The Medieval art is closely connected to the western world, it covers quite a large volume of time and space, and also art styles. Often dealing with art, crafts and the artists themselves.
Usually identification of the main periods and styles of the Medieval art is followed by some difficulties. Medieval art includes periods such as Early Christian art , Byzantine art, Pre-Romanesque and Romanesque art, and Gothic art. Some particular regions developed their own art that is distinctive, from the general perspectives that artists had, these include the Anglo-Saxon art or Norse art.
However I should also note that the medival art is closely linked with religion, since the church used to be the main domain and also the main commissioner. As you can see here, the Medieval Norman architects revolutionised the way the roofs of the churches were built, so they started the way for a much 'lighter' appearance of architecture - it is sufficient just to have a number of firm arches crosswise between the pillars, the so called 'rib-vault'.
The design is also much more simpler and sophisticated, it is seen that the architect is looking back to classical Greece, for the columns are filling up the space.
Usually identification of the main periods and styles of the Medieval art is followed by some difficulties. Medieval art includes periods such as Early Christian art , Byzantine art, Pre-Romanesque and Romanesque art, and Gothic art. Some particular regions developed their own art that is distinctive, from the general perspectives that artists had, these include the Anglo-Saxon art or Norse art.
However I should also note that the medival art is closely linked with religion, since the church used to be the main domain and also the main commissioner. As you can see here, the Medieval Norman architects revolutionised the way the roofs of the churches were built, so they started the way for a much 'lighter' appearance of architecture - it is sufficient just to have a number of firm arches crosswise between the pillars, the so called 'rib-vault'.
The design is also much more simpler and sophisticated, it is seen that the architect is looking back to classical Greece, for the columns are filling up the space.
We can also note the use of the arches, that were the invention of the ancient Romans. The arches were invented in order to have multiple floors above ground, or to have higher roofs. Arches made it possible for water to be transferred from high grounds to Rome.
However contemporary users of the arch, such is the Gothic architects, modified the structure of the arch, it was made pointed to the top, symbolising the reach to the heavens. Yet not only the arch got the spiritual meaning, it also has physical importance - directing the weight down (unlike the roman arches that direct the weight to the left and right sides), like so the Gothic arch enables to build very high structures.
However contemporary users of the arch, such is the Gothic architects, modified the structure of the arch, it was made pointed to the top, symbolising the reach to the heavens. Yet not only the arch got the spiritual meaning, it also has physical importance - directing the weight down (unlike the roman arches that direct the weight to the left and right sides), like so the Gothic arch enables to build very high structures.
Medieval art is all about religion, often enough when there are multiple figures on one painting, the most important figure was made larger. However movement and realism were not achieved by Medieval artists, before Umberto Bocioni invented the perspective, the background was either flat or in a wrong perspective. Medieval art is known best for stained glass, wood carving, piligrims and the aspect of teaching and preaching..
With the invention of Guttenberg's printing press in c. 1436, the approach to bookmaking had changed all over the world. Producing books was an art that required skills, since all the text was handwritten and all the illustrations were drawn by hand. Illuminated manuscripts were usually done by monks who lived in monasteries, the main subject was the bible. The images in such books were very bright, rich in colour and simple enough to understand. The pages were highly decorated with a variety of Celtic knots and geometrical motifs.
Unfortunately before the medieval, artists were left with basic knowledge of art. After the fall of Rome and other events, many things were lost. The loss of Greek perfectioned statues, the loss of knowledge in Roman architecture, the loss of knowledge of concrete making. Certain areas of the world were isolated within their culture, having no information about the world farther than 20 kilometres because travelling farther was dangerous.
Unfortunately before the medieval, artists were left with basic knowledge of art. After the fall of Rome and other events, many things were lost. The loss of Greek perfectioned statues, the loss of knowledge in Roman architecture, the loss of knowledge of concrete making. Certain areas of the world were isolated within their culture, having no information about the world farther than 20 kilometres because travelling farther was dangerous.
In a few centuries humanity regained the lost knowledge. By the time of Renaissance, human beings began to be more important than religion, it is the time of rediscovery of classical Greece. Things such as architecture and sculpture, sciences and biology, mechanisms and philosophy were centres of art and lives. The Renaissance man excelled himself in various areas, moreover it was important that he would not remain studying one subject. Engineers, architects, and mathematicians grew in the eyes of the people, becoming prestigious professions among societies.
References:
Gombrich, E.H., 1995. The Story of Art. 16th ed. London: Phaidon Press Limited. p185-219.
Chilvers I., 2009. Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists. 4th ed. Oxford : Oxford University Press. p263.
Newman S., 2014. Crafts in the Middle Ages. [online] The Finer Times. Available at: <http://www.thefinertimes.com/Middle-Ages/crafts-in-the-middle-ages.html> [Last updated 2014].
Nimocks, A., Medieval Religion, [online] Medieval Period. Available at: <http://www.medievalperiod.com/medievalreligion.html> [Last updated 2010].
References:
Gombrich, E.H., 1995. The Story of Art. 16th ed. London: Phaidon Press Limited. p185-219.
Chilvers I., 2009. Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists. 4th ed. Oxford : Oxford University Press. p263.
Newman S., 2014. Crafts in the Middle Ages. [online] The Finer Times. Available at: <http://www.thefinertimes.com/Middle-Ages/crafts-in-the-middle-ages.html> [Last updated 2014].
Nimocks, A., Medieval Religion, [online] Medieval Period. Available at: <http://www.medievalperiod.com/medievalreligion.html> [Last updated 2010].