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Christian Art in the Early Middle Ages

The early Middle Ages were a time of transition and turmoil. The Goths and Huns pillaged and plunder at will. The common man lived in poverty and squalor. During this dark period Christian artists and craftsmen created glorious masterworks. Art in the Middle Ages consisted of religious portraits and Biblically themes allegorical stories. The Church was the main patron, and dictated what and how the painters would paint. The clergy believed that art should be used only as a guide to help the Church bring the unenlightened into the loving light of Christ. The all powerful clergy commissioned emotionally appealing paintings, illuminated manuscripts, and carvings, that acted as visual guides and consolation to the illiterate faithful. These beautiful artworks helped the Church to make converts, as well as embellish the walls of the church. Paintings were overflowing with Christian symbolism that was part of rich visual language understood by all.. There was no such thing as frivolous decorative art or art for arts sake. Preferred Christian themes were the crucifixion, the Madonna and Child, the martyrdoms, the Apostles, and the dramatic deaths, all designed to appeal to the emotions of believers.  The Church had more use for the painters craftsman abilities than for his creativity. Although the painter was used more of as a workman many artists managed to infuse their work with individuality and occasionally humor.

 
   
 

 

 

 

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