Medieval Europe (400 -1300. AD)
‘Illuminated Manuscripts’
a. What is an ‘Illuminated Manuscript’ ?
Illuminated Manuscript is a handwritten book where the text are made from gold or silver, and it was practiced in Europe and Islamic societies in Medieval times.
b. Describe the main differences between Romanesque and Gothic manuscripts.
1. Romanesque manuscripts books were larger than Gothic manuscripts.
2. Gothic manuscripts contained more imagery while Romanesque manuscripts were more text.
d. What writing surfaces were used?
1. Parchment/ Vellum
2. Papyrus
e. Who produced the illuminated manuscripts?
The Illuminated manuscripts were created in monasteries by monks.
f. Who were their clients and what purpose did these manuscripts serve?
Manuscripts were used for prayer and worship however they were also were very expensive, and therefor were purchased by the rich.
2. Research the following Medieval Graphic Arts landmarks :
a. The Lindisfarne Gospel
The Lindisfarne Gospels is an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – and it’s also the oldest book that was found which is written in Latin. It was produce in the year 700 in a monastery in Lindisfarne (which means “Holy Island”). It was made with leather and covered with jewels, however during the Vikings raids the orginal cover was lost, which then was replaced by new one in 1852. By the 10th century, a man named Aldred bought the book from the Vikings. He translated, word-for-word, the Latin words into English by writing the English word above the Latin word in the book.
a. What is an ‘Illuminated Manuscript’ ?
Illuminated Manuscript is a handwritten book where the text are made from gold or silver, and it was practiced in Europe and Islamic societies in Medieval times.
b. Describe the main differences between Romanesque and Gothic manuscripts.
1. Romanesque manuscripts books were larger than Gothic manuscripts.
2. Gothic manuscripts contained more imagery while Romanesque manuscripts were more text.
d. What writing surfaces were used?
1. Parchment/ Vellum
2. Papyrus
e. Who produced the illuminated manuscripts?
The Illuminated manuscripts were created in monasteries by monks.
f. Who were their clients and what purpose did these manuscripts serve?
Manuscripts were used for prayer and worship however they were also were very expensive, and therefor were purchased by the rich.
2. Research the following Medieval Graphic Arts landmarks :
a. The Lindisfarne Gospel
The Lindisfarne Gospels is an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – and it’s also the oldest book that was found which is written in Latin. It was produce in the year 700 in a monastery in Lindisfarne (which means “Holy Island”). It was made with leather and covered with jewels, however during the Vikings raids the orginal cover was lost, which then was replaced by new one in 1852. By the 10th century, a man named Aldred bought the book from the Vikings. He translated, word-for-word, the Latin words into English by writing the English word above the Latin word in the book.
b. The Book of Kells.
The Book of Kells is the four gospels of the New Testament which is believed to have originated from the Scottish island of Iona and later from abbeys in Kells, Ireland. It was made around 800 AD and it is now kept in the Old Library in Triinity …(country).. The book of kells was designed by the most talent monks of Europe at that time and it’s describes as one of the most beautiful book in the world because of its illuminate illustrations. Unfortunately the cover was lost along with other pages and the book was never completed. The book still contains one of the oldest portraits in western art of the Virgin Mary and Child Jesus Christ which is believed to have Oriental and Egyptian influences.
The Book of Kells is the four gospels of the New Testament which is believed to have originated from the Scottish island of Iona and later from abbeys in Kells, Ireland. It was made around 800 AD and it is now kept in the Old Library in Triinity …(country).. The book of kells was designed by the most talent monks of Europe at that time and it’s describes as one of the most beautiful book in the world because of its illuminate illustrations. Unfortunately the cover was lost along with other pages and the book was never completed. The book still contains one of the oldest portraits in western art of the Virgin Mary and Child Jesus Christ which is believed to have Oriental and Egyptian influences.
c. The Toledo Bible.
The Toledo Bible, also known as the Bible of St. Louis, was created from 1226 to 1224 in Paris and it contain 4887 illuminated historiated scenes or illustrations which gives an idea of thirteen century France and it’s religious conflicts between Christians, Jews and others. The book was written in part French and part Latin. The illustrations in the Toledo Bible also inspired stain-glass windows in France. Some illustrations included the Creator surrounded by four angels.
d. Book of Hours.
The book of hours is an illuminated manuscript mainly for Catholic Christian worship and it contains text, prayers, psalms and illustrations.
The book of hours is an illuminated manuscript mainly for Catholic Christian worship and it contains text, prayers, psalms and illustrations.
e. The Klosterneuburg Altar
In the Abbey Church of Klosterneuburg in Austria, there is an altarpiece made from copper plates and it was done by Nicholas of Verdun in 1181. The altarpiece is split into three parts each displaying scenes of the bible which is also separated into three parts by the era. The first part goes from Adam to Noah, then the second goes from Abraham to David and the Babylonian captivity, then the last part is of the life of Jesus Christ, which is placed in the center.
In the Abbey Church of Klosterneuburg in Austria, there is an altarpiece made from copper plates and it was done by Nicholas of Verdun in 1181. The altarpiece is split into three parts each displaying scenes of the bible which is also separated into three parts by the era. The first part goes from Adam to Noah, then the second goes from Abraham to David and the Babylonian captivity, then the last part is of the life of Jesus Christ, which is placed in the center.
f. The Unicorn in Captivity (Tapestry)
The Unicorn in Captivity is a tapestry made from wool, silver, silk and gilt wefts in the years 1495-1505. It is one of the seven scenes of hangings depicting the hunt of the unicorn. However it’s believed that it may not have been part of the series, but an individual hanging with symbolic meanings. The unicorn appears to be contented and can clearly escape if it wishes since the fence is so low and the chain is weak enough to break free. The plants including the tree are all symbols of fertility and marriage, and some of these plants are even used as fertility aids for men and women. The tree bears pomegranates which is also a symbol of fertility, however the leaves or not of a pomegranate tree. There is a myth that only a virgin can catch a unicorn, and some believe that this tapestry may also have a religious meaning where Mary is the virgin and Jesus is represented by the unicorn. The unicorn also have red blood-like stains on its frank, which makes some believe that unicorn represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, a lot still remains unknown.
The Unicorn in Captivity is a tapestry made from wool, silver, silk and gilt wefts in the years 1495-1505. It is one of the seven scenes of hangings depicting the hunt of the unicorn. However it’s believed that it may not have been part of the series, but an individual hanging with symbolic meanings. The unicorn appears to be contented and can clearly escape if it wishes since the fence is so low and the chain is weak enough to break free. The plants including the tree are all symbols of fertility and marriage, and some of these plants are even used as fertility aids for men and women. The tree bears pomegranates which is also a symbol of fertility, however the leaves or not of a pomegranate tree. There is a myth that only a virgin can catch a unicorn, and some believe that this tapestry may also have a religious meaning where Mary is the virgin and Jesus is represented by the unicorn. The unicorn also have red blood-like stains on its frank, which makes some believe that unicorn represents the resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, a lot still remains unknown.
g. The book of Durrow
The book of Durrow is possibly one of the oldest illuminated Gospel manuscripts. It was produced around the year 650 to 700, and though under much debate on rather it came from Durrow Abbey or the Monastery in North Umbria England or Iona Abbey Scotland, its origin is still unknown. The MacGeoghegans* believed the book had healing power and would place it into water to heal sick cattle.
The book of Durrow is possibly one of the oldest illuminated Gospel manuscripts. It was produced around the year 650 to 700, and though under much debate on rather it came from Durrow Abbey or the Monastery in North Umbria England or Iona Abbey Scotland, its origin is still unknown. The MacGeoghegans* believed the book had healing power and would place it into water to heal sick cattle.
Medieval Cathedrals
a. Romanesque.
Romanesque Architecture was a popular style in 11th – 12th Europe that was influenced by the Roman architecture, hence the name “Romanesque” which means “descended from Rome”. However, the influences came from the Byzantine Empire in Rome and their rounded arches which Romanesque is mainly known for. In its design, it is usually simple with repeated patterns that are more geometric shapes/patterns, like squares or zigzags. The walls are large and thick with not as much openings and the floor plan of the Romanesque style was mostly built in a cross shape.
Romanesque Architecture was a popular style in 11th – 12th Europe that was influenced by the Roman architecture, hence the name “Romanesque” which means “descended from Rome”. However, the influences came from the Byzantine Empire in Rome and their rounded arches which Romanesque is mainly known for. In its design, it is usually simple with repeated patterns that are more geometric shapes/patterns, like squares or zigzags. The walls are large and thick with not as much openings and the floor plan of the Romanesque style was mostly built in a cross shape.
b. Early Gothic.
Gothic architecture came from or was influenced by the Romanesque style, and it lasted from the 12th century to the 16th century. Gothic architecture was known as “modern style” until the Renaissance period. It had changed the way Europe viewed architecture as architecture went from being functional to being art. There was a need for buildings to have more light and air into the room. The style also took some influences from Islamic structures, especially with the pointes arches which gothic architecture is known for. Columns became more slender and the build structure was made with more height, unlike the style of the Romanesque. Other than the pointed arches, Gothic architecture was known for its ribbed vault (define) and flying buttress (an arch-like pillar/beam that helps support the building). The pointed arches are very important because by using a pointed opening instead of a rounded opening the building structure doesn’t need to use as much thick stone/brick to support itself. The pointed arches more support the pillars and wall then the Roman rounded arch.
The early Gothic still shown some features of Romanesque style. The style was still under experimentations. St. Denis was rebuilt from a Romanesque Church into a Gothic Church in 1137 by Aubbot Suger and this became the first Gothic Church.
Gothic architecture came from or was influenced by the Romanesque style, and it lasted from the 12th century to the 16th century. Gothic architecture was known as “modern style” until the Renaissance period. It had changed the way Europe viewed architecture as architecture went from being functional to being art. There was a need for buildings to have more light and air into the room. The style also took some influences from Islamic structures, especially with the pointes arches which gothic architecture is known for. Columns became more slender and the build structure was made with more height, unlike the style of the Romanesque. Other than the pointed arches, Gothic architecture was known for its ribbed vault (define) and flying buttress (an arch-like pillar/beam that helps support the building). The pointed arches are very important because by using a pointed opening instead of a rounded opening the building structure doesn’t need to use as much thick stone/brick to support itself. The pointed arches more support the pillars and wall then the Roman rounded arch.
The early Gothic still shown some features of Romanesque style. The style was still under experimentations. St. Denis was rebuilt from a Romanesque Church into a Gothic Church in 1137 by Aubbot Suger and this became the first Gothic Church.
c. High Gothic
High Gothic period was more about the details than the early Gothic period.
High Gothic period was more about the details than the early Gothic period.
d. Late Gothic.
The flying Buttress was made to help support the stress areas of the building instead of using thick walls. By using the flying Buttress which is slender, it allowed the architects to add more windows (which were stained glass) so even more light could be added into the building. Fan-shaped vaults were also added at this time.
The flying Buttress was made to help support the stress areas of the building instead of using thick walls. By using the flying Buttress which is slender, it allowed the architects to add more windows (which were stained glass) so even more light could be added into the building. Fan-shaped vaults were also added at this time.
Resources:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/283009/illuminated-manuscript
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illuminated_manuscript
http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/arts/humss/art317/manuscripts/manstyles.htm
http://medievalwriting.50megs.com/tools.htm
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Illuminated_manuscript
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFCPsW5XpZ0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbqhU262qdc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbqhU262qdc
http://www.tcd.ie/Library/bookofkells/book-of-kells/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Kells
http://autocww.colorado.edu/~flc/E64ContentFiles/PeriodsAndStyles/Gothic.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_architecture
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/latin-western-europe/gothic1/a/gothic-architecture-an-introduction
http://www.exploring-castles.com/characteristics_of_gothic_architecture.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01uNqFaKpC8
http://staff.harrisonburg.k12.va.us/~cwalton/gothicorromanesque.htm
https://www.durhamworldheritagesite.com/architecture/romanesque
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanesque_architecture
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_regional_characteristics_of_Romanesque_churches
http://www.geoghegan.org/clan/name.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Durrow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmyLSAU_YlA
http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/cultural-history-of-ireland/book-of-durrow.htm
http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/467642
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26WASJHF46A
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/320147/Abbey-Church-of-Klosterneuburg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klosterneuburg_Monastery
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindisfarne_Gospels
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/0/21588667
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI9T3BOpFdw
……
http://kylefenty.weebly.com/medieval-europe.html
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/283009/illuminated-manuscript
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illuminated_manuscript
http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/arts/humss/art317/manuscripts/manstyles.htm
http://medievalwriting.50megs.com/tools.htm
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Illuminated_manuscript
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFCPsW5XpZ0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbqhU262qdc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbqhU262qdc
http://www.tcd.ie/Library/bookofkells/book-of-kells/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Kells
http://autocww.colorado.edu/~flc/E64ContentFiles/PeriodsAndStyles/Gothic.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_architecture
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/latin-western-europe/gothic1/a/gothic-architecture-an-introduction
http://www.exploring-castles.com/characteristics_of_gothic_architecture.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01uNqFaKpC8
http://staff.harrisonburg.k12.va.us/~cwalton/gothicorromanesque.htm
https://www.durhamworldheritagesite.com/architecture/romanesque
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romanesque_architecture
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_regional_characteristics_of_Romanesque_churches
http://www.geoghegan.org/clan/name.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Durrow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmyLSAU_YlA
http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/cultural-history-of-ireland/book-of-durrow.htm
http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search/467642
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26WASJHF46A
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/320147/Abbey-Church-of-Klosterneuburg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klosterneuburg_Monastery
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindisfarne_Gospels
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/0/21588667
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI9T3BOpFdw
……
http://kylefenty.weebly.com/medieval-europe.html