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The impact of feudalism in Europe
Compare and contrast Romanesque vs Gothic architecture and art
Compare and contrast Romanesque vs Gothic architecture and art
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Recommended: The impact of feudalism in Europe
After the end of the Western Roman Empire, Rome began to be influenced by the countries in Northern Europe. The Pope crowned Charles the Great, or Charlemagne, emperor, who attempted to spread Roman traditions to the Northern countries. They already thought of Charles the Great as their emperor, and he helped preserve and disseminate many classical writings and art. Carolingian art, art made during Charlemagne’s reign, transformed the tight, interwoven, and complicated Celtic art into a more relaxed, open, and narrative style. When combined with the images of three-dimensional figures, a new kind of art, Romanesque, was born. The Romanesque, or Roman-like, era existed from the ninth century to the thirteenth century AD. This era was the birth of the feudal system, a popular middle-aged government system, in which the upper class maintained control of the lower class. People of the lower class, known as peasants, often served on the plantations of lords in exchange for food and shelter. There was no real middle class in this government; people were peasants, lords, or rulers. The first guilds were formed during this period; each of them consisted of a set of people with similar talents, such as the stonemason guild and wool guild. The roads were very small, the size of a footpath, and the city was surrounded by a fortified wall to protect the citizens. The people believed that Earth was a microcosm of the spiritual world. Christianity was spread throughout Northern Europe via icon paintings, which were like seeds in that they sprouted up all over the place. Romanesque art was influenced by Byzantine icons, and featured designs unheard of before. The designs were somewhat curvilinear and depressing. Figures during this era were m... ... middle of paper ... ...c architecture was full of light, happy, and tall. Despite the differences, Gothic and Romanesque churches shared some common features. First off, basilica churches were present in both eras. Basilicas are churches in the shape of a line, although some are crossed. All kinds of churches had a narthex, or a lobby. All churches also had a high place for the priest to stand while giving sermons, as the priest was viewed as an otherworldly being while speaking the word of God. After the sermon, the priest would often go down to the narthex to talk with the people to prove that he was still a human being. The Romanesque and Gothic periods were both religion-based and featured many new kinds of architecture. Both periods featured art depicting sadness and depression. Unlike most other periods, these will be known for their architecture and religion than anything else.
Both St. John the Baptist Cathedral and Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Chartres are constructed in French Gothic style which means that architecturally they have many similarities. However, the 700 year gap between their construction
The middle ages took place around the 10th century. During this time period the social structure was divided into 4 classes which made up the feudal system. The lowest class that made up the majority was the peasants, which also included the serfs. The
In conclusion, although Mycerinus and Kha-merer-nebty II and Augustus of Primaporta, do appear very different, come from entirely different geographic regions and were separated by thousands of years, they do have many things in common. When we consider subject, style, and function; perhaps other works of art have more in common than they appear to have.
Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, reigned during a time of much turmoil and upheaval in Europe during middle ages. Charlemagne’s background and family history contributed much to his rise to power. The triumphs of his past lineage prepared him to take on the task of governing the Frankish Empire, and defending it from invaders. Charlemagne accomplished much during his supremacy. He not only brought education back into medieval Europe, but also invented an efficient way to govern his people. His conquests against the many adversaries of the Holy Roman Empire expanded his empire across the majority of Europe. His conquests also formed strong ties between the Catholic Church and the State. Charlemagne’s drive to convert Europe’s primitive and pagan tribes to Christianity nearly effaced the Saxons, whom he battled with for the majority of his reign. The crowning of Charlemagne as Holy Roman Emperor created a turning point in history. Within years after his death, however, his once great empire amounted to nothing. Charlemagne’s reign as King of the Franks and as Holy Roman Emperor greatly influenced the course of Europe during the middle ages.
With construction of grand cathedrals, churches and monasteries comes the opportunity for grand art. In keeping with earlier traditions of the Roman Church, paintings, sculptures, frescoes, and reliquaries figured heavily as ornamentation. These “material expressions” of faith were important to Justinian and many other powerful leaders in the Church. An
The Gothic style evolved from that of Romanesque, building on concepts and ideas that led to the creation of larger and grander structures. Today, mankind looks in awe at the structures that were built hundreds of years ago without the assistance of modern technology and equipment. These architectural styles are indisputably different, but equally profound. They made use of differing techniques to become tangible structures that can still be seen
The art became very important in the life of the church and Christians. It expressed emotions, told stories and honored the dead. A great example is "The Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, who late 4th century. This piece shows two peacocks facing each other, symbol of the afte...
The Romanesque and Gothic architecture period both occurred during the Middle Ages with the Gothic period taking place during the later half. Gothic and Romanesque architecture were related in many ways, but they also contrasted in style too. Over time, masons began to test the waters and push the limits. They thought of new ways to add lighting and ways to allow more height to the building without it being to heavy and weak. Many of the reasons for the change in styles had a lot to do with society and the changes it faced. There was a greater intensity occurring in piety and literature. The Gothic style embodied this new urban society. Romanesque and Gothic shared similar characteristics, but Gothic architecture was a greater departure from its previous predecessor.
The shift between the Middle Ages and Renaissance was documented in art for future generations. It is because of the changes in art during this time that art historians today understand the historical placement and the socio-economic, political, and religious changes of the time. Art is a visual interpretation of one’s beliefs and way of life; it is through the art from these periods that we today understand exactly what was taking place and why it was happening. These shifts did not happen overnight, but instead changed gradually though years and years of art, and it is through them that we have record of some of the most important changes of historic times.
ABSTRACT: Our deeply visual culture today shows the fascination humanity has with the power of images. This paper intends to discuss the use and importance of images within the context of Byzantine art. The works produced in the service of the Eastern Orthodox Church still employed today, show a remarkable synthesis of doctrine, theology and aesthetics. The rigid program of Church decoration was meant as a didactic element to accompany the liturgy. The majesty of the images bespeaks of the Glory of God and the spiritual realities of the Christian faith. The images were intended to educated and provide contemplation of the invisible realm of the spirit. Byzantine aesthetics, therefore, is thoroughly in the service of theology.
Byzantine art had many basic characteristics. The first was expressionistic using color and emotion. Many of the are lacked depth in a two dimensional fashion. The art was symbolic in nature, decorative, detailed. The figures are stiff and ...
Whether music, fine art, drama, pottery or literature, the overall production of Byzantine arts flourished under the Macedonians. Named the “Macedonian Renaissance”, culture of this era was known for religious as well as secular works that proliferated throughout the empire and continent as a whole. With Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus as the patron of arts and literature, the empire was “marked by intense cultural activity in the field of learning, literature, education, and art.” First, this paper will consider visual arts before examining the literary aspect of the Golden Age. Since the iconoclasm controversy was settled for over a century, Constantinople became an important centre for religious artistic development that had as much breadth and reach as the Church.
The greater part of medieval civilization was a time of simplicity and little cultural development. Feudalism was the structure that governed medieval society and came to represent this time period. The church became the universal symbol of medieval unity. Toward the end of the medieval period, however, town life and large-scale trade and commerce were revived. Great changes took place in the church fostering a new era and change.
Jacobsen, Aaron H. Art and Architecture of the Middle Ages. Barbarian Art of Christian Europe, Romanesque Art, Gothic Art.
Thus, the two provide Catholicism with a physical form, giving it the opportunity to express as well as present its various symbolizations, morals, themes, ideologies, and more. Escaping realism, the true objective of artists was and is to convey messages through entities of spiritual nature, "With the triumph of Christianity, artists sought to evoke the spiritual character of sacred figures rather than their bodily substance." ("Byzantine Art And Architecture"). The very substances of a figure can only deliver so much meaning but when there is the intention to signify the motifs of in this case, Christianity, a beautiful and creative representation is a given. Truly, illustration is a skill few manage to truly grasp but to use it in the efforts to both represent and situate various motifs in the minds of many is far more difficult and creates a wonder all the more special revolving around Christian tradition. Additionally, as a result of the greater effort put into the interior, churches not only exhibited wealth but also enhanced expression on things