|
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.
|
|
|
Require more facts
and information
about Christian Art
in the Early Middle Ages? Poke around
every nook and cranny of
the known universe for
information this
subject.
Search Here
© HistoryofPainters.com If you like this page and wish to share
it, you are welcome to link to it, with our thanks.
If you feel you have worthwhile information you would like to
contribute we would love to hear from you. We collect essential
biographical information and artist quotes from folks all over
the globe and appreciate your participation. When submitting
please, if possible, site the source and provide English
translation. Email to
millardmulch@gmail.com |
|