Medieval Illuminated Manuscript

The Beauty of Medieval Art Prints?

The Medieval Period of art covered approximately c. 200 – c. 1430. This Period includes Early Christian, Romanesque, and Gothic artwork.  The Catholic Church’s religious control influenced and often funded the striking artwork of these periods, based on the earliest artworks found under Rome in burial crypts or tombs.   Biblical subjects, Christian beliefs, and Classical mythology were most often the subject as artists persisted in addressing the traditional and the emerging religious beliefs.  The religious influence is seen in exquisite decorations found in churches or burial sites and living areas. The outstanding art during this period continues to use classical themes in many forms to display Christian life and beliefs at this time.  The colors in the earlier years of the Medieval Period appear to have been made using the classical muted colors, but artists transitioned to brighter colors as can be seen in beautiful reproductions of later artwork.

The Byzantine Empire in the East emerges by 350 AD as a competing force for the Church’s support, as well as power over the Roman Empire in the West.  The evolving art of this time shows the changing times.

Romanesque art started to emerge early in the eleventh century.  In reproductions of art of this period, growing wealth of European cities and the growing power of religion and the Church in everyday life becomes evident. The Churches’ influence is still predominant in many superb creations of art.  We can see this influence in reproduced artwork or prints of stunning artwork from this time in religious buildings and vaults of churches, as well as in the living quarters of these ancient people.

The Gothic style art evolved in the middle of the twelfth century in what we know today as France. It is during this period of history, when the Goths ruled France, we see prints of Gothic architectural features such as gargoyles and flying buttresses on Gothic cathedrals which represent to the art world the most beautiful and timeless accomplishments of the period.

In summary, we are very fortunate today to have so many types of technology which allow reproduction of all art history to everyone around the world. These brilliant and stunning art works created during the Medieval Period artwork are found in the form of illuminated manuscripts, panel painting and fresco paintings in churches, as well as architecture and sculptures. These reproductions are beautiful and would be a spectacular choice for any collection.  Now, if you have time, go to a search engine to view reproductions of this beautiful period of the world of art.  I hope you find one that you are passionate about.  Look for works by these famous artists from this period of art as you get started in your search:

•        Donatello

•        Giotto

•        Leon Battista Alberti

•        Cimabue

•        Filippo Brunelleschi

•        Fra Angelico

•        Lorenzo Ghiberti

•        Hildegard of Bingen

About the Author

Katherine Hughes has a passion for all Art and writes about Medieval Art for www.findtheprint.com

Medieval manuscripts of Corpus Christi College Cambridge

Song of Robin Hood $16.44 A collection of 18 classic ballads that tell the legend of Robin Hood. Musical notation is included. The b&w illustrations evoke Medieval illuminated manuscripts.

Understanding Illuminated Manuscripts $12.76 What is a breviary? What is an antiphonal? What is an incipit? This superbly illustrated book – part of the popular Looking At series – offers definitions of the techniques, processes, and materials used in medieval illuminated manuscripts. Concise

The Art of Music (Mixed media product) $13.3 A selection of 120 ofWestern art`s greatest paintingsthat depict people making music ? from solo piano players and small groups to great orchestras. This collection ranges from medieval illuminated manuscripts through the early-20th-century origins o…

120 Great Paintings of Horses Cd-rom and Book (Mixed media product) $13.43 This full-color compilation provides high-quality digital images of equine art from a broad range of historical eras. Sources include medieval illuminated manuscripts, Renaissance masterpieces, and Classical-era images from many of the g…