Religious Art Of The Medieval Ages
Religious Art
Different from modern culture, artists of the medieval ages were not honored or respected in society. Only the more intellectual and spiritual jobs were worthwhile and commendable. For example, if a person designs a building, they get more credit and respect than the person who actually built the building. Medieval artists were not very individual in their art styles. Individuality was not valued, and in fact it was discouraged until the last years of the middle ages. Artists usually followed traditional guidelines. In the book "Medieval Art and Architecture," it states, “‘The composition of religious imagery,’ it stated, ‘is not left to the initiative of the artists, but is formed upon principles laid down by the Catholic Church and by religious tradition.’” The life of Christ was an essential embodiment of Christianity. Because Europe's main religion is Christianity, recreating Jesus' life through religious art was important to the Christians of medieval Europe. Images were supposed to enhance the faithful's understanding of the life of Christ.
Religious Architecture
To show their faith and devotion to the Church, people built great structures, such as cathedrals and monasteries. Between the 10th and 13th centuries, cathedrals were built in the Romanesque style, which were solid and substantial. They had rounded masonry arches and barrel vaults supporting the roof and thick stone walls with few windows.Around the 12 century, church builders began to embrace the Gothic architectural style. These types of buildings have huge stain glass windows , pointed vaults and arches, spires and flying buttresses. As Romanesque style buildings were heavy, Gothic style buildings seemed weightless.
Romanesque Architecture |
Gothic Architecture |