Ch 14 ARH

Chapter 14: Early Medieval Art of Europe
Magister Ricard
Art History

Questions to Consider
Who were the Carolingians and what did they leave behind for Western Europe?
What cultures inspired the Carolingians?
Who were the Ottonians and what did they instill in Western European culture?
How does the Gero Crucifix differ from earlier Christian images of Christ?

Art of the Warrior Lords
Chapter 14: 400-600 AD

Art of the Warrior Lords
The Roman empire dissolved in the West
The capital had shifted to the eastern city of Constantinople
The administration was left to various tribes, who began to organize things independently
Warfare spread during this period, roughly 400-600 AD (sack of Rome was in 476 AD)
Most art was small, portable, and of fine metals and precious stones and jewels
Used animal motifs known as animal style

Sutton Hoo:Hiberno-Saxon Art
They laid then the beloved chieftain, giver of rings, on the ship's bosom, glorious by the mast. There were brought many treasures, ornaments from far-off lands. Never have I heard that a vessel was more fairly fitted-out with war-weapons and battle-raiment, swords and coats of mail. On his bosom lay a host of treasures, where were to travel far with him into the power of the flood.“
-Beowulf

Art of the Warrior Lords: Characteristics
Interlacing: refers to the ribbon-like interweaving found throughout a design
Cloisonne: refers to the technique which solders small and thin strips of a metal to a background metal plate; gaps are then filled
Animal Style – repeated use of animal motifs throughout the artwork, usually fighting

Hiberno-Saxon Art
Hiberno = Ireland
Saxon = England
Artwork is similar to Art of the Warrior Lords
Christianity begins to spread (St. Patrick 400’s AD) throughout the British Isles
Monasteries establish scriptoria
Books written by hand - manuscripts
These are illuminated manuscripts – illuminate Christian concepts

Carolingian Art
Chapter 14: 700-900 AD

Why Carolingian Art?
On Christmas day of the year 800, Pope Leo III crowned Charles the Great (Charlemagne) as emperor of Rome (r. 800-814).
He ruled as king of the Franks since 768.
Charlemagne came to be seen as the first Holy (that is, Christian) Roman Emperor
A title his successors in the West did not formally adopt until the twelfth century.
The setting for Charlemagne’s coronation was Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome
Built by Constantine.
He gave his name (Carolus Magnus in Latin) to an entire era, the Carolingian period.

Characteristics of Carolingian Art
Charlemagne wanted to revive the glory of Rome
Artwork and architecture reflects imagery of Roman empire
Charlemagne was fascinated by how past rulers were portrayed publicly
Equestrian statues convey power
In uniting most of Western Europe, became an heir to the glory of Rome himself

Charlemagne turned to the Church to help stabilize his empire through religion and education. He looked to the Benedictine monks as his “cultural army.”
Although their principal duties were prayer and liturgical services, monks and nuns spent hours producing books.
Palace Chapel, Aachen, Germany, 792-805

The “Three Floor” Elevation
clerestory
gallery
ambulatory

Inside the Medieval Scriptorium
Workshop for the production of books by monks or nuns
Found within the complex of a monastery
Books written on pages of vellum or parchment
Produced by scribes and illustrators
Signature on last page, called colophon

Carolingian Illuminated Manuscripts
St. Matthew, CORONATION GOSPELS, (795-819)
St. Matthew, EBBO GOSPELS,(816-835)

Ottonian Art
Chapter 14: 900-1100 AD

Ottonian Europe
The heirs of Louis the Pious divided the Carolingian Empire into three parts.
The western portion eventually became France
The eastern part of the empire, roughly modern Germany, Switzerland and Austria, passed to a dynasty of rulers known as the Ottonians after three principal rulers named Otto.
Otto I gained control of Italy in 951 and the pope crowned him emperor in 962.
Thereafter, Otto and his successors dominated the Papacy and appointments to other high offices.

Questions to Consider
Who were the Carolingians and what did they leave behind for Western Europe?
What cultures inspired the Carolingians?
Who were the Ottonians and what did they instill in Western European culture?
How does the Gero Crucifix differ from earlier Christian images of Christ?

Ch 14 ARH

by John Ricard on Feb 07, 2010

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Ch 14 ARH — Presentation Transcript