Art History I Exam 4

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, Italy, 425

-Galla Placidia was the half-sister of Honorius and ruled briefly after his death. She died in 450. She commissioned her mausoleum in 425.

Christ as the Good Shepherd, mosaic, Mausoleum of Galla Placida, Ravenna, Italy, c. 425

-In the lunette, above the entrance of the Mausoleum. -Christ is regal and imperial looking. -Wears a gold-striped tunic and purple mantle. -Sits on a rock surrounded by his flock of sheep. -Has a huge, golden halo. Holds a long, Latin cross staff. -Artist is still using Greco-Roman illusionist painting techniques. The concept and depiction of Christ has evolved from simple shepherd to regal enthroned ruler.

Major Christian pilgrimage sites in the Romanesque period

-Jerusalem: Sites of the teaching, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus -Rome: Sites associated with Saints Peter, Paul, martyrs, and Popes -Santiago de Compostela, Spain: Tomb of St. James the Apostle -Conques, France: Skeleton of 4th century martyr Saint Foy -Vezelay: Relics of St. Mary Magdalene -Cologne, Germany: relics of the Three Magi

Parting of Lot and Abraham

-from Genesis 13:1-12 -Allegory for separation of good and evil. - Abraham represents good, moving towards a temple in Canaan, his son Isaac is in front of him. -Lot symbolizes evil. Moves to the left in the direction of Sodom. His two daughters are in front of him. -composition is simplified to the most basic elements. -The use of gesture is clear as Abraham motions to the right and Lot to the left. -Mosaic still retains some classical qualities-use of shadowing, movement of the figures, and the suggestion of architectural settings.

Doors of Bishop Bernward

1015 ce. Bishop Bernward commissioned a colossal set of bronze doors for the Abbey Church of St. Michael's in Hildesheim, Germany. Took 14 years to complete. 16'6" height Exceptional examples of the lost wax technique of bronze casting and are considered the first monumental cast bronze sculptures created in Northern Europe.Decorated with 16 narrative scenes, 8 on each door. The 8 on the left from the Old and the 8 on the right from the New. At the center is a wide strip with a dedication to Bishop Bernward which was added in 1035. Reflects the debt of Ottonian artists to the classical and Carolingian sources, yet also reflects a boldness and innovative originality that separate Ottonian art from its predecessors.

Santa Maria Maggiore

A basilica in Rome where an early and impressive cycle of mosaic imagery is preserved. The first major church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the West. Includes the "Parting of Lot and Abraham" 432-440

The Vatican Virgil, or Vergilius Vaticanus

A codex that contains fragments of Virgil's Aeneid and Georgics. The oldest extant preserved illuminated manuscript cantaining classical literature.

Pilgrimages

A long journey especially one made to a shrine or sacred place.

parchment

A paperlike writing material made from the skins of sheep or goats

Lindisfarne Gospels, Carpet Page

A popular type of illumination common in early Insular manuscripts, the carpet page is an ornamental page with decoration that covers the entire page, like a carpet. Made up of complex patterns and designs that often resemble cloisonne work and textile patterns. **They have no precedent in Western manuscript decoration and point to the genius and artistic independence of early Insular artists.

Crusades

A series (generally counted as 9) of armed military campaigns, usually sanctioned by the Pope, during the 11th - 13th centuries. Originally to recapture the Holy Land from the Muslims.

Feudalism

A socio-political-economic system in which a king (or queen) shared power with the nobility, who in turn required services from the common people in return for allowing them to use the land. Primary elements: lords, vassals, and fiefs (the land).

Insular

A term used to describe the British Isles, is also used to describe the art of this region.

pendentive

A triangular shaped section of vaulting that is used when a circular dome is placed over a square structure. (this is not the one from the Hagia Sophia)

Hagia Sophia, Dome

Achieved through the architectural innovation of the pendentive, a triangular shaped section of vaulting that is used when a circular dome is placed over a square structure. 532-537

The Book of Durrow

Among the earliest surviving Hiberno-Saxon illuminated manuscripts. Written in Latin, it contains the four Gospels, each preceded by a full-page illumination of the symbol of the evangelist who wrote that gospel. This is called an author portrait. The book is also an example of Art is an Endangered Species (Book fell into the hands of a farmer who tried to use it to cure his cows.)

Celtic High Crosses

An example of an early insular art form that is not small in scale and not from a manuscript. Erected almost exclusively in Ireland (with only a few in Britain) between the 8th and 10th centuries. The design identifies it as a Celtic High Cross: a Latin cross with a central circle that connects the four arms. The central wheel is called a "Wheel of Glory".

Ravenna

Became the capital of Rome when Honorius moved the capital of the west from Rome to Milan, and then to Ravenna.

Bayeux Tapestry, beginning detail

Beginning of the Bayeux Tapestry showing the English King Edward, who had no heir deciding to send Harold Godwinson to visit his cousin William of Normandy to tell him that William has been selected to be his heir.

Carolingian Dynasty

Begun by Charles Martel, a Frankish ruler. His grandson was Charles the Great, or Charlemagne.

Saxon

Britain

Church of San Vitale

Built in the city of Ravenna, which had briefly been the capital of the Empire. Begun in 526 by an unknown architect and completed in 547 by the archbishop of Ravenna, Maximianus. It is austere on the exterior and lavishly decorated inside.

vellum

Calfskin prepared as a surface for writing or painting.

Christmas Day, 800

Charlemagne, King of the Franks and Italy, was crowned Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III, in St. Peter's basilica in Rome. 1st emperor elected since the fall of Rome.

Sant'Apollinare in Classe

Classe, Ravenna, Italy, 533-549

Corpus Juris Civilis

Code of civil law commissioned by Justinian I. Produced in 534.

Purse Cover, Sutton Hoo Ship burial

Decorated with 4 symmetrically arranged groups of figures on the lower portion. The combination of the interlacing pattern and animal forms on the purse cover was particular to the arts of the early Middle Ages and the tribes from the North.

The Bayeux Tapestry

Detail of the Bayeux Tapestry, 1070-1080, embroidered wool on linen, 1'8" height, 230' length, Bayeux Cathedral, France. Recounts, in a continuous freize-like strip, the story of the Norman (French) invasion of England and the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It is actually not a tapestry, but is instead a wool embroidered linen textile. It is made out of 8 different pieces of linen sewn together. Eight colors were used: 5 main colors are blue-green, terracotta, light-green, buff, and grey-blue. The pictures are accompanied above by Latin captions. It contains about 50 different scenes.

Weighing of the Soul

Detail of the East face of the High Cross of Muiredach, the "Weighing of the Soul" or psychostasis shows Christ as judge weighing the souls of the dead on a scale. See p. 200 in text for illustration.

Codex

Developed at the end of the first century CE, a new format for collecting the written word and its accompanying decoration. Essentially the ancestor of the modern book. Composed of separate pages or leaves, called folios, enclosed together within a cover and bound on one side. Replaced the rotulus or scroll format. Pages were flat and made of sturdy vellum or parchment. Provided a better surface for writing and painting and could be decorated on both sides.

Rossano Gospels

Earliest preserved illuminated book that contains illustrations from New Testament; Depicts a scene from the Trial of Christ -Christ's appearance before Pontius Pilate, who asks who should be freed; people form arch around Pilate; Jesus has beard and halo. -Suicide of Judas See p. 172 in text for image

Virgin and Child between Saints Icon

Encaustic on wood, Monastery of St. Catherine, Mount Sinai, Egypt, 6th century, 27" x 19". Particularly rare because very few icons survived the period of Iconoclasm in the 8th century CE. Depicts the Virgin and child enthroned. The Christ holds a scroll with his left hand and blesses with his right. Mary is so large she almost obscures the throne on which she sits. This imagery derives from the Byzantine type called a "Chora tou Achoretou" or "Container of the uncontainable". In Latin she is the "Sedes Sapientiae" or "Seat of Wisdom". Stresses Mary's role as intercessor and Mother of God. Surrounded by the dragon-slaying saints Theodore (with the beard) and George.

Crucifixion, The Lindau Gospels Cover

Gold, precious stones and pearls, Saint Gall, Switzerland, c. 870ce, 13" x 10" Example of the often adorned and beautiful covers of the illuminated manuscripts. Perhaps the most luxurious of all Carolingian manuscript covers and was probably made during the reign of Charles the Bald, Charlemagne's grandson. Crucifixion scene in the style of a "ChristusTriumphans". Blood drips from the wounds in his hands. Other figures are the Virgin Mary, St. John the Evangelist and 2 others, perhaps Joseph of Aramathea and Mary Magdalene. The figures on the cover are created by a technique called repousse, or hammering or pushing metal out from behind to create a raised image.

Church of San Vitale, plan

Has a central plan with a polygonal apse, and an off-center narthex. The design is centered on two concentric octagons.

Abbey Church of St. Michael's

Hildesheim, Germany, 1001-1031 CE Best shows the new Ottonian style of architecture. An "abbey church" is a church that was once part of a monastery or convent. Double-transept plan with double-crossing towers and double-flanking cylindrical towers. Very different from traditional Western Christian basilica-plan churches, and perhaps closer to Roman Imperial basilicas. Very proportional and rational design and plan. EXAMPLE OF ART IS AN ENDANGERED SPECIES! The church has suffered severe damage including several fires and almost completely destroyed by a bomb during air raids over Germany in 1945. Has been completely restored since.

Barberini Ivory

Image of Justinian as a triumphant and imperial ruler who seeks to recall Old Rome in his rulership and patronage. Ivory plaque carved originally of 5 separate parts (one small panel is lost) is the largest extant Byzantine ivory and was once part of an even larger diptych (a two paneled painting that is hinged on one side). Description: Center, Justinian is in military armor riding on a rearing horse. Justinian is very large compared to the horse. He wears an imperial crown and holds a spear-like standard in his right hand. Behind him is the raised hand of a vanquished barbarian. Beneath the horse is a female Personification of the earth who touches the foot of the emperor. In front of Justinian is Nike (winged figure) standing on a small orb who offers him a palm and a crown (now lost) of victory. On either side of the central panel are smaller vertical panels (one now lost) that show a military general offering a small statue of the Nike to the emperor. Beneath the central panel in a horizontal strip are various barbarians carrying offerings to the emperor. At the top, in a horizontal panel, in a bust portrait of Christ in a gesture of blessing. Justinian as World Conqueror mid sixth century 13" x 10" Louvre, Paris

Gospel Book of Charlemagne (Coronation Gospels)

Imperial purple manuscript written in Latin in gold ink. Considered one of the finest from the Carolingian period. The style of the illuminations represents a shift fro earlier insular manuscripts (Hiberno-Saxon influence)- now much more classical, or Byzantine model. Includes: -Saint Matthew, gold and ink on vellum (see p. 202 in text) Style is calm and serene, regal even.

Christ between Angels mosaic

In the apse of San Vitale, Ravenna, 526-547 Description: A youthful and beardless Christ sits on the orb of the world holding the scroll of the seven seals in His left hand and a martyr's wreath in his right. The four rivers of paradise flow from the rock beneath the orb. Christ is surrounded by angels sresenting Saint Vitalis, the Bishop of Ravenna, and a little model of the church of San Vitale.

Saint Matthew, Ebbo Gospels

Ink and tempura on vellum, 816-835 ce, 10" x 8" Reflects a completely different style to come out of Charlemagne's court from the classical style of the Coronation Gospels. Unlike the Coronation Gospels, the illuminator has included the symbol for the evangelist in the upper right hand corner, and he has also included a landscape and even two small buildings in the distance. Style is filled with energy and motion. Lines are jagged and tightly compressed. Referred to by some scholars as an "inspired evangelist" portrait.

Palatine Chapel, Odo of Metz

Interior, Aachen, Germany, 792-805 c. The plan for the chapel was closely based on the church of San Vitale in Ravenna. It is a central plan building based on a design of concentric octagons. However, it is also very different: much sturdier, more massive, and clearer in design than San Vitale. Also much more vertical in conception. Incorporated new twin cylindrical towers flanking the west entrance portal called "westwork". This would greatly influence later Romanesque and Gothic churches. In 814 Charlemagne was buried in a vault in the chapek and his son Louis the Pious was crowned emperor here.

Hibernia

Ireland

Suicide of Judas and Crucifixion of Christ

Ivory c. 420 AD 2.8x3.9 inches British Museum, London Considered the earliest known example of the crucifixion in the history of Western art. Part of a series of 4 plaques depicting the suffering and triumph of Christ. Made for a small ivory box. Shows 2 scenes: 1) Judas' suicide -money bag with th e 30 pieces of silver at his feet, strap to tie the bag mimics a snake at the feet of Judas 2) Crucifixion- Jesus nailed to the cross, 3 figures on either side - on His right, mother Mary and John the Evangelist, on His left, the Roman centurion, Longinus, who pierces Him in the side with a sword. Above His head, the superscription REX IUD, shortened form in Latin for Rex Iudica or King of the Jews. Shos a message of hope- Christ is still alive, he is muscular and heroic, eyes are wide open. Shown triumphant over death.

Book of Kells

Larger and more lavishly illustrate than the Lindisfarne Gospels. Considered most elaborately decorated of all Insular manuscripts. A Latin text of the four Gospels written and decorated either in Iona, Scotland or Ireland. Total of 680 pages of which only 2 are without color. Includes carpet pages, author portraits, initial pages, canon tables, and illustrated pages within the text of the Gospels. One of the most remarkable pages is the opening page for the Gospel of Matthew., The 3 Greek letters, XPI, represent the 1st 3 letters of the Greek word (Christ -X =ch P=Rho I=Iota). This is an INCIPIT page (see p. 198 in the text). Considered one of the most lavishly decorated pages in all of Hiberno-Saxon manuscript illumination, often cited as the supreme example of this art form.

Christus Triumphans

Latin for triumphant Christ; a cross with a representation of a living Christ, eyes open and triumphant over death

Sutton Hoo

Location in Suffolk, England where an exceptional archeological discovery was made in 1939 in a barrow of a completely intact and undisturbed Anglo-Saxon ship burial. These are hinged shoulder clasps from the burial site made of gold, cloisonne garnet, and glass. c.625, 5" in length, British Museum, London.

The Old Farmer

Miniature in the Vatican Vergil. Tempera on parchment 400-420 AD, Vatican Library Rome (see image p. 170 in textbook)

Dark Ages

Misleading term implying that the period of the Middle Ages was somehow lost or dark. Also implies the the period was artistically crude, primitive, and uncivilized. In actuality, art and cultures flourished in some of the remote regions of Western Europe, particularly north of the Alps.

Monastery of St. Catherine

Mount Sinai, Egypt, 548-565 Rebuilt by Justinian's architects while the mosaics were beins completed in Ravenna. The tiny monastery was rebuilt and enclosed in defensive walls between 548-565. Located for 2 important Biblical events: where Moses received the 10 commandments and where Moses heard the voice of God in a burning bush. Contains several rare treasures including an icon of the virgin.

Ottonian Dynasty

Succeeded the Carolingians in the mid 10th century.

Man (symbol for Saint Matthew), Book of Durrow

Tempura on parchment, c.660-680 ce, 9-5/8 x 6-1/8 Highly simplified and highly stylized design. No background No sense of illusion, space or volume in the figure Both the cloak and the border on the page reflect interlace and interwoven linear patterns typical of insular art. The depiction of the cloak reflects a cloisonne technique here translated from metal work onto parchment. The border is and example of zoomorphic and linear interlace pattern.

Romanesque

Term first used in the 19th century. Means "Roman-like". Applied to 11th and 12th century European architecture because of its use of "Roman-like" rounded arches, barrel, and groin vaults. This period dated generally from c. 1000-1200 and also marked a return to monumental stone structure.

Hiberno-Saxon

The arts of Britain, Scotland, and Ireland

Great Schism

The event that divided Christianity into Western Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Officially dated to 1054, when Pope Leo IX in Rome and Patriarch Michael I in Constantinople excommunicated each other.

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, interior, Ravenna, Italy, 425

The interior glitters with vibrant mosaics. -Dark blue background adorned with decorative medallions that resemble stars and snowflakes. -Crossings-vault mosaic has a large gold cross at the center, set against a star-filled sky; in the corners are symbols of the evangelists.

Hagia Sophia

The moat famous and largest of the churches built by Justinian in Constantinople. Name means Church of the Holy Wisdom. Designed by Anthemius of Tralles (a Greek mathematician) and Isidorus of Miletus (a professor of physics). It is believed Justinian chose these men rather than architects so they would overcome and transcend the limits of contemporary architecture. Measures roughly 270 feet long and 240 feet wide with a central dome 108 feet in diameter that rises 180 feet above the ground. Lavishly decorated with colored marbles and mosaics. Light enters through 40 large windows located at the base of the dome creating the illusion that the dome is suspended above the light. 532-537 (minarets added after 1453)

Byzantine Empire

The name for the Eastern Christian Roman Empire. Comes from the name of the ancient Greek site of Byzantium on which Constantine built his new capital in 330.

Vienna Genesis

The oldest, best-preserved illuminated manuscript containing scenes from the Bible. -early 6th century -vellum pages died purple -text, in Greek, is written in silver ink. Reveals the luxury nature of this manuscript. Rebecca and Eliiezer at the Well, miniature in the Vienna Genesis, early 6th century, 12 in x 9 in. (see p. 171 in text for image)

Middle Ages

The period of time referred to by historians from about 400-1400, or roughly the 1000 years between the classical ancient world of Greece and Rome and the dawn of the Renaissance.

Constantinople

Often called the "New Rome". Fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453. Geographical location (today modern Istanbul) is very important: the city sits at the physical juncture between Europe and Asia. A strategic position for commerce, travel, and defense. Served as a geographical, cultural, and Christian barrier against the expansion of Islam into central Europe.

Justinian I

One of the most important early Byzantine rulers. Ruled from 527-565. period called the Golden Age of Byzantium. Married to and aided by Theodora.

Gero Crucifix

Painted and gilded wood, Cologne Cathedral, Germany, c. 970 CE, figure of Christ is 6'2". One of the best examples of the Ottonian desire for clarity in design, impactful messaging and strong visual impact. Commissioned by Arch-bishop Gero for the Cathedral in Cologne. Considered the 1st monumental sculpture created since antiquity and the 1st monumental image of the crucified Christ in Christian art. Figure of Christ is of the tradition of the "Christus Patiens" type (Christ dead on the cross). This is significant because it represents a new concept in Christ's representation: not an emperor, or a symbolic lamb, or a jeweled cross, or even a youthful hero. Instead, a tortured martyr.

Plan of High Cross of Muiredach

Plan shows East and West face of the cross. See p. 199 in text for illustration.

Justinian, Maximianus, and Attendants, mosaic

San Vitale, Apse, North Wall, Ravenna, c. 547, 8'8" x 12' The emperor is shown as larger than the other figures. His halo symbolizes the divine origin of his ruelership. Next to Justinian stands the Bishop Maximianus, the only figure who is labeled. Other clergy members stand beside the Bishop carrying instruments used in Mass. Behind Justinian are members of the Imperial guard. This represents the authorities of both church and state. The whole scene serves as a visual representation of the liturgical procession of the offering of gifts.

Theodora and Attendants, mosaic

San Vitale, Ravenna, Apse, south wall, c. 547, 8'8" x 12' This mosaic is directly opposite the mosaic of Justinian and shows Theodora also participating in the mass. She also has a halo showing her divine right of rule, and is carrying a chalice used to hold the wine during the mass. She is accompanied by 7 ladies and is shown in the atrium of the church ready to pass through a curtain into the church. The border of her robe indicates the 3 Magi who delivered gifts to Christ. This might be indicating that Justinian and Theodora are like the Magi.

High Cross of Muiredach

Sandstone, Monasterboice, Ireland, 923 ce, 19' including base. One of the largest and best preserved Celtic crosses in Ireland. Intricately carved with both interlace patterns and figural decoration on all 4 sides. An inscription at the bottom of the west-face asks for prayers to be said for a man named Muiredach.

Otto III Enthroned and Four personifications of Provinces

See images p. 212-213 in text From Gospel Book of Otto III, tempura on vellum, c. 997-1000 CE, 13x11"

Rebuke of Adam and Eve, Doors of Bishop Bernward

See p. 210 in text. One of the most remarkable and powerful scenes from the bronze doors. Depicts God pointing his finger at the couple who has just eaten from the Tree of Knowledge. Scene is emotional and shows anger, rage, fear, desperation, guilt, shame, blame, and despair.Emotions heightened by the stark background.

Bernward Column

See p. 211 in Text Also commissioned by Bishop Bernward for St.Michael's. Bronze, 1015 CE, 16'6" height. Large, free-standing column with narrative relief scenes depicting Christ's life in 24 scenes. Reflects the debt of Ottonian artists to the classical and Carolingian sources, yet also reflects a boldness and innovative originality that separate Ottonian art from its predecessors.

Bayeux Tapestry, invasion

Shows the final battle of the Norman invasion force of approximately 7000 men on October 14, 1066, about 65 miles from London.

Romanesque church portal

This is an example of a typical Romanesque church portal. See p. 227 in text for the plan drawing. The major components are: -Voussoirs: wedge-shaped block used in the construction of a true arch. The central voussoir, at the apex of the arch, is the keystone. -Archivolts: the continuous molding or framing around and arch; often found in concentric bands framing the tympanum. -Tympanum: a semicircular space or lunette that is located above the door and is bounded by the archivolts and the lintel. -Lintel: The horizontal beam above the doorway. -Trumeau: the pillar or central post in the middle of the doorway that supports the lintel. Jambs: the side posts of a doorway.

Equestrian portrait of Charlemagne

This is an image of the bronze statuette. 9th cen. ce. 9 1/2" tall, Louvre Museum, Paris. The statuette reveals just how much Charlemagne was modeling not only his empire, but much of his art, on classical models. Seated upright, gazing straight ahead. Clearly influenced by the larger-than-life bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius in Rome which associates Charlemagne with the first Christian Emperor.

St. Etienne

West Facade, begun 1067, Caen, France. St. Etienn (St. Stephen) built in the Norman capitol city of Caen, France. Facade shows influence from both Carolingian and Ottonian architecture, yet also new and influential elements. 3 story elevation and triple portals. A remarkable feature of the interior is the way the verticality of the nave is underscored by the use of massive compound piers that extend the full height of the three-story elevation. The floor tomb of William the Conqueror is in the interior nave of the church.

colophon

an inscription or entry usually found on the last page of a manuscript that provides information about the book's production. **The Lindisfarne Gospel** has a colophon added to the book in the 10th century by a monk called Aldred.

illuminated manuscript

early decorated codex- the illuminations in a codex are called miniatures. These were very expensive and time-consuming to make.

Relief Sculpture

sculptural decoration that often decorated the typical Romanesque portal, not on the door itself, which was often wooden, but around the door. As opposed to free standing statuary which was still associated with pagan idol worship.

Plan of the Hagia Sophia

the designers consolidated the longitudinal basilica plan with the vertically oriented central plan. It encapsulated the needs of the church and its space requirements with the ethereal quality given by the massive dome serving as a symbol of heaven itself.

Constantine and Justinian offer the city and church respectively to the Virgin and Child

(This is not the entire image) Hagia Sophia, c. 944 Constantinople (Istanbul) Image shows Constantine and Justinian are on either side of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus offering the city and church.

Throne of Charlemagne, Palatine Chapel

Within the westwork of the chapel was a tribune where Charlemagne would appear to the masses in the atrium below. The throne was influenced from earlier Byzantine churches.