Art of theMiddle Ages
An Overview of Medieval Art,
Architecture, and Culture
2.
Fall of Romeand Rise of
Christianity
• • 410 CE: Rome overthrown by Visigoths
• • Greek & Roman advances replaced by
Christian teachings
• • Focus shifted from individual & nature to
religion
• • 'Middle Ages' term separates ancient
cultures from Renaissance
3.
Byzantine Art
• •Constantine made Christianity state religion
(4th century CE)
• • Churches flourished, Pagan monuments
declined
• • Byzantine churches: ornate mosaics &
decorations
• • Basilica nave symbolized a ship transporting
worshippers to heaven
4.
San Vitale Church& Byzantine Style
• • Octagon-shaped plan with a large decorated
dome
• • Byzantine art: rich colors, gold, intricate
mosaics
• • Unlike Western classical style, focuses on
ornate interiors
5.
The Dark Ages& Monastic Life
• • 476 CE: Fall of Western Roman Empire
• • Period marked by ignorance & oppression
• • Monasteries became centers of isolation,
learning, and arts
• • Hagia Sophia built in Constantinople, later
became mosque & museum
6.
Illuminated Manuscripts &
Hiberno-SaxonStyle
• • Interlace designs: twisting, interwoven lines
• • Book of Kells & Lindisfarne Gospels: detailed
religious illustrations
• • Hiberno-Saxon style: fusion of Celtic knots &
Anglo-Saxon animal forms
7.
Revival of ClassicalTraditions
• • Charlemagne (800 CE) revived Christian &
Classical traditions
• • Monastic arts flourished with religious &
daily life scenes
• • Artworks symbolized medieval imagination:
demons, mythical creatures
8.
Romanesque Art
• •Romanesque style (c. 1000 CE): massive
thick walls, small windows
• • Influenced by Roman techniques
• • Churches looked vast & gloomy inside
• • Eventually evolved into Gothic style
9.
Gothic Art
• •Developed by 13th century: ribbed vaults,
flying buttresses
• • Walls opened up for stained glass windows
• • Architecture symbolized spiritual reach
towards heaven
• • Notre-Dame Cathedral a prime example
10.
The Church andMedieval Towns
• • Cathedrals became center of town life
• • Church influenced economic, intellectual,
and spiritual life
• • Cathedral symbolized the body of Christ
• • Medieval art reflected hardships & spiritual
aspirations
