The Middle Ages: 3 Major Shifts



Three major shifts occurred that had far reaching effects on Western civilization:



Cultural leadership moved north from the Mediterranean to France, Germany and the British Isles.

The Middle Ages: 3 major shifts



Christianity triumphed over paganism and barbarism



Emphasis shifted from the here and-now to the hereafter (heaven). The body began to be viewed as corrupt rather than beautiful.

Byzantine Art



Byzantine refers to eastern Mediterranean art from A.D. 330 when Constantine transferred the seat of the Roman empire from Rome to Constantinople (also called Byzantium)

Byzantine Art



Constantinople became the center of civilization for early Christian art combined with Greek ornamental style which was rich in color and decoration

Byzantine Art: Mosaics



Characterized by sumptuous grandeur, halos spotlighting sacred figures and shimmering gold backgrounds.

Byzantine Art: Mosaics



Flat, stiff human figures were symmetrically placed, seeming to float as if hung from pegs.



Tall, slim with almond shaped faces, huge eyes and solemn expressions gazed straight ahead without the least hint of movement

Mosaic Comnenus

Justinian and Attendants

Mosaic of Emperor Justinian

Mosaic of Emperor Justinian

Mosaic of Emperor Justinian

Byzantine Art: Haga Sophia



Haga Sophia was nearly 3 football fields long



Combined Roman rectangular basilica layout with a huge central dome

Haga Sophia

Haga Sophia

Byzantine Art: Haga Sophia



Pendentives: 4 arches forming a square supported the weight of the dome

 40 arched windows encircle the base of the dome so that it appears to rest on a halo of light

Haga Sophia

Haga Sophia

Romanesque Art:



Builders borrowed from Roman architecture creating churches with rounded arches and columns



Layout of churches was in cruciform, symbolizing the body of Christ on the cross

St. Sernin in Toulouse, France

St. Sernin in Toulouse, France

Romanesque Art:



Romaneque churches were plain on the outside except for sculptural reflief by the main door.

 Most church-goers were illiterate so the scenes were telling stories in stone.

Last Judgement- Autun Cathedral

Last Judgement- Autun Cathedral

Last Judgement- Autun Cathedral

Romanesque Art:



Manuscripts were sacred objects created by monks and nuns.



Lavishly decorated to reflect their sublime, heavenly content.

 Studded with gems and gold.

Book of Kells

Book of Kells

Book of Kells

The Long Hall