Light, through large stained glass windows fills interior space with colored light = divine light
VOCABULARY:
pointed arch
portal
lancet windows
rib groin vault
column statues
tracery pinnacle
rose window
flying buttress
cluster pier
bosses
stained glass
gables
gargoyles
leading
portal
lancet windows
rib groin vault
column statues
tracery pinnacle
rose window
flying buttress
cluster pier
bosses
stained glass
gables
gargoyles
leading
Assignments:
Read Gardner's Art Through the Ages Chapter 16, and 17, and 18. Then Follow the links below to complete either Exercise (a) and (b). In addition do study guides Chapter 11, Chapter 13, Chapter 16, Chapter 17, Chapter 18.
Exercise (a)
Exercise (b)
Exercise (a)
Exercise (b)
This website is based upon work supported by:
Dr. Robert Croad for workshops, resources and time -
Marsha Russell for your generosity in sharing materials and knowledge -
and to Valerie Park for your AP Art History web site that this website is based upon.
Dr. Robert Croad for workshops, resources and time -
Marsha Russell for your generosity in sharing materials and knowledge -
and to Valerie Park for your AP Art History web site that this website is based upon.