Medieval & Byzantine
unit 10
Rhythm
Medieval Art was an amazing period for bookmaking, a revival for architectural and sculptural advances. This time period has also been called the Dark Ages that has down played the accomplishments such as common law, parliamentary government, and modern day languages.
Byzantine Art is more problematic since the empire lasted centuries and cover huge geographic areas.
Unit Overview
This unit will divide the progress of Medieval art into the following overlapping periods: Early Medieval, Romanesque, and Gothic. Beginning with the fall of the Roman Empire, which is was start of both the Medieval and Byzantine eras, we will explore what set the stage for the developments for each periods advancements in art.
Unit Summary
The Medieval and Byzantine time periods and the associated art styles developed were vast. This unit will cover the major accomplishments in art and society. Such as the types of art the Church favored during this period and the symbolism that was used by the manuscript illustrators. We will discuss what is monasticism and where it originated. The primary purpose of the Romanesque castle will be discussed, as well as why the church sizes increased. The importance and messages in the stained glass windows will be explored.
In 330 Constantine moved the capital of the empire east from Rome to Byzantium, which was renamed Constantinople. Here art flourished from 330 C.E. until 1453.
Click here a access power point for this unit.
Vocabulary
catacombs~ underground passageways
mosaic ~ a decoration made with small pieces of glass and stone set in cement.
Distortion ~ that makes something appear different from the way it really is.
Fish eye ~ is an ultra wide-angle lens that produces strong visual distortion intended to create a wide panoramic or hemispherical image.
Foreshortening ~ portray or show (an object or view) as closer than it is or as having less depth or distance, as an effect of perspective or the angle of vision
Bird’s eye ~ is an elevated view of an object from above, with a perspective as though the observer were a bird
Catacombs ~ underground passageways as places to bury their dead and hold religious services.
Cloister ~ a covered walkway surrounding as open court or garden.
Monasticism ~ refers to a way of life in which individuals gathered together to spend their days in prayer and self denial.
Feudalism~ a system in which weak noblemen gave up their lands and much of their freedom to more powerful lords in return for protection. During the Romanesque period.
serfs ~ poor peasants who did not have land to give in return for protection.
Curriculum and Framing Questions
Essential Question:
What are the three periods of the Middle ages? How did early Christians use art to express their religious beliefs?
Focus/Guiding Questions:
What contributions were made by Charlemagne to learning and the arts during the early medieval period? What significant developments that came about during the Byzantine architecture and mosaic art?
Foundation Question:
What is the important contributions in the areas of architecture and art made by monks in the early medieval period?
Student Learning Goals:
Students will understand the reasons for Feudalism.
Students will discuss the role of Charlemagne.
Students will learn the changes in architecture for churches and monasteries during this time.
Targeted CPALMS and Content Standards:
VA.912.F.3.4 Follow directions and use effective time-management skills to complete the art-making process and show development of 21st-century skills.
VA.912.H.2.1 Identify transitions in art media, technique, and focus to explain how technology has changed art throughout history.
VA.912.S.3.7 Use and maintain tools and equipment to facilitate the creative process.
LAFS.910.SL.1.2 Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
LAFS.910.WHST.3.9 Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Unit Assessment:
Formative Assessment:
~ An 8 x 10 mosaic or stain glass window due Friday Jan. 26th.
~ 2 pages of sketchbook full of text and colorful images of Byzantine art.
~ One page demonstrating balance, rhythm, and unity with 16 circles.
~ Celtic knot
Summative Assessment:
Quizzes and Critiques with rubric assessments.
Unit Projects Choices:
6 x 6 image created by each student. For this group project the members will all agree on a common style from bird's eye, distortion, fish eye etc. The group will also agree on a subject they will all depict.