ART APPRECIATION

Art Appreciation

Art Appreciation

Difference between manuscript painting of the Carolingian period and that of the Romanesque

The Early Medieval Period, among several other key dominions, witnessed the rise and the development of Carolingian Empire too. The reign united most of West Europe under the rule of Charlemagne & his successors, from 780-900 AD. The Carolingian Art was a reflection of Germanic Art, and the movement is known as 'Carolingian Renaissance (Erwin, 2009).'

Charlemagne ruled the entire Europe as per the biblical laws, which also inspired artists/sculptors, thereby triggering the rise of the 'Classical Mediterranean Romanesque Art.' Charlemagne gave momentum & support to 'Roman Classicism' by replicating both Early Christian models & the contemporary Byzantine and Greco-Roman styles (Jean, 2006). In effect, we can say that the Early Medieval Art during the Carolingian period was more of renewal rather than a true revival of 'Classicism.'

The term "Romanesque" was coined in 1818 by Charles-Alexis-Adrien de Gerville to describe the form of art and architecture that preceded Gothic. The term is Roman in French; Romanish in German; Romaanse in Dutch, Románico in Spanish and Romanico in Italian.

As the name indicates, Romanesque is ultimately inspired by Roman architecture (Lind, 1998). Similarities between Roman and Romanesque include round arches, stone materials, and the basilica-style plan (used for secular purposes by the Romans).

But the influences that led to the Romanesque style are far more complex than that. Romanesque architecture also shows influences from Visigothic, Carolingian, Byzantine and Islamic architecture.

Importance of Irish monasteries in Europe in the 7th and 8th centuries

From the Sixth through the Tenth Centuries, the monastery movement which flowered and grew to great size in Ireland and spread to Scotland, England, Gaul and N. Italy, had a profound effect on the emergence of the Carolingian Holy Roman Empire, and may even be said to have created the Carolingian and Ottonian monarchies(Peter, 2007). From this movement also came the majority of the early foundations of the Benedictine order, which as of 750 AD was the sole and universal monastic order of the Roman Catholic Church. This monastic movement was nothing like the later, usurious Benedictine Order; it was the basis upon which Pope StSumner, 2001). Gregory and his successors were able to break the Church free at last from the Byzantine successors of the old Roman emperors and nobility.

Scriptoria

Scriptorium, literally "a place for writing", is commonly used to refer to a room in medieval European monasteries ...