Medieval artistic traditions include late antique, early Christian, Byzantine, Islamic, migratory, Carolingian*, Romanesque, and Gothic, named for their principal culture, religion, government, and/or artistic style. Continuities and exchanges between coexisting traditions in medieval Europe are evident in shared artistic forms, functions, and techniques. Contextual information comes primarily from literary, theological, and governmental (both secular and religious) records, which vary in quantity according to period and geographical region, and to a lesser extent from archaeological excavations. Elite religious and court cultures throughout the Middle Ages prioritized the study of theology, music, literary and poetic invention, and in the Islamic world, scientific and mathematical theory. Cultural and artistic exchanges were facilitated through trade and conquest.
|
Key ideas
- Christianity starts as an underground religion, as the pagan religion of the Romans was still the majority.
- Earliest works can be found in catacombs or on sarcophagi
- Architecture: mostly basilican or centrally planned building
- Founded by Jesus Christ in the early 1st century
- Early leaders/popes were martyred such as St. Peter
- Early Christians were persecuted by the Roman Empire but given restitution of property in 313 with the Edict of Milan.
- Constantine is the single most advocator for the Christian faith, often favoring them in political positions and patronizing religious buildings. He was officially converted on his death bed.
- Christians bury their dead because it resembles the burial of Jesus Christ. Under Rome are hundreds of miles of catacombs where Christians, Jews, and pagans are buried (cheaper too).
Sample written response questionThe images to the right show the interior and the ground plan for the church of Santa Sabina in Rome, Italy.
|
|
Artworks
1. Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus 2. Petra, Treasury 3. Catacomb of Priscilla -Orant fresco -Good Shepherd fresco -Christ as the Good Shepherd mosaic 4. Santa Sabina 5. Santa Costanza |
VOCABULARY
|