Early Medieval Art Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are some defining characteristics of Early Medieval art?

Iconography, Christian subject matter, elaborate patterns and decoration, bright colors, use of precious metals and gems, stylized figures, and social status.

What are illuminated manuscripts?

Hand-written books with painted decoration that includes precious metals such as gold or silver.

Who made illuminated manuscripts?

Scribes.

What was Charlemagne's contribution to the Carolingian Renaissance?

He instigated a cultural revival that sought to restore the third dimension in art using classical drawings. Signup and view all the answers

What is Animal Style/Interlace?

Decoration made of interwoven animals and plants. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Westwork?

The tower-like west end of a Carolingian or Romanesque church, presenting a façade at the entrance. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Hinged Clasp from Sutton Hoo represent?

A shoulder clasp that holds armor in place, featuring interlace designs of serpents and boar bodies. Signup and view all the answers

What significant work is the Book of Durrow?

A manuscript that opens the Gospel book of Matthew. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Chi-rho page in the Book of Kells signify?

It contains the beginning page of Matthew and is named after a Greek letter representing Christ. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Oseberg Ship represent?

A wooden burial ship designed to look serpent-like, used for the burial of two women. Signup and view all the answers

What narrative do the bronze doors of Bishop Bernward portray?

The story of the birth and life of Christ, along with the fall of humanity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Early Medieval Art Characteristics

Early medieval art is characterized by Christian iconography, elaborate patterns, bright colors, and the use of precious materials like gold and gems.
Stylized figures depict social status and are influenced by "barbarian" and Islamic sources.

Illuminated Manuscripts

Handwritten books decorated with painted illustrations and precious metals, primarily for religious purposes.
Created by skilled scribes using materials like vellum, gold leaf, and mineral-derived paints, emphasizing craftsmanship.
Manuscripts facilitated the transmission of ideas across regions and time periods.

Carolingian and Ottonian Revival

Charlemagne initiated the Carolingian Renaissance, aiming to restore classical artistic traditions reflecting the Christian empire of Constantine.
The revival sought to create a sense of three-dimensionality, contrasting with the flatness of earlier styles.
Following Carolingian rule, the Ottonians aimed to establish a Holy Roman lineage through art, integrating late Roman, Byzantine, and Carolingian influences in their work.

Animal Style/Interlace

A decorative approach featuring interwoven patterns of animals and plants, common in early medieval art.

Key Artworks and Contexts

Hinged Clasp from Sutton Hoo (7th Century): A shoulder clasp showcasing geometric designs and symbolism with interlace motifs of boars and serpents, found in a burial ship.
Book of Durrow: St. Matthew (7th Century): An illuminated manuscript with symbolic representation, geometric forms, and a flat presentation, reflecting medieval metalwork influences.
Book of Kells: Chi-rho Page (Late 8th-9th Century): An illuminated manuscript featuring gold, interlace, and imagery denoting religious themes, found in Kells Monastery.
Oseberg Ship (815-820): A burial ship design resembling a serpent, containing artifacts from Viking culture and used for royal burials.
Emeterius and Ende, Colophon Page (975): An illuminated manuscript depicting monks at work, influenced by Islamic art within a Christian context.
Equestrian Portrait of Charles the Bald (9th Century): A bronze representation signifying power, inspired by antique Roman art, placed in a palace setting.
Palace Chapel of Charlemagne (792-805): An octagonal chapel modeled after Roman architecture, featuring mosaics and an important religious significance when consecrated by Pope Leo III.
Westwork of Abbey Church of Corvey (Late 9th Century): Impressive entrance design laying groundwork for Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
Plan of the Abbey of Saint Gall (817): The idealized architectural layout for a monastery reflecting medieval monastic life and structure.
Coronation Gospels: Saint Matthew (9th Century): Commissioned by Charlemagne, illustrating three-dimensional forms and classical influences in religious painting.
Lindau Gospels (870-880): A richly adorned manuscript showcasing artistic craftsmanship with themes of resurrection.
Church of Saint Cyriakus (961-973): An Ottonian structure retaining imperial significance with architectural innovations differing from Romanesque styles.
Bronze Doors of Bishop Bernward (1015): Narrative doors portraying the story of humanity and salvation, revitalizing bronze casting techniques in Ottonian art.

Description

Explore the distinctive features of Early Medieval art through flashcards that highlight its rich influences from 'barbarian' cultures and Islamic art. This quiz covers characteristics such as iconography, the use of luxurious materials, and the significance of illuminated manuscripts.