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History of Art and Architecture in Middle Ages

            Architecture is the art or practice of designing and building Structures. Not only was art and architecture different in the Middle Ages it had a different theme. The art that was present was not only used to be enjoyed like the art of today but it had a purpose, as did the gorgeous castles, cathedrals and other architecture of the medieval period. They had a way to glorify the life of the rich and ease the hard life of the poor. Art during these times was never just something to look at and enjoy, but something to be thankful for. .
             During the Middle ages different artists ranged from potters to embroideries to simple painters. Not only was art used in the home such as pots and a jar, art was used as a learning tool. The illuminators literally "illuminated" the drab books written by scribes and brought a story to the illiterate. Armoires made protection from battle for knights and masons gave shelter to the rich. Cooks were even considered artists dabbling in the art of food preparation. John Cherry suggest in his book "Medieval Crafts: a Book of Days" that "art in the middle ages was not only looking upon as an occupation but as a way to make life a little easier". .
             A prominent theme in not only medieval art but architecture as well, was Christ. With the expanding of Christianity artists often depicted Christ in many of their pictures as well as in vast cathedrals that were built across the land. Medieval art often had a morbid tone and faint detail so the scenes of Christ's death were greatly used as a main theme. .
             In preparation for the building of the massive castles and cathedrals architects, known, as masons during the time, would create a picture, which would be the equivalent of today's blueprint. Often they also made models of the desired building. During this time the masons became bolder with their building and began to expand the techniques of their modern architecture. Often tillers and glaziers were called in to give a more artistes view to the aspect of =cathedral building.


Essays Related to History of Art and Architecture in Middle Ages

1. Humanities Essays

In what ways were the Early Middle Ages the "Dark Ages" and in what ways were they not? The Early Middle Ages have been named the "Dark Ages" because life was dangerously insecure for most people. ... How does it depart from the Middle Ages and begin the modern period of Western Civilization? ... The Renaissance departed from the Middle ages by representing a change in focus and emphasis from the Middle Ages, with enough unique qualities to justify considering it as a separate period of history. ... This time period became important to history due to its contributions to art, archi...

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2. Achievements of Gothic Architecture

The term Gothic was coined by the "father of art history," Girogio Vasari, in the year 1550 to describe the art of late Middle Ages as being "monstrous and barbarous.... What distinguishes them from the Romanesque cathedrals and more so how have they shaped and form art forms later in the ages? Gothic architecture was influenced by a previous genre known as Romanesque. Romanesque had provided a basic architectural blueprint for all cathedral churches, castles, and monasteries. ... Gothic Architecture is an undeniably aesthetic experience. ...

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3. The Root Of Art

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4. The Evolution of Art During the Renaissance

Seen as a bridge between the Middle Ages and the modern era, The Renaissance also marked a cognitive shift from a religious perspective to a more intellectual and social focus. ... Western Europe had been unified by one Church during the Middle Ages, which was controlled in the ancient city of Rome. ... As previously mentioned, art and learning during the Middle Ages were centered on the church and religion. ... These individuals also purchased and collected artwork in a culture where the economy was much better than during the Middle Ages. The Renaissance period in art history corresponded to...

  • Word Count: 2474
  • Approx Pages: 10
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5. Neoclassical Painting, Architecture And Literature

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  • Word Count: 542
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6. Renaissance

In the feudal structure of the Middle Ages, the nobles who lived in the country provided the king with protection in exchange for land. ... During the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance (1350-1450) the bubonic plague, also called the "Black Death," devastated one half of the population of Europe. ... Tools developed in the Middle Ages for exploration continued to be used during the Renaissance. ... The Demand for Books Grows In the Middle Ages, books had been costly and education rare; only the clergy had been regular readers and owners of books. ... Proportions in Architecture One of ...

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7. Two of the Greatest Time Periods in Art History

The art of these time period was largely influenced by the time in history, the controlling forces of society, and as it is today, money. ... The Renaissance period in art history corresponded to the beginning of the great western age of discovery and exploration, when there was a general desire developed to examine all aspects of nature and the world. ... Most people were illiterate during this time period, so many of the artworks were created to teach religious ideas and history to the masses. ... The faces are solemn and lack emotion, representing the people of these dark ages. ... Art ...

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8. Difference In Art

Two of the Greatest Time Periods in Art History Due to the similarities and differences between Medieval and Renaissance art, it has made them two of the greatest time periods. ... The art of these time period was largely influenced by the time in history, the controlling forces of society, and as it is today, money. ... The Renaissance period in art history corresponded to the beginning of the great western age of discovery and exploration, when there was a general desire developed to examine all aspects of nature and the world. ... The faces are solemn and lack emotion, representing the ...

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9. Italian Art

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  • Word Count: 648
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