The medieval period is believed to be the period of European history that extended from 500 to 1400-1500 (Sayre, 2012). Scholars used the term to differentiate between their time and the collapse of Western Roman Empire. It is well understood that this was the time of the emergence of Europe as a distinct cultural unit. During this period, there were reorganizations of economic, social-cultural as well as political structures. Art historians categorize the medieval art into main periods and styles. Generally, the accepted method includes Early Christian art, Byzantine art, Gothic, Romanesque or Islam.
Some of forms and techniques in early medieval art were retained although there was also the development of new ones that brought change to the world of art. Artists used ivory as a medium in making various designs on book covers, doors, caskets, panels among others (Sayre, 2012). Their primary focus was Christianity since they depicted the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, Old Testament scenes as well as Christian symbolism. Consequently, churches and palaces were decorated with old forms which included frescoes and mosaics. Building with such decorations reveals the influences that were common during the medieval period. Convey Abbey situated in Germany is an example of west work (Troolin, 2003).Consequently; metalworking is another example of new forms and techniques that were created and cultivated by medieval artists. By these artists becoming Christians, they used these skills to make crosses, chalices and small plates that are used by Christians to worship their God.
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According to the Department of Medieval Art and the Cloisters (2000), Illuminated manuscripts were another specialty during this medieval period. These writings of Bible books were made possible by ink and paint on parchment that was made from animal skin. The Books of Durrow and Kells, are among the many examples of medieval illuminated manuscripts (Troolin, 2003).
Textiles, metalwork and glass, calligraphy and manuscripts covered the Islamic art (Yalman, 2000). Both mosaic artists and sculptors which trained in Byzantine traditions used it in early Islamic art. Doge`s Palace located in Venice has a combination of Roman, Lombard and Arab, and it is the world`s central building. It was also during this time when inventors came up with the idea of the pinhole camera, windmills, and numerical systems that are used up to date.
Gothic art is a term that varies depending on the time, place and craft. The art also included sculptures as the main part of the style. It was during the emergence of the Gothic period when there was great emphasis on Virgin Mary which later became a Catholic Art`s hallmark.
Art and Architecture were considered crucial during the Byzantine period. There was more of manuscripts production, enamel, stone and also ivory carving. According to Brooks (2000), the church builders favored churches of domed, centrally planned design.
In conclusion, the medieval period is a time which has contributed significantly to today`s architectural work. The art in the medieval period is widely embraced in the construction of buildings such as churches and palaces. The medieval period buildings, items such as helmets, crosses, chalices and many others are still used today in various parts of the world. They were constructed many decades ago but they are still attractive and every person wants to stare at them. These ancient arts has enabled today`s artists to make some improvements to make their work more creative. Finally, the work helps students to embrace art in their lives and seek self-employment after they are through with their studies.
References
Brooks, S. (2000) “Byzantium ” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000 http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/byza/hd_byza.htm (originally published October 2001, last revised October 2009)
Department of Medieval Art and the Cloisters (2000) “The Art of the Book in the Middle Ages.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, –. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/book/hd_book.htm (October 2001)
Sayre H.M (2012). A World of Arts. 7ed. Pearson, NewYork.
Troolin, A (2003) Early Medieval Art & Architecture: Characteristics, Techniques & Famous Works. Retrieved from- https://study.com/.../early-medieval-art-architecture characteristics-techniques-famous.
Yalman, S. (2000). Based on original work by Linda Komaroff. “The Birth of Islam.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/isla/hd_isla.htm (October 2001)
