The Middle Ages, also known as the medieval era, span the years from the fifth to the fifteenth centuries. It began with the collapse of the Roman Empire and the age of exploration. As there was a lot of migration from one location to another, this time was characterized by substantive exploration and counter-urbanization (Kleiner, 2016). This essay would look at various artworks and architectural styles that were common during this time period and what they represented to different cultures. The artworks of the Middle Ages can be classified according to the time span in which they were most prevalent. This are the Early Middle Ages, Romanesque, and Gothic periods of history. Early Middle Ages art
The Sutton Hoo helmet
Name; The Sutton Hoo helmet
Artist; Unknown
Title of the work; The Sutton Hoo helmet
Date of the work; 600 – 650 CE
Materials
It was made of Iron and bronze plates that are covered in tin, garnets, and bronze-gilts.
Social Context
The artwork was found in a grave of a person believed to one of the noble people in his society. Placing such materials on the grave of a person shows that they were of high status in the society and were wealthy.
Historical context
The knowledge about war arsenals are not of the modern days only, it started during the middle ages and was modernized.
Cultural significance
This artwork shows that the ancient people valued the high and wealthy in the society and a lot of respect was given to them at the time of their demise.
Church of San Vitale
Name; church of San Vitale
Artist; Unknown
Title of the work; Church
Date of the work; 548 CE
Materials
Narrow bricks
Social context
The church shows how the ancient people were wealthy and valued their religion to the extent that a person sponsors the construction of such a building.
Historical context
Historically, the church shows that the high-end buildings are not the creation of the modern days; it started during the early periods of 500 CE(Kleiner, 2016). Architectural work and knowledge also came a long way.
Cultural significant
The work shows the continuity of Christianity.
Romanesque period art
Romanesque art of Europe as it was known, started about 1000 AD and lasted until the beginning of 13th century in Europe. During Romanesque period, there was a steady growth in Europe and high-quality art was not confined. Examples of artwork from this period are shown below
Name; Gloucester Candlestick
Artist; Unknown
Title of the work; Gilded Copper alloy candlestick
Date of the work; 1104 -1113 CE
Materials used to create the work; bronze mix with copper, zinc, tin, lead, iron, and arsenic with a large amount of silver. It was modeled in wax.
Gloucester Candlestick is decorated with openwork that is composed of apes, human figure; a fabulous beast that is interspersed between intertwined shoots of foliage(O’Sullivan, McCormick, Kerr, and Harney, 2013). Its three long-eared that also has outspread wings makes up the supporting base.
Social and historical context
In the social context, the society of middle ages used this art to show that the burden of light is the work of virtue(O’Sullivan, McCormick, Kerr, and Harney, 2013). The shadows of its light showed the evil side of the society while the light showed the God’s side of the society.
Historically, it shows the period when the metal work started and the connection people had with God.
Cultural significant
It shows the beliefs of Christians
What one can learn from this artistic work was that the ancient people knew how to use symbols to describe most of the matters that society faces on a daily basis such as voices of those who are evil as well as voices of those who are good.
The last judgment sculpture
Name; The last judgment
Artist; Gilslebertus
Title of the work; Sculpture of the last judgment
Date; 1130 CE
Material used; stone
Jesus image is placed at the center making a symbol of a powerful being. On the left are images of angels seen to be helping souls by pushing them up into heaven. It was carved in front of a church, Autun Cathedral. This depicts bible scenes.
Historical and social context
Socially the work shows that the people in who lived in this period were Christians and would gather in some place like a church to worship.
Historically, it shows that medieval people who were Christians used sculpture to communicate an important message to the society (O’Sullivan, McCormick, Kerr, and Harney, 2013). This artwork was meant to convince people to be morally upright as they will be judged and will not get the help of angels to go to Heaven.
Gothic art and architecture
Basilica of Saint Denis, France
Name; Basilica of Saint Denis
Architecture; Unknown
Title of the work; Building
Date of the work; 1144
Materials used
Basilica of Saint-Denis was constructed with well-shaped stones with dull colors that gives it a beautiful look.
Social Context
In a social context, the work showed the determination of people of these ages to come together in one place as a way of worshiping.
Historical context
The work shows that France was the home of Christianity not Germany as some thought. The cathedral-like Basilica of Saint-Denis was used to achieve unity at the times where there were lots of wars going around.
Shrine of three kings
Name; Shrine of three kings
Artist; Nicholas of Verdum
Title of the work; Sculpture
Date of the work; 1191 CE
Materials used
Shrine of three kings was made from bronze and silver, gilded and also ornamented with the figurative sculpture, gemstone, and enamels and is shaped like a basilican church.
The work made of a mixture of Bronze and Silver that gives it an old look. This does the work to give a picture a piece of art that contains wisdom as it is known as the shrine of the three wise kings.
Social Context
The shrine depicts the social organization of the ancient society where they were ruled by kings
Historical context
Historically, this work gives a brief description of Biblical Magi, also referred to as three wise men or three kings.
What I have learned
The ancient people were rich in knowledge art and produced some of the finest arts of the time even though they did not have advantages of machinery that exist today. They gave the current world knowledge of art and architecture that is used today to make magnificent arts and buildings.
Cultural significant
The church shows the commitment of various religious leaders in the promotion of Christian values and teachings.
Similarity between these artworks
Most of the artworks were for religious purposes. Also, they were associated with the high and mighty or wealthy in the society. Most of them were also made from locally produced materials.
Differences
Whereas some were made from expensive materials like bronze and silver, others were made from iron and stones. Also, the artistic work of the Gothic periods looks more advanced and as an improvement from the other early periods.
References
Kleiner, F. S. (2016). Gardner's art through the ages: The western perspective (Vol. 1). Cengage Learning.
O’Sullivan, A., McCormick, F., Kerr, T. R., & Harney, L. (2013). Early medieval Ireland, AD 400-1100. The evidence from archaeological excavations. Dublin: Royal Irish Academy.
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