The Dark Ages - a Prelude to Light and Renaissance - Essay Example

The Dark Ages – A Prelude to Light and Renaissance A period of nearly thousand years after the fall of the Roman and Greek Empires and starting of the Renaissance in Europe is commonly referred to as the Middle Ages (also known as the dark ages). This period is roughly calculated as starting from 476 AD and ending in 1453 AD. Throughout this period, life in Europe was difficult and not marked by spectacular events, inventions, discoveries or other successes that was seen regularly in the pre-medieval period and during the renaissance. One of the major events during its long period was the crowning and rule of Charlemagne, the great who was instrumental in unification of many areas of Central Europe. Another was the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans which marked the historical ending of the Middle Ages. But major developments in art and architecture were one of the key features during this period. An attempt is made to review the art and architecture during this period loosely based on Laurie Schneider Adam’s book ‘A History of Western Art.’ Proposed review will follow the art and architecture during the early Christian era, followed by the influence of Byzantine culture. Islamic and Ottoman influence is covered next after which the Roman style that was seen during the period will be reviewed. Next comes the Gothic style and the building of the many great cathedrals that one sees in Europe. Even though referred to as the dark ages, many developments that evolved during the Renaissance period had its base in the Middle Ages. Hence this period is very relevant in a humanities course. One institution that held on strongly after the fall of the Roman Empire was the undivided Christian church. Christians were allowed open worship by the Edict of Milan which ultimately resulted in the religion becoming very widespread. Christian architecture flourished during the early days of the Middle Ages and was characterized by two types of structures namely a longitudinal basilica and the centralized baptistery. “The exteriors of Early Christian buildings were plain and unadorned and the interiors contrarily, were richly decorated with marble floors and wall slabs, frescoes, mosaics, metal works, hangings, and sumptuous altar furnishings in gold and silver.” (Early Christian Art). Some examples include the churches of San Stefano Rotondo and the Baptistery of Constantine. Byzantine art and architecture was greatly influenced by Rome because the cultural and social foundation of that great city was undeniable Roman. But most monuments during this period were also greatly influenced by East European architecture and the Hellenized East. Mosaic was a favorite item used in Byzantine architecture especially within its churches. Hagia Sophia is an imposing church that was built within five years starting in 523 AD is a perfect example of classic Byzantine architecture. This monument was converted into a mosque after the fall of Constantinople and is at present a museum. Unfortunately most of the icons (for worship) and the Byzantine architecture itself were destroyed in later periods and very little remains to showpiece a great period in history. Another influence on art and architecture was that of Islam which made great political inroads into Europe in areas such as modern Spain and Turkey. Islamic art and architecture had a style of its own characterized by domes and minarets. The huge mosque in Spain called the Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain. Built during the Umayyad dynasty that ruled Spain, it was considered to be the largest mosque in the world at the time of its completion. After the Spanish conquest and subsequent re-Christianisation of the country, the mosque was re-converted into a church and currently houses the diocese of the city of Cordoba. Fortress of Alhambra also situated in Spain is another example of Islamic architecture especially towards the end to the middle ages. Northern European influence on architecture was promoted by King Charlemagne in the Carolingian style. This style opted for spacious structures for its monuments and churches. “An innovation of Carolingian builders, which was to be of incalculable importance for the later Middle Ages, was the emphasis given to the western extremity of the church. The facade, flanked symmetrically by towers, or simply the exterior of a massive complex (westwork), became the focal point of the structure.” (Carolingian Architecture and Art). Ottonian dynasty which had its origins in Germany also spread during this period. Most of the kings during the period carried the name Otto and the architecture of the period was influenced by the Carolingian and Byzantine styles. Examples of Ottonian architecture are Church of St. Gertrude in Belgium, built during the first half of the eleventh century and the church of St. Michael in Germany built during the 1010 and 1033. Romanesque art and architecture became common during the central period of the Middle Ages especially during the early part 11th century. The name Romanesque was given to this type of art and architecture because of the influence of the Roman architecture. As seen in the case of most of the other architectural influences, this style also incorporated ideas and designs from Byzantine and Eastern art as well. Main characteristic of this style was the incorporation of massive vaults in place of flat and wooden roofs seen in most Christian structures and churches of period. One advantage that was seen by the builders of the time was that it was very much resistant to fire compared with wooden roofs. Constant attacks usually posed the risk of monuments being burnt down by enemies and masonry vaults were a way to prevent this from happening. Churches of San Miniato al Monte, St. Madeleine Vézelay, and the one in Cologne called Church of St. Mary are examples of Romanesque architecture during the Middle Ages. By the year 900 AD, one of the most important developments with regard to religion was the concept of undertaking pilgrimages to many important religions churches in Rome. A church in the name of St. James in Spain became so popular that it even rivaled the patronage received by many churches in Rome and even in Jerusalem. Pilgrimage road or roads actually comprise four such roads starting from the south of France and other parts of Europe that led pilgrims to the place mentioned above. An example of one such road, which was given the name Via Tolosana, began from the town of Arles in Italy. Another major area of art was the development of the Romanesque illustrated manuscripts. These manuscripts were influenced by many cultures that included Byzantine, Anglo-Saxon, and Ottonian ones. Roman or Romanesque influence in art also showed up in the beautiful and nearly monochromatic mural paintings inside places of worship. Bayeux Tapestry was an art form that depicted a special event like a victory in a battle. In fact, there is no real proof when the concept of depicting events on tapestry originated or even that it was during the Romanesque period. But evidence suggests that it originated some time during the early part of the eleventh century, the time when Romanesque art and architecture was beginning to be popular. Depiction of the Norman victory over the Anglo-Saxons can be cited as an example. The most extraordinary era with regard to architecture during the Middle Ages must be the concept of the huge cathedrals found in many cities of Europe. According to Laurie Schneider Adam, cathedrals were at that time the largest economic centres in Europe at that time. Gothic style of architecture also began to find its presence during the Middle Ages. Many of the famous cathedrals were in the style of Gothic architecture. This architecture which began to be popular during the twelfth century was soon represented in cathedrals, churches, public utility buildings, universities, and castles. A lot of these great monuments still stand as testimony to the skills of the architects of the time. Popularity of this style continued even on to the Renaissance period. An attempt to cover a vast subject like art and architecture over a period of 1000 years has been attempted. Many influences like Islam, Christian, Ottonian, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic cultures have made itself felt during this period. As mentioned earlier, this rich collage of cultures must have been the foundation of the Renaissance period that shook Europe in later years. Even though no earth shattering events happened during the period a quite and unintended revolution was taking place over this period. The long reign of Constantinople had ended and a period of Muslim conquest had begun. This was soon repelled and most of Europe soon returned to Christianity. It can be concluded that whatever events that took place during this time only helped to make the world a richer place especially in terms of art and architecture. Works Cited Carolingian Architecture and Art. Encyclopedia.com. 2008. 27 Jan. 2009. . Early Christian Art. Museum Quality. 27 Jan. 2009. . Read More