4/6/10 Art History I

Today's Class- Today we looked at early Medieval Art, defined as the art and architecture of western Europe from the 6th century through the 10th century. The art shows the results of the mixing of multiple "barbarian" cultures with the remnants of the Roman Empire, filtered through the traditions of Christianity. Architecture of this period is mostly variations on traditional Roman and Byzantine structures, but sculpture shows an interesting variety of cultural influences. Illuminated manuscripts may be the art form that best represents this period of western art.

Important terms- animal interlace, boss, cameo, cloister, colophon, expressionistic, manuscript, parchment, picture stone, reliquary, repousse, rune stone, scribe, vellum

Important Artworks- Cross (Church of Saint Giulia), Sutton Hoo Purse Cover, Chi Rho Iota Page (Book of Kells), Palace Chapel of Charlemagne, Page with Saint Matthew (Coronation and Ebbo Gospels), Stave Church (Borgund, Norway), Doors of Bishop Bernward

Homework- The next current arts journal article is due next Tuesday, 4/13/10. The independent research assignment is due Friday, 4/23/10.

It is recommended that students read Chapter 15 (Romanesque Art) to familiarize yourself with the material.

For Next Class 4/9/10- Bring your notebook and Book 2 (Medieval Art). We will begun our study of Romanesque art and architecture.