HISTART 2001- Exam #3
Monoscenic Narrative
- "Snapshot" similar to a picture - Ex: Steel of Naram Sim
Furta Sacra
- "holy theft" - In 9th century St. Foy was stolen by Monks
What were some of the important symbolic features of the buildings, in terms of things like proportion and scale?
- 30 by 60 Royal Feet = Solomon's temple - Many gothic cathedrals aim for the height of heaven. Noah's Arc, etc.
Casket Reliquary
- A typical reliquary may be in a luxorious box decorated with gems, gold, etc. - The wealth of materials symbolizes the importance of the reliquary
florilegium
- A volume or collection of brief extracts or writings : anthology. - Latin for "a bunch of flowers
T-O Style Map
- Africa, Asia, and Europe separated by bodies of water - Forms a "T" shape with the continents and bodies of water - The "T" shape forms a cross which makes this form of maps popular amongst Christians
Describe some of the different ways of conceptualizing cultural contact between Europe and Africa during the Middle Ages. The lecture video discussed the kingship of Roger II; what did you learn from the Getty blog about European perceptions of African kingship in the same era?
- Artwork such as the mantle of Roger II shows the connection and communication between Western and Eastern cultures - Balthaza, an African king who brought gifts, is depicted as white in many European paintings and artwork
Explain the visual, historical, and symbolic functions of the Lindisfarne Gospel?
- Book illuminated by a Bishop - Elaborate jewel cover - Elaborate, rich, and beautiful - Evangelist Portrait: Matthew, who is depicted using the style of the local area. Hybrid between Mediterranean and and Northern Europe style. - Carpet Page: rhythm is created with lines, curves, and patterns. A native style that is combined with religious themes and ideas. There are many crosses created within the design from lines and swirls.
Holy Roman Empire
- Charlemagne - Political consolidation and expansion - Multi-ethnic complex of territories
What does the lion and camel represent on the mantle of Roger II
- Christianity triumphing over Islam - More specific, a group of Christins over a SPECIFIC GROUP of Muslims - The narrative is more complex than just Christinas vs Muslims
Discuss the elements of the Psalter Map
- Combines religion with cartography - Jerusalem is at the center - Proves that maps are artifacts that are meant to create an argument - Religious references: Red Sea, Adam & Eve, etc. - Oriented in a T-O fashion
How did the use of spolia help Otto III create connections with his past? What messages of kinship is he trying to send?
- Connects him to ancestors, religion, and past rulers - On Lothar Cross, the spolia argues that he is apart of a line of powerful rulers
How can we characterize the narrative choices in the Bayeux Tapestry? How is the meaning/content of the work conveyed to viewers? What was the experience like of viewing the work?
- Continous narrative which depicts the Norman conquest - 200 ft. long - Very detailed piece of artwork which tells the story of William defeating Harold and reconquering a piece of land - There is a main register and decorative register, as well - Figures are not realistic however they have a sense of motion and action
What was the function of the cloister?
- Covered walk, open gallery, or open arcade running along the walls of the building forming a quadrangle or garth - Usually between most of the principles buildings, which allows for communication between these fundamental spaces
Explain the visual, historical, and symbolic functions of the Gospel Book of Otto III
- Created under Otto's rule for The Feast of Pentacost - Makes Otto look like Christ and a Roman Emperor - Connection between Church and State - Bird on Otto's staff: The bird is the same one shown on the cameo on the Lothar Cross - The figures surrounding Otto holding gifts represent the regions that Otto controls. This scene is also a reference to the Bible and the gifts presented during Jesus' birth - Example of a typological portrait
Explain the visual, historical, and symbolic functions of the Lothar Cross
- Created under Otto's rule for The Feast of Pentacost - This object wold be carried in procession during Mass - Show piece of his chapel - Decorated with rich colors and gems - Cameo (center): spolia. This is placed in the center of the cross. - Typological portrait because it connects many figures throughout time.
Describe the architecture and decoration of the Sainte-Chapelle. How and why was this building created as a monumental shrine or reliquary? How can we characterize its architectural significance and decorative effect?
- Decorated with tall stained glass windows - "Rayonnant Gothic" - Rich colors: Red and Gold - Scupltures of apostles surround the exterior of the building
Zonal Maps
- Divide areas by climate and geography
What are the primary structural characteristics of Gothic Architecture? What engineering techniques allowed these incredibly tall buildings to stand up?
- Emphasis on verticality - Lots of windows and colorful light - Pointed arch, ribbed vault, and flying buttress are some of the engineering principles that allows for the gothic style - Elaborate exteriors
What kind of experience does the Rothschild Canticles create for its reader/viewer?
- Erotic - Connection to God
Describe the materials and visual motifs found on the mantle of Roger II. What can we learn about the production of this artwork from the inscription found at its edge? How does the decoration draw on both Islamic and Byzantine aesthetics (and what does this say about the court of Roger II)? Where was this found?
- Found in Cappella Palatina - Combines many cultural and religious ideas - Made from very expensive fabrics, gold threads, pearls, and more - Camel and lion visual symbols - Arabic Inscription: "The royal workshop has flourished" which emphasized that Roger supported arts and created a culturally diverse community - The style of the tree resembles lots of Islamic designs and pattern
How were these indigenous forms incorporated into new Christian works? How did this clash of cultures play out in different ways in early medieval manuscripts? How was style manipulated to enhance conversation through these works?
- Gospel books were commonly used to convert non-Christians - Due to the evangelism nature of Christianity, many gospel books would use pre-Christian England symbols and styles (rich colors & abstract designs) to appeal to the other audiences
Where would a mosque lamp have been located in a mosque?
- Hanging from the ceiling - Close to the ground - Serves a functional purpose by providing light for studying
Charlemagne
- Holy Roman Empire - He built monasteries and commissioned many illuminated manuscripts
-What kinds of things are conveyed by the "moralizations" in these bibles? How do they help to shed light on contemporary social issues? How might we think about the connections between these works of art and actual political/social events in the real world?
- Homosexuality and Anti-Semitism - "Moralization" with gay sex being controlled by the devil = Louis IX made homosexuality illegal - Story of Miriam and crucifixion of Jesus create negative tone surrounding the Jewish community (ex: Pope expelling Jews) = Louis IX burning lots of Jewish literature -Offensive depictions of Jews
What are some of the ways that medieval people approached the production and use of Biblical manuscripts?
- Horney Bible: Created to be legible so it can be studied and analyzed by scholars and educated citizens. This is an example of a pocket bible - Lindisfare Gospel: Makes Christ's words seem magical in order to convert non_Christians. This manuscript focuses more on the visual appeal rather than legibility - Moralized Bible:
From the Met Museum link on the late-medieval "book of hours," what was the primary function of these books? What kinds of decoration did they include?
- Hours of the Virgin" which is religious practice which encourages praying multiple times a day - Calendars - Gospel lessons - "Painted prayers" - The decoration was unique to their viewer and the religious experience they wanted to create
What kind of works of art were found within Medieval Monasteries?
- Illuminated manuscripts - Sculptures - Stained glass windows - Devotional objects
What kinds of decoration are usually found in a Gospel Book? What might have been some functions of the carpet page from Lindisfarne Gospels- how would it have been used in devotion? What is visually significant about it?
- Linear and geometric designs - Lindisfarne Gospel: intricate patterns and designs - Creating a carpet page is a large time devotion, which makes it a religiously significant process. - The carpet page would then be used during prayer to relax the mind
What are the characteristics of the artwork being made in England before its conversion to Christianity?
- Lines and abstract designs - Many art pieces would use lines and abstract designs to form animals and figures from the natural world
Who was Louis IX? In what ways is his historical identity complicated? What kinds of art objects did he help create during his reign?
- Louis IX is known for being a ruler who was "saint-like" and promoted arts and culture within the city of Paris - He built a palace on the island in the middle of Paris and purchased relics and created reliquaries - Viewed as a holy and powerful political figure.
Franz Wickoff's Types of Visual Narratives
- Monoscenic - Polyscenic - Continuous
Polyscenic Narrative
- More than one period of time is represented - No repetition of figures - Ex: Adam and Eve artwork
How did Ottonian typological portraits work?
- Multiple styles and political/religious figures - Typological portraits are meant to link people together through periods of time
Continuous Narrative
- Multiple time periods - Repetition of figures - Ex: Bayeux Tapestry
Open vs Closed Artwork
- Open: evolution and can be added to - Closed: art that remains stagnant (ex: museum)
How were medieval manuscripts made and used? What kinds of materials/techniques did they incorporate?
- Parchment: stretching animal skin - Text is written with quills - Pricking and ruling: created the lines for the text
What are some of the key structural innovations pioneered by Gothic builders?
- Pointed arch: allows for height and large stained glass windows - Flying Buttress: provides exterior support to create cathedrals with large height - Ribbed vault: an architectural piece that supports the structure of the building while also adding a decorative element
Primary vs Secondary Relics
- Primary: Body part - Secondary: An object a saint touched, wore, etc.
How did the telling of stories in Christian stained glass windows work? In what ways were these visual narratives different or similar from textual ones? How does the example from Bourges Cathedral use internal typology to tell the story?
- Religious teaching within the cathedral - Narrative windows are usually within the apse - Typology: Making connections between stories, symbols, etc. - Visual narratives introduce internal typology which is making connections within the context of the story - Narrative window in Bourges Cathedral uses internal typology in line with the geometric structure to make comparisons and comments on the story
Norman Conquest of Sicily
- Resulted in a change of culture and leadership - Changes in culture = diverse communities in regards to arts and ideas
Describe the decoration of Gothic Cathedrals. How are architecture and decoration merged? What kinds of themes are depicted in sculpture on the exteriors of Gothic Cathedrals?
- Ribbed vault supported height but also added a decorative element - Stained glass windows which serve a more symbolic purpose rather than a functional purpose - Exterior is elaborate with lots of detail - Portals: meant to connect the viewer with God
How does the mantle of Roger II relate to the imagery in the Cappella Palatina?
- Roger II wants to show off the cosmopolitan nature of Sicily during his rule - The diversity of artistic styles in Cappella Palatina (Mediterranean mosaics, Greek inscriptions, Islamic style ceilings, Nave has a Roman style) - Similarly, the use of Arabic inscriptions, Christian ideals and history combine to create a multi-diversity argument
What are some of the different types of stained glass windows that would be found in the gothic cathedral? What kinds of subject matter did they include? How was the visual effect of the windows critical to the experience of Gothic architecture? How are these windows related to the divine in Christian theology?
- Rose Petal: Serve aesthetic and symbolic purposes - Clerestory: Large scale portraits of saints - Narrative: Tells a story (often found in apse) - Presense of Christ through light - Creation of the community of holy figures - Narrative/storytelling for different types of audiences
What were some of the structural challenges for these buildings that were described in the video, and what kinds of strategies did builders use to address them, particularly at Amiens Cathedral?
- Round arches made the structure weak - The flying buttress was installed too high on the building - An iron chain was installed to give the building a "hug" and re-direct the areas of pressure
What are the architectural features of the "classic" type of Romanesque Pilgrimage church (i.e. the church at Conques)? How did their form respond to the needs of the people who used them? How are they related to pilgrimage?
- Stones, arches, and verticality - Nave is broken by a large transept and there is also a large choir for the clergy - Open space - Romanesque portal - These churches were meant to attract people and gain economic profit
Describe the Moralized Bibles. What was the significance of their unusual format? What was unique about them?
- Stories from the Bible with "moralizations" - Books were grand and lavish - The "moralization" was a way to create dialogue between the Old and New Testament (typology). Not all communicate between the stories, others will just create symbolically religious stories
Describe Abbot Suger's role in the building and renovation of Saint-Denis. What was so revolutionary about his designs for the church? How did he conceive of the link between works of art and the divine realm?
- Suger added two ends to the cathedral (apse and entrance) - He implemented the pointed arch to achieve the height in gothic style - He used the ribbed vault to support the height and add decoration - He added three portals: Last Judgement, Life of Mary/Christ, and the Legend of St. Firmin (local saint)
Speaking Reliquary
- The casket is the same shape as the body part that it holds - Ex: the arm of a saint may be put in a reliquary shaped like a hand
What kind of sculpted imagery do we find in the cloister at Moissac? What are some explanations for why we find this imagery in such a sacred space?
- The decoration is elaborate and rich - The columns of the cloister are quite elaborate and show symbols of fish, sirens, lions, centaurs, and more - Some of the symbols and imagery show classic Christian symbols, but some are also mythical and fantasy symbols
How is spolia used within the reliquary of Saint Foy?
- The head of St. Foy is said to be from a Roman sculpture - The use of spolia argues a sense of dominance because Foy was killed for not worshipping Piegan gods
What was the function of the mantle of Roger II? In what architectural space would it have been seen/encountered/displayed?
- The mantle would have been displayed in a church and it was also worn by many kings, rulers, etc. - The piece shows Roger's ability to create a community that flourished with diversity and ideas - It is meant to show Roger's power
What role did St Foy play within her community?
- The offerings given to St. Foy ultimately helped build the church and religious community
How were viewers meant to respond to this image? What kinds of theological or religious changes caused the shift towards this kind of devotional art?
- The rise in mendicant orders (Nuns and Monks) helped lead to a more realistic and human portrayal of God. This change in ideology and religion resulted in artwork that represented the suffering in Christ's life. - The viewer is meant to connect with God on an empathetic level
Explain the visual, historical, and symbolic functions of the Purse Cover from Sutton Hoo.
- The style used to decorate this item embraces the use of lines and geometric patterns. - Cloisonné Enamel - The rich colors and materials used convey a sense of wealth and status. - This item was found at the Sutton Hoo ship burial. - There are figures from the natural world that are depicted with lines and shapes. - Abstract and non-realistic
How did viewers interact with the reliquary statue of St Foy at Conques? How do the visual aspects of the reliquary structure this interaction?
- This object was an "open" object in the sense that it was always changing because it encouraged viewer interaction - Viewers would come and place a ring or piece of jewelry on the statue. The jewelry would then be taken to fund the church - She was made with lots of jewels and gold which made her very shiny and valuable
Crossing Square
- Way of measurement in Early Medieval churches
Explain some of the art within the Rothschild Canticles
- Wise and Foolish Virgins - Being prepared for the welcoming of Christ and eternal life - Christ and Spousa: conveying the feeling of heaven through sexual pleasure
Feast of Pentacost
- Year 1000 - Otto III wanted to open Charlemagne's grave
Rayonnant Gothic
-verticality -light -surface decoration
Barrel Vault
A barrel vault, also known as a tunnel vault or a wagon vault, is an architectural element formed by the extrusion of a single curve along a given distance.
Moralized bible
A bible that used images and "moralizations" to provide commentary of Christinan teachings.
Choir
A choir, also sometimes called quire, is the area of a church or cathedral that provides seating for the clergy and church choir. It is in the western part of the chancel, between the nave and the sanctuary, which houses the altar and Church tabernacle
Reliquary
A container for a holy relic
Muqarnas
A form of ornamented vaulting in Islamic architecture
Mantle
A loose sleeveless outer garment
Pieta
A painted or sculpted representation of the Virgin Mary mourning over the body of the dead Christ.
Evangelists
A person who seeks to convert others to the the Christian faith, especially public preaching
Pilgrimage
A pilgrimage is a journey, often into an unknown or foreign place, where a person goes in search of new or expanded meaning about their self, others, nature, or a higher good, through the experience. It can lead to a personal transformation, after which the pilgrim returns to their daily life.
Waqf
A pious endowment in the Islamic world- a gift on the object but also the use/upkeep. A popular example is commissioning a mosque lamp and the oil to light the lamp.
Portal
A portal is an opening in a wall of a building, gate or fortification, especially a grand entrance to an important structure
Typological Portrait
A portrait that helps link historical figures throughout time
Ribbed Groin Vault
A rib vault or ribbed vault is an architectural feature for covering a wide space, such as a church nave, composed of a framework of crossed or diagonal arched ribs
Tympanum
A tympanum is the semi-circular or triangular decorative wall surface over an entrance, door or window, which is bounded by a lintel and an arch. It often contains sculpture or other imagery or ornaments. Most architectural styles include this element
Tympanum/tympana
A tympanum is the semi-circular or triangular decorative wall surface over an entrance, door or window, which is bounded by a lintel and an arch. It often contains sculpture or other imagery or ornaments. Most architectural styles include this element.
Mendicant Orders
A unique variety of religious order that developed in the 13th century - Encouraged looking at the human qualities withing Christ
Pointed Arch
An arch with a pointed end, rather than round, to help support height and allow for stained glass windows
Enamel
An opaque or semi transparent glassy substance applied to metallic or other hard surfaces for ornament or as protective coating
Adorsed Figures
Animal/human figures that are arranged back-to-back
Tiraz
Arabic calligraphic band
Cloisonné Enamel
Artists affix wires or strips to a metal surface to delineate designs and create compartments that they subsequently fill with enamel
Carpet Page
Carpet pages are a characteristic feature of Insular illuminated manuscripts. They are pages of mainly geometrical ornamentation, typically placed at the beginning of each of the four Gospels in Gospel Books.
What is monasticism?
Christianan's would devote themselves to the religious practice
Bricolage
Construction or creation of something from a diverse range of things
Embroidery
Craft of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to apply thread or yarn
In what ways is the Röttgen Pieta "realistic"?
Emotional realism
Trinity
Father, Son, Holy Spirit
Quire
Four sheets of paper or parchment folded to form eight leaves, as in medieval manuscripts.
What were Medieval Monasteries like?
Groups of buildings which included churches, cloisters, cemeteries, kitchens, and much more
Radiating Chapels
In medieval churches, chapels for the display of relics that opened directly onto the ambulatory and the transept.
Relic
In religion, a relic usually consists of the physical remains of a saint or the personal effects of the saint or venerated person preserved for purposes of veneration as a tangible memorial.
Imitatio Christi
Latin for "the imitation of Christ."
Cames
Leed piece that helps build windows
Louis IX
Louis IX, commonly known as Saint Louis or Louis the Saint, is the only King of France to be canonized in the Catholic Church. Louis was crowned in Reims at the age of 12, following the death of his father Louis VIII; his mother, Blanche of Castile, ruled the kingdom as regent until he reached maturity
What is the purpose behind the graphic violence of many late-medieval images?
Meant to convey the suffering experienced by Christ
Mappamundi
Medieval European Map
Sardonyx
Sardonyx is an agate whose banding is straight and parallel. Much like agate, it is dyed to enhance or change its colors. Dyeing agate was an art practiced by the Romans from early on, but it reached perfection in the 1820s in Oberstein, Germany
Who commissioned the Mamluk mosque lamp?
Sayf al-Din Shaykhu
Why does the Rothschild Canticles have an erotic tone?
Sexual desire is a feeling experienced by all humans therefore it can communicate clearly the "feeling" of entering heaven
How do ugly or beautiful, peaceful or violent works differently engage their viewers through devotion and prayer? What was the function of emotion in these works?
Some devotional artworks are meant to convey a sense of peace and beauty, others are meant to make the viewer empathize with Christ and his experiences
Jamb statue
Statues carved on the jambs of a doorway or window. Jamb statues were often human figures- either religious figures or secular or ecclesiastical leaders.
Spolia
The act of repurposing pieces of artwork for political ad practical purposes
Flying buttress
The flying buttress is a specific form of buttress composed of an arch that extends from the upper portion of a wall to a pier of great mass, in order to convey to the ground the lateral forces that push a wall outwards, which are forces that arise from vaulted ceilings of stone and from wind-loading on roofs.
Gospels
The four gospels in the New Testament are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
What is the "geography of the page"?
The layout of that page
Cameo
The method of carving an object such as a gem. - Luthar Cross
How does the mosque lamp speak to the wider importance of patronage and pious endowments of mosques within the Islamic world?
The person who commissions the lamp does not obly provide the lamp, but they also pay an endowment for the oil used to light the lamp. They are paying for the function of the object.
Idol/Idolatry
Worship of idols
Devotional Art
art produced to provide a focal point for worship. Devotional art is made increasingly for private clientele as the Renaissance gains pace, although major church commissions continue as well.
Tapestry
is an ancient form of textile art which has been practised all over the world for thousands of years
