Medieval Art







Early Medieval Art ( 5th - 11th century )

  1. Hiberno-saxon art : 6th-8th centuries in the British Isles
  2. Viking art : 8th-11th centuries in Scandinavia
  3. Carolingian art : 8th-9th centuries in France and Germany
  4. Ottonian art : 10th-early 11th centuries in Germany

 The Middle Ages of the European world covers approximately 1,000 years of art history in Europe, and at times extended into the Middle East and North Africa. The Early Middle Ages is generally dated from the fall of the Western Roman Empire (476 CE) to approximately 1000, which marks the beginning of the Romanesque period. It includes major art movements and periods, national and regional art, genres , and revivals.

 Early medieval art exists in many media. The works that remain in large numbers include sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, metalwork, and mosaics, all of which have had a higher survival rate than fresco wall-paintings and works in precious metals or textiles such as tapestries. 

 In the early medieval period, the decorative arts, including metalwork, ivory carving, and embroidery using precious metals, were probably more highly valued than paintings or sculptures. Metal and inlaid objects, such as armor and royal regalia (crowns, scepters, and the like) rank among the best-known early medieval works that survive to this day.


Carolingian art 

Crucifixion with Angels and mourning figures, Lindau Gospels


This magnificent cover of an illuminated manuscript was made up of gold, pearls, sapphires, garnets and emeralds on 9th century. It was made in one of the monastic workshops of Charlemagne's grandson, Charles the Bald. 

Cross and Crucifixion were common items for medieval book covers. It usually was heavily jeweled. The jewels are raised up from the gold  reflected light to enter the gemstones from breath which will create a lustrous glow. The gems are meant to represent the jeweled walls of the Heavenly Jarusalem.

Angels hover above arms of cross. The figures representing sun and moon above Christ's head and were hiding their faces. Mourners have a graceful, expressive poses and  float below arms of cross (Mary, John, Mary Magdalene and Mary Cleophas).

Jesus is different than the other figures because he is rounded and naturalistic. It shows erect posture and simple drapery which is in contrast to emotional expressiveness of figures. The arms are outstretched, upright and alert. It announces triumph over death and welcomes his followers.





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