Medieval Art:
337 - 1453 AD
During the Medieval period from 337 to 1453
AD, the Classical worlds depictions in art of
human concepts such as beauty and a concern
with the physical world were rejected. In its
place art became more spiritual in its subject
matter reflecting the increasing power and influence
of religion. Art was created in service of the
church and to communicate religious experiences.
During this period great cathedrals were built
with decorative sculptures, paintings and mosaics
depicting biblical events and characters and
visions of the afterlife. Also decorated books
of the Gospels known as illuminated manuscripts
were created. In a sense the mentality of this
period was closer to that of Prehistoric humans,
who created art to represent their beliefs in
magic, fertility and the hunt. |
Renaissance Art:
1400 - 1880 AD
The revival of Classical learning known as the
Renaissance began in Italy in 1400 AD, from
where it spread across Europe and during which
time artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo
created their masterpieces. The years from 1420
to 1500 are called the Early Renaissance whilst
the the years from 1500 to 1530 are called the
High Renaissance. During these years artists
developed masterful control of their materials,
creating works of balanced, classical harmony.
Subsequently, the period known as Mannerism
began, which although still technically part
of the Renaissance was a phase during which
elegance was the aim of artists. Between 1600
and 1700 Baroque artists such as Carravaggio
and Rembrandt created realistic portrayals of
all levels of society. After Rococo art between
1700 and 1750 became overly concerned with ornament
their neo-classical successors between 1750
and 1880 returned again to the worlds of Classical
Greece and Rome for their inspiration. |
