Medieval Art Overview

Defining Arts

• The Medieval Period (410 AD - 1485), often called the Dark Ages, signifies a time of perceived cultural stagnation, transitioning into the feudal Middle Ages from 1066.Renaissance Period (15th Century - 1600): Marked by a shift from abstract forms to representational forms

Medieval Art

• Heavily influenced by the Church, often focusing on religious themes
• Lack of balance, proportion, and perspective; paintings are "flat" and two-dimensional
• More important figures in paintings are larger than less important ones
• Halos and gold backgrounds symbolize heaven and a holy atmosphere

Characteristics of Medieval Art

• No facial expressions
• Stiff and unrealistic poses
• Tempera paints were used, drying too quickly to correct mistakes
• The Church forbid displaying the naked human body

3 Major Periods of Medieval Art

• Early Christian (350 C.E): The Catholic Church had two main centers of power: Rome and Constantinople. Medieval art was used in houses of worship for decoration and public appreciation.
• Romanesque (11th Century): Semi-circular arches, heavy stone walls, and stable construction in monasteries and churches marked the growth of the European City
• Gothic (12th Century): Developed as a result of the French Monarchy. Known for menacing gargoyles and flying buttresses in Gothic Cathedrals.

Famous Artists of the Medieval Period

• Duccio di Boninsegna: Founder of the Sienese School of painting, recognized for his work "Maestra"

Renaissance Art

• Marked by a gradual shift from the abstract forms of the Medieval Period to representational forms of the 15th century

3 Major Periods of Renaissance Art

• Proto-Renaissance (1300-1400): Pioneered figurative realism in Italy and laid the foundation for the Italian Renaissance.
• Early Renaissance (1400-1500): Characterized by “humanism,” which revived classical antiquity – focused on studies of the human body, grammar, history, poetry, and philosophy.
• High Renaissance (1500-1600): Period of exceptional artistic production and masterpieces in the Italian state. This period produced the best known paintings, sculptures, and architecture.

Italian Painters

• Known for their notable achievements and producing impactful masterpieces in human history.
• Renaissance paintings feature greater realism, creating life-like images and scenes.

Famous Artists of the Renaissance Period

• Leonardo Da Vinci: Polymath active as a painter, engineer, sculptor, architect, and theorist. Known for applying the scientific method to all aspects of life, including art and music. Famous for his works “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper”.
• Michelangelo: Sculptor, painter, architect, and poet of the High Renaissance period. Known for his frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
• Raphael: Painter, sculptor, and architect of the High Renaissance period. Known for the clarity of his form, ease of composition, and visual ideas of human grandeur.

How Does Renaissance Art Differ from Medieval Art?

• Renaissance art uses perspectives and varieties of colors, while medieval art uses a single color and is flat.
• Renaissance art is more advanced than medieval art.