early western medieval art
DESCRIPTION
Early Western Medieval Art. The lecture. Theme: TV Networks— HCO T = Tribes V = Vikings Networks: H = Hiberno Saxons C = Carolingians O = Ottonians. Early Medieval. TV Networks HCO. Welcome to the “Dark Ages”. “ Dark Ages” is incorrect- the term is Middle Ages and Medieval - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Early Western Medieval Art
The lecture
Early Medieval
TV NetworksHCO
Theme: TV Networks—HCOT = TribesV = Vikings
Networks:H = Hiberno SaxonsC = CarolingiansO = Ottonians
Welcome to the “Dark Ages”
“Dark Ages” is incorrect- the term is Middle Ages and MedievalArt historians note the blend of this era of
Christian iconographyGreco-roman heritageCeltic/Germanic style
These combinations continued to thrive and change resulting the wide diversity of European nations today.There was continuous friction between church and state in the West, unlike Islam and Byzantine lands
Various “Barbarian” groups invaded the Roman Empire In two waves 300-500 and 500-700 CE
Huns, Vandals, Goths, Visigoths, Franks, Lombards, Angles, Saxons and Jutes among others.Art historical record is slim at best during this Migration PeriodWhat has survived is usually small, and utilitarianThey rejected the classical idea of representing things naturally or realistically.
Tribes
The original art of the Germanic people was abstract, decorative, and geometric. It as confined to small portable items like weapons, jewelry, and belt buckles.Fibulas (shoulder pins) were often decorated with precious metals and inlaid stones. The entire surface is covered in decorative patterns, reflecting horror vacui or need to fill the entire space. The patterns reflect the shape and surface of the object they adorn, which helps emphasize the form of the piece.
Frankish FibulaFibula (a decorative pin, used by the Romans and Etruscans)Fibulae were symbols of prestige- note Justinian’s is richer than the other guy’s.Richly decoratedZoomorphic forms were characteristic of this culture.(Art that creates patterns using animal imagery, or animal style)Cloisonné = a process of enameling using cloisons- a cell that holds enamel or other decorative materials.
Sutton HooSutton Hoo is one of Britain's most important archaeological sites, ranking in significance with Stonehenge in Wiltshire. The burial ground of the Anglo-Saxon pagan kings of East Anglia, Sutton Hoo is the site of one of the most spectacular archaeological discoveries ever made in England. In 1939 archaeologists unearthed an astonishing Anglo-Saxon ship burial in Woodbridge, Suffolk; astonishing both for
the state of preservation of the objects within the tomb, but also astonishing for the sheer rich quality of the artifacts.
The burial goods from Sutton Hoo are remarkable - gold weapons and armor, inlaid ornaments, silver and tableware.
Purse Cover Hiberno SaxonSuffolk, England, c. 600 CE
-Abstract portrayal of the human and animal figure-Lined by linear patterns (interlacing)-Animals were a favorite subject among artists in the Middle Ages.-Functional-was the lid to a purse or bag-Retrieved from the Sutton Hoo shipwreck
The importance of Sutton Hoo cannot be overstated. From the grave goods we can learn a lot about the pattern of life in this darkest part of the “Dark Ages” in Britain. Even the style of the craftsmanship lets us draw conclusions about how strong were Saxon connections with rest of Europe.
Hiberno- Saxons aka Insular ArtProduced in the post-Roman history of the British Isles. The term derives from insula, the Latin term for "island"; in this period Britain and Ireland shared a largely common style different from that of the rest of Europe. Art historians usually group insular art as Early Medieval Western artMost Insular art originates from the Irish monasticism of Celtic Christianity, or metalwork for the secular elite, and the period begins around 600 AD with the combining of 'Celtic' styles and Anglo-Saxon (English) styles
Lindisfarne GospelsThe Lindisfarne Gospels was created in the early eighth century CE for ceremonial use at the monastery of Lindisfarne in the northeast of England. The manuscript's main text, which was written out by a single scribe. The Gospels contains 15 elaborate fully decorated pages, featuring ornament of extraordinary intricacy. Astoundingly complex patterns are plaited and knotted across these pages and intertwined with fanciful birds and animals. At the start of each of the Gospels is an illustration of its author with his symbol, and throughout the text pages of the manuscript are numerous decorated initials. Ornamental page from the Book of Lindisfarne,
from Northumberland, England, 700 CE.
St. Matthew from the Lindisfarne GospelsHiberno Saxon700 CE
-St. Mathew is seated on a cushioned bench, book in his lap writing his Book of the NT-Man behind the curtain may be an inspiration from God, or Christ or Moses-Matthew’s symbolic angel is above him with the words “image of a man” - Byzantine influence Greek words Angles hands are covered -flattened soft linear elements -hard lined drapery
Book of Kellscontains the four gospels of Mark, Mathew, Luke and John its age and its design, although damaged, allow us a glorious glimpse into the art and style of ancient Ireland. The book is considered a crowning glory of the Celtic art form, and possibly one of the most important treasures of Western Europe. Begun on island of Iona, moved to Kells Monastery, County Meath, Ireland in 9th Century.Over the years, approximately 30 of its pages have been lost, the remaining 340 contains the four gospels, a list of Hebrew names, among other things. Took a team of artists working for 30 years to complete.The best pages open the four chapters with illustrations of the saints along with individual pages that depict events in the life of Christ.
Chi Rho Iota PageBook of Matthew from the Book of KellsHiberno-Saxon800 CE
-Was considered to be so beautiful that people thought angels had made it-There are faces of angels and Christ interlaced throughout the design.-The letters X, P, and I are woven into the design because they are the Greek letters representing Christ's name.-one can become lost in the infinity of God, thus removing oneself form sin-monks made these as a devotional, cold, intense work=a recreation of the pains of Christ
Monasteries- Very Important Monastery is the building, or complex of buildings, comprising the domestic quarters and workplace(s) of monks or nuns. The monastery generally includes a place reserved for prayer which may be a chapel, church or templeThe life of prayer and communal living was one of rigorous schedules and self-sacrifice. Prayer was their work, and the Office prayers took up much of a monk's waking hours. In between prayers, monks were allowed to sit in the cloister and work on their projects of writing, copying, or decorating books. These would have been assigned based on a monk's abilities and interests. The non-scholastic types were assigned to physical labor of varying degrees.Monasteries were important contributors to the surrounding community. They were centers of intellectual progression and education. They welcomed aspiring priests to come study and learn.Since monasteries offered respite for weary pilgrim travelers, monks were obligated also to care for their injuries or emotional needs. Over time, lay people started to make pilgrimages to monasteries instead of just using them as a stop over. By this time, they had sizeable libraries that attracted tourist. Families would donate a son in return for blessings.
Monastic life
High Cross of MuiredachHiberno Saxon923 CE
Known as a Celtic CrossFound all over Ireland, these were "markers" of Christian territory .Early crosses used interlace designs.Later examples such as this tell Christian stories in a flat, airless style, or are covered with all-over pattern.
David and Goiliath
Moses smites water
Hiberno-saxon/Insular Art• Small portable• Zoomorphic/animal style• Horror Vacui• Christian and
Celtic/Germanic traditions• Illuminated manuscripts• Monasteries
Manuscripts• Intricate ornamental
patterns• Full pages devoted to
pure embellishment– Carpet pages
• Resemble textiles• Abstract and
zoomorphic form• Evangelist symbols
(ALOE)• Embellished words
Vikings or Norse ArtNorse art is a blanket term for the artistic styles in Scandinavia during the early Medieval period.Viking art has many elements in common with Celtic Art, Romanesque art and East-European.Vikings terrorized Europe from 793 to the mid-11th century. Known as the pre-Christian traders and pirates of Scandinavian descents, they began to destroy the Christian monastic communities.The Vikings used their great ships to invade Europeans coasts, harbors and river settlements on a seasonal basis. Their voyages included heading east from Ireland to Russia, west to Iceland and Greenland and they reached Newfoundland before Christopher Columbus discovered the "New World". They created fast and seaworthy longships. The Vikings had a tailored way of succeeding all their attacks. They did not just hit and run, they colonized all the lands they occupied. This allowed them to grow and govern large areas of Ireland, England, France, Baltic regions and Russia.
Animal Head Post from the Oesberg Ship Burial Vikingc. 800 CE
-Ship burial was for two highly placed woman in the Viking court -Snarling mouth, eyes wildly staring -Head filled with interlaced animal patterns -Nostrils flaring -Unknown purpose of the head post, may have been used in a procession of on the prow of a boat-knotting on the head
Wood carved portals of stave church Urnes, NorwayViking Art1050 CE
By the 11th century, most of Scandinavia had converted to Christianity.StavesMuch of the church is slightly newer (12th Century)Animal forms interlace with plantsThe culmination of Viking art
VikingAnimal styleStatus symbol objectShip buildingNot Christian until the 11th Century
Carolingian ArtFranks settled in France during/after the fall of Rome.In 768 CE Charles I was crowned king of the FranksHe removed the Lombards from Italy & united most of Western Europe for the first time since Rome fell.In 800 CE, was crowned Emperor of Rome by the Pope and claimed to revive the Roman EmpireCalled Charles the Great or Charlemagne (Carolus Magnus)His rule spurred the Carolingian Renaissance, a revival of art, religion, and culture through the medium of the Catholic Church.Carolingian Art is the art produced during his reign
Equestrian portrait of Charlemagne(?)Carolingian800 CE
Stresses imperial imagery of holding the orb, a symbol of the world in the rider’s hands -Influenced by Roman equestrian statues -Rider much larger then the horse he sits on -Sits bolt upright, with little attention to the natural movement of the horse- ref (Marcus Aurelius)
Saint Matthew from the Coronation GospelsCarolingian800 CE
Goes along with the Carolingian RenaissanceRoman togaNatural-ish settingDepiction of realistic spaceShows body underneath the folds in draperyCalm, serene
Saint Matthew from Ebbo Gospels Carolingian c.800 CE
-Named for the bishop for whom the book was transcribed-Stylized-Saint Matthew is portrayed as being in a hurry and is accentuated with the large brush strokes signifying movement.-Landscape is starting to appear in artwork again.-There is a sense of anxiety in the saint's face-naturalism-The border surrounding the image proves it is painted by a Northern European artist.-very expressive brushwork
Covers for Bibles and Psalters were RICHLY decorated.(books were only for the wealthy)Made of gold, jewels and ivoryRepousse
Cruxifictioncover of Lindau GospelsCarolingian870 CE
Made for Charles the Bald- grandson of CharlemangeYouthful ChristFigures of Mary and John below and angels above are active
Palatine ChapelOdo of Metz Carolingian
c. 800 CE-Built after the manner of the Roman and Byzantine Empires- Reference Santa Costanza and San Vitale-Was a political symbol telling his empire that he had divine right to rule Western Europe-Central-plan church-Roman arches-Combines the glory of Rome with the beauty and splendor of the Byzantine Empire
It was designed by Odo of Metz, who modeled it after the Byzantine-style church of San Vitale (consecrated 547) in Ravenna, Italy. The most important surviving examples of Carolingian architecture are exhibited in the chapel. Its octagonal, domed central area (the Octagon) is surrounded by a tall (two-story), 16-sided ambulatory. Adjacent to the Octagon is the West Hall, with its formerly open-air atrium. Also notable are the imperial box on the upper floor and the winding staircases that lead up to the twin towers. The cupola crowning the chapel's dome rises to a height of 101.5 feet (30.9 metres). For centuries the chapel had the highest vaulted interior in northern Europe.
Corvey Abbey Key piece Carolingianc. 800 CE
-A more typical Carolingian church than the Palatine Chapel-Basilica church- was a Benedictine monastery-The new "westwork" was created-the towers were integrated into the west facade as one flush edifice.-still patterned after old St. Peters of Rome-There is an imperial throne on the 2nd story so that if Charlemagne chose to visit the church he would overlook all of the priests and altar. (He is the head of the church.)-Axial planed churchA westwork is the monumental, west-facing entrance section of a Carolingian, Ottonian, or Romanesque church. The exterior consists of multiple stories between two towers.
Torhalle or Gatehouse of Lorsch MonasteryCarolingian
c. 800 -Three arched openings are divided by engaged columns ref “Arch of Constantine”-fluted pilasters on the second floor -Carolingian patterning motifs cover the walls -Chapel on the upper story, originally, perhaps a reception room for guests -Building stood in an atrium -Turrets on left and right house stairwells
The art and architecture of the Carolingian period is based on Roman models.
Carolinian• Charles the Great (Charlemagne)
crowned by Pope Leo III on Christmas day 800
• First Holy (Christian) Roman Emperor
• His name given to era (Carolus Magnus) = Carolingian
•Regain glory of Roman Emperor
•Based on San vital
•Commissions many manuscripts
Ottonian Art
New wave of “barbarian” invasions brought chaos back to Europe- Vikings, Magyars, Saracen piratesCarolingian Empire crumbles 30 years after the death of Charlemagne.the Holy Roman Empire (or sometimes the Ottonian Empire) is formed in Germany after the breakup of the Carolingian Empire.Founded by Otto I in 962 (Sidenote- the Holy Roman Empire exists in Germany until 1806)
Saint Michael's of HildesheimOttonian 1000 CE
-Ottonian architecture-Designed by the tutor to Otto III, Bishop Bernward-Double transeptTwo apses – east and west sides-The entrances to the building are on the side.-Axial planed church Rhythmic interior- heavy and light supports; dark and light decor
Bishop Bernward DoorsOttonian c. 1000 CE Germany
-Two 15-feet-tall bronze doors-Imperial overtones: Pantheon had bronze doors, now gone; Aachen has bronze doors, but with no decoration-Subject: Fall of Man, Redemption of ManLeft door- stories from GenesisRight door- stories from Christ’s life-Rectangular panels with few figures, bare landscapes, emphasis on lively gestures-Bony figures, vitality and livelinessEmphasis on extremities --- hands, feet, heads-first large bronze since Classical timesLost wax casting
Bishop Bernward ColumnOttonian1022 CE
Stood within the church of Saint Michael’sTells the story of Jesus' life in 24 scenes(It only includes scenes not included on the doors)Recalls the column of Trajan
Gero CrucifixOttonian
970 CEHuge- 6 feet tallCarved in oak, painted and gildedCommissioned by Archbishop Gero for the Cologne CathedralStatue and reliquaryMeant to show the pain of the human Christ-Return of large monumental sculpture-Life-size wooden work-Suffering of Christ becomes important. This is a MAJOR shift for the Catholic church-Rounded forms-Hanging from a cross for the first time
Otto III Enthroned from Gospel Book of Otto IIIOttonian1000 CE
Created in the Monasteries Tempera on VellumHolds instruments of his authority
Scepterorb
Similar to Justinian and his Attendants Byzantine influence- flatFloatingfrontal
Bishop Bernward• Patron of
Ottonian art and architecture
• Tutor of Otto III• Bronze caster
Ottonian Art
Much Ottonian art reflected the dynasty's desire to establish visually a link to the Christian rulers of Late Antiquity, such as Constantine, Theodoric, and Justinian as well as to their Carolingian predecessors, particularly Charlemagne.So there isn’t a vast difference between the two periods.
Monasteries
• Cloisters• Monastic reforms• Learning centers• Art Centers