Christian Art: From Catacombs to Charlemagne The Middle Ages • the medieval period of European history • sometimes referred to as the Dark Ages • from 5th century to 15th century • between the fall of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance. source: www.history.com Christian Artistic Periods 1. Early Christian 2. Byzantine 3. Early Medieval 4. Romanesque 5. Gothic Art Purse Cover from Sutton Hoo Ship Burial, Suffolk, England, before 655, gold and enamel, 7.5 ‘ long Animal-Head Post from Oseberg Ship Burial, Maritime Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, c. 825, wood Oseberg Ship in Maritime Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, c. 825, oak, 69’ x 16’ Model of Oseberg Ship in Maritime Museum in Stockholm, Sweden. Codex Amiatinus, c. 700, 19” x 13” Laurentian Library, Florence The Codex Amiatinus is the earliest surviving manuscript of the complete Bible in the Latin Vulgate. It was produced around 700 c.e. in the north-east of England, at the Benedictine monastery of Monkwearmouth– Jarrow in the Anglo- Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria and taken to Italy as a gift for Pope Gregory II in 716. Scribe Ezra Writing, from Codex Amiatinus Illumination, c. 700, 19” x 13” Laurentian Library, Florence The Lindisfarne Gospels is a manuscript that contains the Gospels of the four Evangelists Mark, John, Luke, and Matthew. The Lindisfarne Gospels begins with a carpet page in the form of a cross. Lindisfarne Gospel: Cross Page, Illumination, c. 700, 13” x 10” from Northumberland, Eng., British Museum St. Matthew Writing His Gospel from Lindisfarne Gospel, c. 700, 13” x 10” from Northumberland, Eng., British Museum The Book of Kells, one of Ireland’s great treasures is, also, a European cultural icon, and is among their top ten tourist attractions. Chi-Rho, Generationes’ page from the Gospel of Matthew, beginning of the 18th verse. illumination, c. 800 The Book of Kells, one of Ireland’s great treasures is, also, a European cultural icon, and is among their top ten tourist attractions. Christ Enthroned page from Book of Kells, illumination, c. 800 St. Matthew the Evangelist of Coronation Gospels (Gospel Book of Charlemagne), from Aachen, Germany, c. 800-810, ink and tempera on vellum (Vienna) Ebbo Gospels done in the Shivering Style, c. 824, illuminated Gospel Book, from the Carolingian Era. The illustration has its roots in late classical painting. Landscape is represented in the illusionistic style of late classical painting. Greek artists fleeing the Byzantine iconoclasm of the 8th century brought this style to Aachen and Reims (Berenson, 163) Saint Matthew, Ebbo Gospel Book France (Reims) 816-41 Ebbo Gospels done in the Shivering Style, c. 824 illuminated Gospel Book, from the Carolingian Era Saint John, Ebbo Gospel Book France (Reims) 816-41 illuminated Gospel Book, from the Carolingian Era smarthistory.org/lindau -gospels-cover/ Crucifixion, cover Lindau Gospel Book c. 880 Morgan Library, NY Charlemagne and his Carolingian Renaissance (780-900) • King of the Franks and later Holy Roman Emperor • instigated a cultural revival known as the Carolingian Renaissance • used Constantine's Christian empire as its model • manuscripts, sculpture, architecture and other religious artifacts survive. source: www.khanacademy.com The most well-known and best-preserved Carolingian building. An excellent example of the classical revival style that characterized the architecture of Charlemagne’s reign. Odo of Metz, Palatine Chapel, Aachen, Germany, 805 Odo of Metz, Palatine Chapel, Aachen, Germany, 805 Odo of Metz, Palatine Chapel, Aachen, Germany, 805 Charlemagne's throne, Palatine Chapel, Aachen , marble a rare surviving example of an Ottonian bronze Equestrian Statuette of Charlemagne or Charles the Bald, bronze, 9” The High Cross of Muiredach, west face, gets its name from an inscription at the base of the west face, saying it was erected by Muiredach. 10th or possibly 9th century, located at the ruined monastic site of Monasterboice, in County Louth, Ireland. Irish high crosses are internationally recognised icons of early medieval Ireland. sandstone, 19’ Medieval Themes and Concepts: • Animal style, metalwork, cloisonné • Ship burials • Iconic high crosses • illuminated manuscript, scriptorium • classical revival style architecture Discussion Questions: 1. The Medieval period is referred to as a “holding period” or even “the Dark Ages.” Why? 2. Compare and contrast Charlemagne to Emperor Constantine. .