Medieval Art
In the art world, the medieval periods were traditionally though to be the unproductive phase of Europe between the decline of Rome and the Renaissance. Our modern feelings toward medieval art are far more appreciative. The main intent of Medieval art was to express Christianity which was also a common bond between a wide spread and diverse Europe. For this reason most of the art found from medieval times originated in monasteries and churches. European art during the Middle Ages can be divided into four periods. These four periods include Celto-Germanic art which ranged from 400 to 800 A.D. and was important in metal work. Carolingian art ranged from 750 to 987 A.D. overlapping 50 years of the Celto-Germanic period. The period of Romanesque art spanned mainly the eleventh and twelfth centuries, and was an important period for medieval architecture. Gothic art, the final period of the Middle Age art began in the Romanesque period around the twelfth century and went on until the sixteenth century. Artwork form these four periods all consist of distinct styles setting them apart from one another.
Celto-Germanic
The earliest remains from the Celto-Germanic period consisted of mainly bronze workbracelets, armbands, broaches, swords, and purse covers. The styles in which samples are crafted involve geometric patterns which interweave different human and animal representations. This is the same style that sets the Celto-Germanic period apart from all others. The paintings of the Celto-Germanic period, similar the metal work, involve many intricate spiral designs, interlaced with different shapes and animal figures. "They were colored with gum, glue or gelatin binders that were used on parchment" (Cleaver151). Used to illuminate scriptures, the paintings often depicted religious themes. Celto-Germanic architecture made extensive use of wood. Between 750 and 987 A.D. the Celto-Germanic style went through some changes and new styles evolved in different
Celto-Germanic
The earliest remains from the Celto-Germanic period consisted of mainly bronze workbracelets, armbands, broaches, swords, and purse covers. The styles in which samples are crafted involve geometric patterns which interweave different human and animal representations. This is the same style that sets the Celto-Germanic period apart from all others. The paintings of the Celto-Germanic period, similar the metal work, involve many intricate spiral designs, interlaced with different shapes and animal figures. "They were colored with gum, glue or gelatin binders that were used on parchment" (Cleaver151). Used to illuminate scriptures, the paintings often depicted religious themes. Celto-Germanic architecture made extensive use of wood. Between 750 and 987 A.D. the Celto-Germanic style went through some changes and new styles evolved in different
Cited: Cleaver, Dale G. Art—An Introduction. New York: Harcourt Brace College Publishers, 1994. Jacobsen, Aaron H. Art and Architecture of the Middle Ages. Barbarian Art of Christian Europe, Romanesque Art, Gothic Art. <http://www.midevil.com/book-of- knowledge/m/296.htm> Pioch, Niclous. WebMuseum, Paris. 26 May 1996. International Gothic Style. 26 May 1996. <http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/tl/gothic/international.html> Witcombe, Chris. Art History Resources on the Web. 24 October 1995. Art of the Middle Ages. 17 January 2002. <http://witcombe.sbc.edu/ARTHmedieval.html#Gothic>