18 question for art history2

A. Takayama August/2018

MEDIEVAL SYNTHESIS: The Unifying Principles of Western European Cultures

in the Middles Ages

1. There was the orthodoxy of the "one true faith." Thus, there was only the Catholic Church, and only

one supreme head or leader (the Pope). A king could only rule with the "blessings" of the Pope. The

Church was at the center of all social and cultural principles of beliefs and behaviors.

Through the tenets of orthodoxy, there was one unifying vision of humanity and the universe.

The dogma, doctrines and policies of the one Church created a single mindset of beliefs and concepts for the populace.

2. One major form of political relationship: Feudalism

One all-embracing social structure: clergy, nobility and commoners; o each with its assigned functions and legal status.

Education followed an established pattern, not accessible to everyone.

By the end of the Middle Ages, a universal style of art: GOTHIC.

3. Strengths of the "synthesis" = Security of "belonging"

Psychological security, few doubts about what life was about.

Few reasons to feel isolated or rejected. "God's plan" for one's life

Role in life determined by God, all that was required is to live in accordance to approved custom.

Life was a shared enterprise: village, town, guild, fellowship or religious orders were all integrated

Differences in this world, equality before God in the next. Most ordinary people were then freed from making important decisions; most were uneducated and sought direction from the educated.

Control by higher authorities: both temporal and spiritual (the nobility and the Church)

Very slow to change --- change in itself was not encouraged nor supported.

4, Age of Faith was punctuated by famine, filth, disease, and violence.

Desensitization to violence, conflicts a way of life. Most people only lived to 35-40 years old.

Most rulers were young adults, 20-30 years old, so many acted unwisely and emotionally

900 – 1000 AD: "Peace of God" o Catholic Church forbade attacks on Church properties and clergy, women, children,

merchants, pilgrims and peasants.

1000 – 1100 AD: "Truce of God" o Church ruled to suspend military actions on Sundays and Holy seasons.

1200 AD - total failure of attempts to control political conflicts

5. Worst loss in Man's intellectual pursuits.

Most were ignorant, upwards of 90% of the population could not read or write

Education handicapped by superstitions: logical or critical thinking NOT encouraged

Exaggerated belief in the miraculous = acts of God. If not good, it's the work of the Devil.

Closed to systematic factual investigation. Religion was the source of all knowledge.

6. End of Medieval Synthesis and Age of Faith

Loss of power by Church through conflicts with French and other rulers

Increased movement of people: Monastic orders and pilgrimages

Increased awareness of the poor state of culture, health, etc.

Weakening of the perceptions of moral leadership of Church

"Black Death (bubonic plague)" of 1340-50, kills about 25-30% of total European population.

A. Takayama August/2018

Comparison of Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals

Romanesque Gothic Angouleme Cathedral, France Reims Cathedral, France Characteristics Romanesque Gothic

Emphasis horizontal vertical Elevation modest height soaring Layout multiple units unified, unbroken space Main Trait rounded arch pointed arch Support system piers, walls exterior buttresses Engineering barrel & groin vaults ribbed groin vaults Ambiance dark, solemn airy, bright Exterior simple, severe richly decorated with sculpture

adapted from "The Annotated Mona Lisa" by Carol Strickland and John Boswell

(Andrews & McMeel, Kansas City, 1992)