medieval era in the arts
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Chiristian Themes. Cathedral ArchitectureTRANSCRIPT
Medieval Era in the Arts, Medieval Era in the Arts, Sculpture, and Sculpture, and ArchitectureArchitecture
Themes of ChristianityThemes of Christianity
Christianity: The Root of All Christianity: The Root of All Medieval Art Medieval Art
For three centuries For three centuries Christianity was in Christianity was in the shadows of the shadows of RomeRome
This triptych of St This triptych of St George records his George records his persecution after persecution after slaying the slaying the dragon, which dragon, which represented Satanrepresented Satan
St. George is one St. George is one of the first martyrs of the first martyrs of Christendomof Christendom
Christianity: Locus of Roman Christianity: Locus of Roman PowerPower
Constantine rendered Christianity Constantine rendered Christianity the state religion in 313 CEthe state religion in 313 CE
Under Constantine, the cross Under Constantine, the cross became the official symbol of became the official symbol of ChristianityChristianity
A vision of the cross while in battle A vision of the cross while in battle induced him to adopt this symbolinduced him to adopt this symbol
He won the battle over Maxentius at He won the battle over Maxentius at the Milvian Bridge in Rome the Milvian Bridge in Rome
It came to be preferred over the It came to be preferred over the dove and the fish, both Christian dove and the fish, both Christian symbolssymbols
Christianity and the Christianity and the ScripturesScriptures
New Testament is divided into three sections with New Testament is divided into three sections with one subdivisionone subdivision
Gospels (Good News) : the life of Jesus according Gospels (Good News) : the life of Jesus according to St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. Johnto St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John
Acts: The spread of Christianity by the 12 Acts: The spread of Christianity by the 12 Apostles who taught the GospelsApostles who taught the Gospels
Epistles, mostly of St. Paul, whose letters entail Epistles, mostly of St. Paul, whose letters entail the interpretation of Christian doctrinethe interpretation of Christian doctrine
Apocalypse: the end of the earth, the return of Apocalypse: the end of the earth, the return of Christ to preside over Judgment Day, and the Christ to preside over Judgment Day, and the formation of the New Heaven and New Earthformation of the New Heaven and New Earth
Depicted Scenes: Birth and Depicted Scenes: Birth and Childhood of JesusChildhood of Jesus
The Nativity: Mary is reclining and Jesus is The Nativity: Mary is reclining and Jesus is swaddled in the manger with an ox and ass; Joseph swaddled in the manger with an ox and ass; Joseph is dosing offis dosing off
Adoration of the Magi: three kings from the East Adoration of the Magi: three kings from the East bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrhbearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh
Presentation of the baby Jesus at the Temple in Presentation of the baby Jesus at the Temple in JerusalemJerusalem
Murder of the Innocents: King Herod orders the Murder of the Innocents: King Herod orders the killings of all firstborn male infants under two killings of all firstborn male infants under two years.years.
Flight to Egypt of the Holy FamilyFlight to Egypt of the Holy Family At 12 years, Jesus debates the Jewish scholars in At 12 years, Jesus debates the Jewish scholars in
the Temple the Temple
The Ministry and Miracles of The Ministry and Miracles of JesusJesus
John the Baptist baptizes Jesus in the River JordanJohn the Baptist baptizes Jesus in the River Jordan Jesus recruits (“calls”) his apostles in several Jesus recruits (“calls”) his apostles in several
scenes, such as Matthew, the tax collector, and scenes, such as Matthew, the tax collector, and two fishermen, Peter and Andrewtwo fishermen, Peter and Andrew
Miracles, such as converting water into wine for a Miracles, such as converting water into wine for a bridal couple, the Transfiguration of Peter, James, bridal couple, the Transfiguration of Peter, James, and Johnand John
In a storm, walks on water; saves fishermen from In a storm, walks on water; saves fishermen from drowning and calms the stormdrowning and calms the storm
In Resurrection, he raises Lazarus, brother of In Resurrection, he raises Lazarus, brother of Mary, from the deadMary, from the dead
Passion of Jesus: Palm Passion of Jesus: Palm SundaySunday
Jesus arrives in Jerusalem on a donkey, followed Jesus arrives in Jerusalem on a donkey, followed by the Apostles.by the Apostles.
Throws the moneychangers out of the templeThrows the moneychangers out of the temple Last Supper: announces that one apostle (Judas) Last Supper: announces that one apostle (Judas)
will betray Him and another (Peter) will deny Himwill betray Him and another (Peter) will deny Him Washes the feet of the Apostles to display Washes the feet of the Apostles to display
humilityhumility In the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas points out In the Garden of Gethsemane, Judas points out
Jesus with a kiss, and the Roman soldier seize himJesus with a kiss, and the Roman soldier seize him When confronted by the Romans, Peter denies When confronted by the Romans, Peter denies
knowing Jesus three timesknowing Jesus three times
Passion of Jesus: Trial and Passion of Jesus: Trial and CondemnationCondemnation
Brought before Caiaphas and PilateBrought before Caiaphas and Pilate Whipped (the Flagellation) Whipped (the Flagellation) Crowned with thorns (the Mocking of Jesus)Crowned with thorns (the Mocking of Jesus) Mocked for claiming to be King of the JewsMocked for claiming to be King of the Jews Condemned to die on the cross, a common Condemned to die on the cross, a common
Roman technique of executionRoman technique of execution ““Washing his hands,” Pilate turns Jesus Washing his hands,” Pilate turns Jesus
over the Jews (even though it’s the over the Jews (even though it’s the Romans who nail him to the cross.Romans who nail him to the cross.
Passion of Jesus: The Passion of Jesus: The CrucifixionCrucifixion
Jesus carries his own cross to Calvary Jesus carries his own cross to Calvary (aka Golgotha)(aka Golgotha)
There he is nailed at the cross in the There he is nailed at the cross in the presence of Marypresence of Mary
He is taken down from the cross and He is taken down from the cross and his followers mourn him (Lamentation)his followers mourn him (Lamentation)
Pieta: Mary mourning the dead Jesus Pieta: Mary mourning the dead Jesus lying across her laplying across her lap
The ResurrectionThe Resurrection Entombment: Jesus is laid inside a cave and a Entombment: Jesus is laid inside a cave and a
boulder rolled against the entranceboulder rolled against the entrance Enters part of Hell (Limbo) and leads certain souls Enters part of Hell (Limbo) and leads certain souls
to salvationto salvation Rises from his tomb after three days, the Rises from his tomb after three days, the
ResurrectionResurrection Mary Magdalene tries to touch him but he refuses Mary Magdalene tries to touch him but he refuses
to be touched to be touched Shares meal with two apostles (Supper at Emmaus)Shares meal with two apostles (Supper at Emmaus) Ascension: Rises to heaven in presence of his Ascension: Rises to heaven in presence of his
mother and the apostlesmother and the apostles Pentecost: gives the apostles the gift of tongues, Pentecost: gives the apostles the gift of tongues,
enabling them to preach the message throughout enabling them to preach the message throughout the world. the world.
The Annunciation and The Annunciation and NativityNativity
The Archangel Gabriel The Archangel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary announces to the Virgin Mary that she will bear the Saviourthat she will bear the Saviour
Upper Left: The Annunciation Upper Left: The Annunciation by A. Lorzettiby A. Lorzetti
Lower Left: The NativityLower Left: The Nativity In other scenes, the Christ In other scenes, the Christ
child is depicted with the ox child is depicted with the ox and assand ass
Joseph is often depicting Joseph is often depicting napping in the backgroundnapping in the background
Flight to Egypt and Jesus Flight to Egypt and Jesus among the Eldersamong the Elders
Flight to Egypt after Herod Flight to Egypt after Herod ordered the killing of male ordered the killing of male infantsinfants
Upper Left: a Giselbertus Upper Left: a Giselbertus relief of the flight in typical relief of the flight in typical Romanesque styleRomanesque style
Lower Left: Lower Left: Jesus Among Jesus Among the Doctorsthe Doctors by Giotto by Giotto
He debates with the elders He debates with the elders
The Ministry of JesusThe Ministry of Jesus
Jesus recruits the Jesus recruits the Apostles Peter and Apostles Peter and Andrew to be “fishers of Andrew to be “fishers of men”men”
Upper Left: Jesus walking Upper Left: Jesus walking on water during a stormon water during a storm
Lowe left: Raising of Lowe left: Raising of Lazarus from the dead.Lazarus from the dead.
The Last Days of JesusThe Last Days of Jesus
Upper Left: Last Supper; Upper Left: Last Supper; Fresco by unknown artistFresco by unknown artist
Site: 12Site: 12thth century church century church in Francein France
Lower Left: Crucifixion Lower Left: Crucifixion scenescene
Artist Gorelston Psalter Artist Gorelston Psalter (ca 1320-1330), Norwich, (ca 1320-1330), Norwich, East Anglia, England, East Anglia, England,
From Resurrection to From Resurrection to ApocalypseApocalypse
The Resurrection (upper The Resurrection (upper left)left)
Source: Piero Della Source: Piero Della Francesca, 1452Francesca, 1452
The apocalypse from The apocalypse from Giselbertus in Giselbertus in Romanesque cathedral Romanesque cathedral (lower left)(lower left)
Note that the saved are Note that the saved are at Christ’s right, and the at Christ’s right, and the damned to his leftdamned to his left
Roman Basilica Design: Roman Basilica Design: Floor PlanFloor Plan
Note the following:Note the following: Nave is located in the Nave is located in the
centercenter No transeptNo transept Only one nave (upper Only one nave (upper
projection)projection) Aisles on either sideAisles on either side Entrance on either sideEntrance on either side
Roman Basilica Design: Roman Basilica Design: InteriorInterior
Note the following:Note the following: Collonnated hall Collonnated hall
(columns (columns separating nave separating nave from aisles)from aisles)
Second story aislesSecond story aisles Entrance at far endEntrance at far end (Apse is back of (Apse is back of
this image)this image)
Romanesque Prototype: St. Romanesque Prototype: St. Peter’s BasilicaPeter’s Basilica
Note the following changes:Note the following changes: A transept has been added A transept has been added
to render structure the form to render structure the form of a crossof a cross
There is only one apse There is only one apse (upper)(upper)
An alter is added to the An alter is added to the front of the apsefront of the apse
The aisle and nave are The aisle and nave are retainedretained
Seating is added to the naveSeating is added to the nave
Medieval Architecture: Medieval Architecture: Romanesque ChurchRomanesque Church
Size of nave enlarged to Size of nave enlarged to accommodate pilgrims, accommodate pilgrims, commonplace in Early Middle Agescommonplace in Early Middle Ages
Eastern part of the church Eastern part of the church enlarged for chapels where small enlarged for chapels where small parties could worship undisturbedparties could worship undisturbed
Salient features: rounded arches, Salient features: rounded arches, thick walls, large towers, and thick walls, large towers, and decorative arcadingdecorative arcading
Most of them were abbey Most of them were abbey churcheschurches
They generally dominated the They generally dominated the countrysidecountryside
Romanesque Cathedrals: Romanesque Cathedrals: SizeSize Romanesque cathedrals Romanesque cathedrals
tended to be smalltended to be small Often, they were placed in Often, they were placed in
rural localitiesrural localities This was ideal for pilgrims This was ideal for pilgrims
who needed a place to stay who needed a place to stay and worshipand worship
They were also ideal for They were also ideal for monks, who needed to monks, who needed to meditate, conduct their meditate, conduct their work, and grow food for work, and grow food for themselves and any visitorsthemselves and any visitors
Note the absence of windows Note the absence of windows at Leuchars Church, Scotland at Leuchars Church, Scotland (left)(left)
Romanesque Design From Romanesque Design From HellHell
These sculptures by Giselbertus These sculptures by Giselbertus add to the dark images of the add to the dark images of the Judgment at the Cathedral of St. Judgment at the Cathedral of St. Lazarus, Autun, FranceLazarus, Autun, France
Upper left: Pilgrims trudge Upper left: Pilgrims trudge toward Santiago toward Santiago
Lower left: Old Moneybags gets Lower left: Old Moneybags gets his comeuppance from these his comeuppance from these disembodied clawsdisembodied claws
The small windows (or none at The small windows (or none at all) added to the gloom of this all) added to the gloom of this Cathedral and its themes of the Cathedral and its themes of the Judgment, damnation, and death Judgment, damnation, and death
Chartres CathedralChartres Cathedral
A classic Gothic A classic Gothic cathedral is this one at cathedral is this one at Chartres, FranceChartres, France
The cathedral is 200 The cathedral is 200 feet high; cathedrals feet high; cathedrals competed for height competed for height until the one at Amiens until the one at Amiens collapsed at 298 feetcollapsed at 298 feet
The cathedral was the The cathedral was the social center for every social center for every citycity
Medieval Architecture: Gothic Medieval Architecture: Gothic CathedralsCathedrals
They were abstract, symbolic, and They were abstract, symbolic, and expressive linearityexpressive linearity
Colorful and highly decorativeColorful and highly decorative The rounded arch was replaced by The rounded arch was replaced by
the pointed arch (upper left, Riems the pointed arch (upper left, Riems Cathedral, France)Cathedral, France)
The ribbed vault appears at the The ribbed vault appears at the ceiling of the church (lower left; San ceiling of the church (lower left; San Zanipolo, Venice)Zanipolo, Venice)
The flying buttress transfers the The flying buttress transfers the weight of the vault to a buttress weight of the vault to a buttress outside the buildingoutside the building
They involved the extensive use of They involved the extensive use of stained glass windowsstained glass windows
Why Flying Buttresses?Why Flying Buttresses? Gothic cathedrals were Gothic cathedrals were
tall and therefore tall and therefore heavierheavier
Often, earlier Gothic Often, earlier Gothic cathedrals collapsed on cathedrals collapsed on their own weighttheir own weight
The buttresses The buttresses transferred the heavier transferred the heavier weight of the arches or weight of the arches or vaults to outside vaults to outside structures such as structures such as posts (see diagram)posts (see diagram)
Flying Buttress at Chartres Flying Buttress at Chartres CathedralCathedral
This flying buttress, at This flying buttress, at Chartres Cathedral, was Chartres Cathedral, was a prototypea prototype
Note that the weight Note that the weight was transferred through was transferred through the diagonal structures the diagonal structures to the post on the leftto the post on the left
They could be They could be decorative as well as decorative as well as functional functional
Height of Gothic InteriorHeight of Gothic Interior
The height of the walls The height of the walls was enabled by the was enabled by the flying buttress outside flying buttress outside
This produced an awe-This produced an awe-inspiring sight.inspiring sight.
Light from the inside Light from the inside and the stained glass and the stained glass windows contributed to windows contributed to this environmentthis environment
Lighting, Gothic CathedralsLighting, Gothic Cathedrals
Lighting was another Lighting was another feature of Gothic feature of Gothic churcheschurches
As this interior of Notre As this interior of Notre Dame cathedral shows, Dame cathedral shows, lighting induced a divine lighting induced a divine presence presence
This was a vivid contrast This was a vivid contrast with the dark, with the dark, windowless interior of windowless interior of Romanesque cathedrals Romanesque cathedrals and churchesand churches
Lighting and Stained Glass Lighting and Stained Glass WindowsWindows
As this row of windows show in Milan, biblical scenes As this row of windows show in Milan, biblical scenes came to life. came to life.
They produced a feeling of the presence of God HimselfThey produced a feeling of the presence of God Himself
ConclusionConclusion Artwork was thematic of the Scriptures and Life of Artwork was thematic of the Scriptures and Life of
ChristChrist Your book and the samples illustrate these Your book and the samples illustrate these
themes, which continued into the early themes, which continued into the early RenaissanceRenaissance
The cathedrals had a functionThe cathedrals had a function Romanesque accommodated the pilgrims from Romanesque accommodated the pilgrims from
France to Santiago in SpainFrance to Santiago in Spain They also became the residences of monks, They also became the residences of monks,
starting with the Benedictine orderstarting with the Benedictine order Gothic cathedrals became the centers of city Gothic cathedrals became the centers of city
activity, as reflected in their height and lighting. activity, as reflected in their height and lighting.