Art in the Middle Ages - Essay Example

Art is but a reflection of the social conditions and attitudes of a given period in time that helps us to better understand the fundamentals of society during that time. In short, art is a reflection of society and the artist is its mirror. The various art trends that were brought about during the Middle Ages helped to shed light on the cultural and socio-economic conditions that prevailed during that time. On the architectural front, an artistic renaissance emerged and was supported by both religious and secular patrons.

Islamic and Byzantine civilizations created an impact resulting in Romanesque architecture that involved magnificent cathedrals with round archways and intricate stone carvings. Following this was the Gothic architecture with its flying buttresses and vaulted ribs such as those used in the Notre Dame in Paris. Secondly, Literacy flourished during the Middle Ages. Latin was the dominant language in which many books were written but were also translated into other languages such as English, German, and French.

Lyrical poetry played an important role by celebrating the love between knights and ladies in the court. Epic tales of chivalry, love, and heroism were exemplified in wonderful literary works such as ‘Beowulf’, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and Canterbury Tales. Enlightening literature on Religion on the biographies of saints and their miracles were beautifully drawn and painted on manuscripts in gold and other brilliant colors. Thirdly, during the Middle Ages, music was considered to be an integral part of their lives and as it evolved, it increased in complexity with the monophonic Gregorian chant and interesting ballads that involved the complex weaving together of polyphonic musical lines.

Music as an art gave expression to Medieval life through courtly lyrics, lively dances, chanting and singing at Mass, and songs of drinking in taverns.