Medieval art comes from the Middle Ages, which lasted from the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD until the beginning of the Renaissance in the 14th century. There is a wide range of styles over these ten centuries, with early Christian and Byzantine, Viking, Romanesque, and Gothic. There are masterpieces such as the Hagia Sophia, mosaics, manuscripts, and more from this period.
Early Medieval Art
Early medieval art was created between the fourth century and 1050 AD. Many projects were commissioned by the Catholic church and wealthy oligarchs. Much of the art was classical in theme and featured biblical stories, and buildings were decorated with Roman mosaics, marble, and ornate paintings.
Romanesque Art
Romanesque art was created in the 11th century. It began in France and spread to Spain, England, Flanders, Germany, Italy, and more. It was an example of the growing wealth of cities in Europe as well as the power of monasteries.
The buildings had semicircular arches, thick stone walls, and durable construction. They also made many sculptures out of stone. Stained glass and illuminated manuscripts were also popular.
Gothic Art
Gothic art began in the 12th century with the rebuilding of the Abbey Church in Saint-Denis, France. There were some major differences, such as ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and decorative pinnacles. The buildings were taller and lighter.
Gothic sculpture was used to decorate cathedrals and religious buildings. They were more realistic, and they were often placed outside of these buildings. The paintings were also more realistic, and a new class of people could commission art.
The Most Famous Medieval Art
There is a great deal of diverse art from the middle ages. Some of the most famous art includes:
Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia was built in 537 AD. It was commissioned by the emperor Justinian I, and it is the epitome of Byzantine architecture. It is located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is most famous for its iconic dome.
Palatine Chapel
The Palatine Chapel was finished in 804 AD, and it was part of Charlemagne’s Palace of Aachen in Germany. Today, it is the central part of the Aachen Cathedral.
Notre Dame
The most famous Gothic cathedral is Notre Dame in Paris. It was built in 1160. It has a ribbed vault, flying buttress, stained glass windows, and iconic sculptures. It is very different from the previous Romanesque style.