Medieval to Early Renaissance Art - 400-1400
1st century-c. 526 - Early Christian Art
Early Christian art falls into two categories: that of the Period of Persecution (up to the year 323) and that which came after Constantine the Great recognized Christianity: the Period of Recognition. The first is known primarily for construction of catacombs, and portable art which could be hidden. The second period is marked by the active construction of churches, mosaics, and the rise of book-making. Sculpture was demoted to works in relief only (anything else would have been deemed "graven images").
c. 526-1390 - Byzantine Art
Not an abrupt transition, as the dates imply, the Byzantine style gradually diverged from Early Christian art, just as the Eastern Church grew farther apart form the Western. Byzantine art is characterized by being more abstract and symbolic, and less concerned with any pretense of depth - or the force of gravity - being apparent in paintings or mosaics. Architecture became quite complicated and domes predominated.
622-1492 - Islamic Art
To this day, Islamic art is known for being highly decorative. Its motifs translate beautifully from a chalice, to a rug, to the Alhambra. Islam has prohibitions against idolatry, and we've little pictorial history as a result.
375-750 - Migration Art
These years were quite chaotic in Europe, as barbarian tribes sought (and sought, and sought) places in which to settle. Frequent wars erupted and constant ethnic relocation was the norm. Art during this period was necessarily small and portable, usually in the form of decorative pins or bracelets. The shining exception to this "dark" age in art occurred in Ireland, which had the great fortune of escaping invasion. For a time.
750-900 - The Carolingian Period
Charlemagne built an empire that didn't outlast his bickering and inept grandsons, but the cultural revival the empire spawned proved more durable. Monasteries became as small cities where manuscripts were mass-produced. Goldsmithing and the use of precious and semi-precious stones was in vogue.
900-1002 - The Ottonian Period
The Saxon king, Otto I, decided he could succeed where Charlemagne failed. This didn't work out either, but Ottonian art, with its heavy Byzantine influences, breathed new life into sculpture, architecture and metalwork.
1000-1150 - Romanesque Art
For the first time in history, art is described by a term other than the name of a culture or civilization. Europe was becoming more of a cohesive entity, being held together by Christianity and feudalism. The invention of the barrel vault allowed churches to become cathedrals, sculpture became an integral part of architecture, and painting continued mainly in illuminated manuscripts.
1140-1600 - Gothic Art
"Gothic" was first coined to (derogatorily) describe this era's style of architecture, which chugged on long after sculpture and painting had left its company. The gothic arch allowed great, soaring cathedrals to be built, which were then decorated with the new technology of stained glass. During this period, too, we begin to learn more individual names of painters and sculptors - most of whom seem anxious to put all things Gothic behind them. In fact, beginning around 1200, all sorts of wild artistic innovations started taking place in Italy.
Next: The Renaissance
