...From innovative advancements to grand masterpieces, the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods were pivotal periods in our history that today are still greatly recognizable and appreciated for their beauty and awe inspiring captivation of humanity. The Middle Ages, a time of great turmoil, forced people to seek order in their lives and stay alive through dependence on community while the Renaissance period pushed the boundaries of personal enlightenment and ‘rebirth’ of classical humanism. Throughout the 700 year period, the development and advancements of innovations, art, and humanities clearly deviates between the Middle Ages and Renaissance period, displaying a striking portrayal of individualism versus community. The Middle Ages began in the early 10th century with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and continued throughout the late 15th century. During this time the Middle Ages experienced great political and social change from religious and political crusaders conquering lands, to the establishment of the first universities (Bishop, 1968). The Middle Ages was an age of revolts, religious imbalances, and devastating plagues that led to an economic depression (Bishop, 1968). With all of these external factors affecting their lives, the people of the Middle Ages sought to find order through a feudal government system and community outreach. The ‘dark’ time of the Middle Ages resulted in the expansion of knowledge and ideas known as the Renaissance period from the...
Words: 964 - Pages: 4
...God’s House: Classical and Middle Ages Architecture Western Governors University God’s House: Classical and Middle Ages Architecture In this paper we will compare and contrast the temple/cathedral architecture from classic and Middle Ages art periods. The Classical art period covered a time frame of approximately 480 BC to 300 AD. We will focus on Greek Architecture during the Golden Era of Athens 460-429 BC (Sakoulas, n.d.). The Middle Ages began after the fall of the Roman Empire around 310 AD and lasted approximately 1000 years; therefore we shall concentrate on the architecture of the 10th and 11th centuries. In order to conduct period architecture comparisons we will select the elegant Parthenon to represent the Classical era and the Notre Dame Cathedral Paris to represent the Middle Ages. Let us examine what was going in Athens, Greece during the Golden Era. The Greek people of this period were cultured, religious, thinkers, and industrious in their expression. The democratic citizenry of Athens, in particular, were fond of literature, philosophy, theater, arts and above all their gods. Athens was a democracy lead by a senior politician named Pericles, workers were mostly freeman, slaves were few, craftsmen and wealth abounded (Durant, 1939, p. 110). The people of Athens worshiped all of the gods of Olympus, but none more than Athena the Goddess of Wisdom. Athena was the patron goddess and defender of Athens. Worship and prayers for protection were...
Words: 1630 - Pages: 7
...Middle Ages and Renaissance Art Western Governor’s University It is interesting how two different artistic periods can compare to each other. When comparing Middle Age art to art of the Renaissance, I find a vast transformation of ideas and mentality between the two eras. The Middle Ages, also called the Medieval period, lasted from the 5th to the 15th century. It began with the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and merged into the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery. Christianity, religion and the church played an important role in life in the Middle Ages. Life seemed difficult in the Middle Ages. A vast majority of the population could read or write. The population’s hope was declining and this lead to a strong belief that the next life in heaven would be better than the current life that they were in. The basic government and society in Europe during the middle ages was based around the feudal system. (Eco, U. (1986). Because Christianity played an important role during the Middle Ages, early Christian art icons were popular such as images of Christ, the Virgin Mary or saints. Also popular were illuminated manuscripts that were of a religious nature. Because of the radiant glow created by the gold, silver, and other colors that were used, these handwritten and decorated or painted texts were called illuminations. These were still being created in the Middle Ages. Architecture of the Middle Ages also focused on a Christianity theme. Two...
Words: 1262 - Pages: 6
...During the Middle Ages, Europe went through a period of time that could be defined as faithful, dark, feudalistic and achieving. Although these words seem conflicting, 500 to 1400 A.D. was a changing time for Europe as it accomplished many things, yet experienced some of its worst challenges. After the Roman Empire collapsed, feudalism became the new form of social classes the people followed. The Roman Catholic Church influenced followers and inspired them to follow its higher power, God. Many areas of skill were developed which led to one of the greatest breakthroughs during its time, the Golden Age. This breakthrough resulted from a harmful Dark Age which was a devastating time for medieval Europe. After invasions from outside countries and the spread of the Black Plague, an influential time resulted with advancements in architecture and education, therefore describing the Middle Ages as the “Dark Ages” and “Golden Ages.” The Dark Ages was a time of great destruction from invaders and a horrific disease that led to a population decline. Barbarians came into Europe...
Words: 1001 - Pages: 5
...New Art Forms of the High Middle Ages Throughout history Europe has experienced countless changes in culture and other aspects. The Middle Ages, or Medieval Period, lasted from around 800 into the 1400’s (349). This period can be subdivided into three categories: early, high, and late. The Middle Ages brought about changes in religion, law, and daily life. Changes also occurred in the arts with the introduction of Gothic architecture and troubadour poetry. Although the Middle Ages began as a time of violence, the emergence of Gothic architecture and troubadour poetry are examples of devotion and expression. During the tenth and eleventh centuries cathedrals were constructed (367). The style of the cathedrals resembled Roman architecture, which was the preceding time period. (367). Features of Roman architecture included “massive walls, rounded stones arches, and small windows” (367). By the twelfth century, this new style gained the name “Gothic.” The Gothic style introduced new engineering improvements and emphasized more emotional expression. The structures of Gothic architecture consisted of pointed arches, high ceilings, and flying buttresses (367). A flying buttress carried the weight of the roof. “Midieval Archtechture” states: “The walls of Gothic buildings could be thinner than previous styles of architecture because the weight of the roof was supported by the arches rather than by the walls. The pointed Gothic arch provided greater flexibility could also span...
Words: 1216 - Pages: 5
...INTRODUCTION: Major changes were made in architecture, while scientists were slowly beginning to create different cures for infectious diseases. Rival styles were created and architects were well known as artists. With discovering new medical advances, science was like a trip into the future. Sculpting and carving was well used for the beautification process, which revolutionized the eighteen-hundreds. The growth of microbiology and biochemistry had been linked to ways of finding new methods of killing deadly bacteria. ARCHITECTURE: A. Nineteenth Century: The Victorian Period lasted for approximately sixty-nine years. The love of this rare form of architecture quickly spread across England. Many revived styles of the past were used, but so were new methods and materials. This idea of basing entire buildings on ancient models revived Greek and Gothic styles. B. Changes in Patronage: There were changes in patronage for the middle class that included the spread of new wealth. To celebrate this and show the world what they could do, the middle class built abundantly; and thus antiquarianism was born. C. Beautification: Many buildings were made to appear less unorthodox than they really were by facades and embellishments. Some ideas that made the eighteenth century so unique were their classical front pieces, and Georgian pediments. This was not only to show beauty but also grace and their monumental significance. GOTHIC REVIVAL PHASES: A. Romantic: In this...
Words: 479 - Pages: 2
...like the middle ages and the Renaissance, for so many reason they have their similarities and their differences but yet history only has one page. That one page is called Repetition. The art and the lifestyles, the ideas, the architecture. To start off with the middle ages is known as a time period between the 5th and the 15th century, it was lapse of time that lasted since the fall of the roman empire until the renaissance. There were differences but some similarities to the roman and middle ages for example: Sculpture: Greek and Roman classical influences. Use of bronze (Donatello) but for middle ages Sculpture: Was More gothic; extremely detailed. The Architecture for the Roman: Were Rounded arches, clear lines. Less detailed Focus on balance and form. But the Architecture for middle ages: Gothic style, Pointed arches, Elaborate detail. Renaissance means, "to be reborn," and the "rebirth" has happened and still happening throughout the history of this planet. Anytime there is new technology, and new thinking, there is going to be a general change in the way things are done. It didn't just happen after the Middle Ages, but several times after that. The Industrial Revolution affecting all aspects of people's lives, even spilling over into drama, poetry, and music; and more recently--the Technological Revolution. The Renaissance was a historical art period that led to the abandonment of the Middle Ages. The artists abandoned the Middle Ages representations...
Words: 280 - Pages: 2
...The Middle Ages Do you know the chivalry of the knight? Do you know the famous Notre Dame de Paris? And do you know the martyr Giordano Bruno? I believe many of us at least have heard something about these. And they all share an identical time label. That is the Middle Ages. And today, I will introduce the Middle Ages in 4 parts: its history, religion, culture and economy. First is about the history. The Middle Ages is the second stage of the European history in a traditional division which divided the European history into 3 ages, namely the Classical Civilization of Antiquity, the Middle Ages and the Modern Period. The Middle Ages lasted for roughly a millennium from the year of 476 to 1453, commonly dating from the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century to the beginning of the Early Modern Period in the 16th century. During that time, the ruling regime was the feudalization which comes from the legal and martial liability of the noblesse. The 3 main features about it are seignior homager and land. The seigniors are the noblesse who have land. And the homagers fighting for them will get land as rewards. There were many seigniors who have homagers and knights fighting for them, leading to mass wars and armed conflicts. Since it was under the time of cold arms, the soldiers had to fight with bow and arrow, sword and for the knights, lances and pikes under the protection of Armor and shield. In these endless wars, there were several relative small empires...
Words: 1010 - Pages: 5
...the Middle Ages saw many changes and the emergence of the early Renaissance period. Byzantine Art was the name given to the style of architecture used in very early Middle Ages Art. This period was also known as the Dark Ages ( 410 AD - 1066 AD ). The advances of art in the Middle Ages was due to the changes in more liberal religious beliefs and the efforts and the pioneering art styles developed by the artists, sculptors and painters of the Medieval period of the Middle Ages. The Later Middle Ages saw the emergence of Gothic Art and the advances of art in the Middle Ages. During this period, artists broke away from the influences of the Byzantium and Romanesque art style. It developed into Gothic and Middle Ages visual art. Middle Ages art increased from the type of art depicted in Pietistic painting (religious art) in the form of illuminated manuscripts, mosaics and fresco paintings in churches. Christian Art - based on religion Romanesque Art Approximately 1000 A.D. to the 13th century. Spread across the whole of Catholic Europe Influenced by Byzantine art Gothic Art developed out of Romanesque art in the mid-12th century spread to all of Western Europe consisted of sculpture, panel painting, stained glass, and fresco. Byzantine Art had more of a symbolic approach developed out of the art of the Roman Empire iconography was created. The artists and painters were founders of the movement towards greater realism that culminated in the Renaissance art style. Middle Ages Art...
Words: 494 - Pages: 2
...Medieval ages vs Renaissance. The mid-14th century marked the beginning of a transition between the Medieval and Modern times. This transition we now known as the Renaissance. The movement initiated in Italy and incorporated almost all aspects of life starting with intellect and politics and reflecting in architecture and art. In Italian “Renaissance” literally means “awakening” or “rebirth”. (Cliff’s Notes, 2013). The Middle ages were thought to be really invented by Renaissance. People of the 14th century were feeling like they were “coming out of the darkness”. Since those dark and dirty centuries left behind didn’t really deserve to be called any special name they just called them ‘the age in between”. We now realize that those ages were also innovative and in it’s 1000 years or so Europe took on the shape and features we know today. “In the lawless age people looked for immediate solutions to immediate problems: how to beat back the enemy, how to rebuild the working economy, how to stay alive. Until, out of anarchy, a new social order was put together that would restructure Europe – the Middle ages.” The medieval art of the Western world covers an enormous range of time and place, over 1000 years of art in Europe, and at times the Middle East and North Africa. Generally we say that medieval art lasted from 5th to 14th centuries. It includes major art movements and periods and the artists themselves. Art historians try to classify medieval art into major periods...
Words: 1610 - Pages: 7
...The Middle Ages are often referred to as the Dark Ages for a few reasons. First, it was viewed as a time in which there was a lack of scientific and cultural achievements. Also, war, famine, and disease were common. The devastating Black Death riddled Europe in the late 1340s. The Hundred Years War and the Crusades were also viewed as dark events in the Middle Ages. Although there were ways dark times affected by plague and what many believed was a lack of intellectual advancement, the Middle Ages was actually a time of many major achievements that economically and socially improved the future for Modern Europe. Therefore, there is a misconception that the Middle Ages were just completely dark. However, much success and progress came from that time. Instead of being considered a time...
Words: 944 - Pages: 4
...Romanesque architecture and Gothic architecture styles as well as literature writings of Dante was two of many great "first" ofthe High Middle Age period that impacted the Western legacies. Romanesque and Gothic architecture is very popular styles in Christian churches and bulidings. The literary writing of Dante, the arthur of one of his most famous writings, the Divine Comedy, is known for creating a pathway for many, many poets to be creative and very detailed with writing. Both of these "first "legacies have impacted not only the western civilaiztion but artists and builings all over the word. Romanesque architecture 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. Each of these eras had their own structural innovations that changed the way architects and builders designed...
Words: 811 - Pages: 4
...Gothic: The Evangelical Cathedral In Sibiu [pic] The artwork is very much 3dimensional and the materials used to complete this project are not really known but it is constructed with a gothic style characterized with arched bolts on the walls and tombstones. The colors used are pretty simple, built with a 13th century theme. Its measures include 73.34 meters in height and is well known as the largest building built in Romania and also verified as the highest cathedral in the country. The uses of value, line, shape and value are very much similar to the same styles due to the fact of the way that the cathedral is built. The towers are all symmetrical to each other and each stone is the same size all around so that gives its shape also a well round symmetrical look throughout the whole outside of the cathedral. The arts subject matter of the cathedral was intended on a creation of a historic landmark. Built in the place of Romanesque building from the 12th century, but the entire structure depicts influences from central Europe. The artwork can be known as representational because it represents a landmark towards central Europe. Its structure is surrounded and built upon statues and monuments which exist of great value, also due to the fact the cathedral was renovated and constructed over due time shows its importance towards past and future references. This work of art represents a gothic architect in Transylvania which it was built in 1520, this cathedral...
Words: 791 - Pages: 4
...The term “Middle Ages” was used by Italian historians in the 15th and 16th centuries. The culture at that time was similar to that of ancient Rome and Greece but different from the time between the fall of Rome and that time (Hanawalt, 1998). This period was later replaced by the Renaissance period and has been described as a period of rebirth where ancient techniques were revived and new ones developed leading to more success in the art industry. Artists were inspired by the recovery of Greco-Roman heritage from the East and the importation of Byzantine examples to the West (Zirpolo, 2008). This essay discusses the relationship between the Middle Ages and Renaissance historical art periods. The Middle Ages was considered a period of ignorance, barbarism and superstition (Hanawalt, 1998). This period was called the dark ages due to the negative practices involved, but Scholars saw the period differently stating that the history was a continuous process from biblical times to their time. Most of them wrote about battles, feudalism, crusades, manorialism, kings and emperors, rise of towns, Universities and churches (Hanawalt, 1998). Representations of art during this period were modestly scaled with little creativity because artists did their work collectively and mainly for religious purposes. There was no competition in the art industry and traditional techniques were used to design objects. Art was used to spread religion in Europe and throughout other parts of the...
Words: 1036 - Pages: 5
...pieces to build large pictures and images either on the floor or on walls. The tiny little pieces of tile are known as tesserae. This technique has been adopted by many cultures throughout such as in Rome, Greece and in Middle East. The technique used in its cladding is very effective due to which this art form is long lasting Popular belief states that the Middle eastern architecture is heavily influenced by the middle ages roman and Byzantium culture and therefore has included their signature style of mosaic art form in their architecture. This holds true because the Middle Eastern region makes extensive use of this art form in its architecture especially in mosques and other such structures. Byzantium essentially inherited the mosaic art form from the Roman Empire. Even though now, Middle East is predominantly Islamic, it was once inhabited by other religions such as Greeks and Romans, thus mosaic art is invariably a part of architecture throughout the Middle Eastern region. But an important difference in Byzantium and Islamic mosaic art is the motif itself. Byzantium and Roma era made extensive use of animal and human figures. The mosaic art was depiction of life, thus extensive use of animals, birds and human forms. But in sharp contrasts, Islamic architecture even though has embraced mosaic art; it did not adhere to anthropomorphism. Adaptation of Sassanid and Byzantium styles along with Germanic Visigoths made a huge impact on the architectural designs of Islamic buildings...
Words: 283 - Pages: 2
