11 Courtiers and Burghers: the fourteenth century

Question 1

How had Europe changed from 12th to 14th century?

Answer 1

Towns were centres of trade and power, rather than castles ruled by feudal lords.

Question 2

What is this building, what are its dates and what does it exemplify?

Answer 2

Exeter Cathedral, West front, c. 1350-1400. The Decorated Gothic style

Question 3

What are the characteristics of the Decorated Gothic style of the 14th century in England?

Answer 3

Complicated tracery and decoration

Question 4

What is this building, what are its dates and what does it exemplify?

Answer 4

The Doge’s palace, Venice, begun 1309, Venetian Gothic, carrying elements of Byzantine and Islamic architecture

Question 5

What is this work, what are its dates and what does it exemplify?

Answer 5

Sculpture of Virgin and Child, unknown French goldsmith, c. 1324-9. Exemplifies skill of 14th century artisans, and the production of exquisite works for private worship.

Question 6

Who is the great Sienese master of Giotto’s generation?

Answer 6

Duccio

Question 7

Duccio’s dates?

Answer 7

1255-1315

Question 8

Who arrives from Heaven in the annunciation and what does he say?

Answer 8

Archangel Gabriel. “Ave gratia plena”

Question 9

What does dove generally symbolise in religious painting?

Answer 9

Holy ghost

Question 10

Identify, date, describe

Answer 10

Annunciation, Simone Martini & Lippo Memmi (School of Duccio), 1333, part of altarpiece made for Siena cathedral.

Shows transition from symbolism of Byzantine art, with slanting eyes and curved mouths, towards growing realism of Renaissance–cf vase on floor, shading on half-open book.

Question 11

Giotto was a contemporary of which poet?

Answer 11

Dante, who mentions him in the Divine Comedy

Question 12

Years of Avignon papacy?

Answer 12

1309-1377

Question 13

Who painted a portrait of Petrarch’s Laura, which he treasured?

Answer 13

Simone Martini, student of Duccio

Question 14

In the 14th century, painters began to create _________ from nature

Answer 14

In the 14th century, painters began to create portraits from nature

Question 15

How is John the Baptist recognizable in art?

Answer 15

Usually depicted with a reed cross, camel’s skin clothing and holding or accompanied by a lamb

Question 16

Identify, date, describe

Answer 16

The Wilton Diptych, Richard II being recommended to Christ. c 1395. Shows the International Gothic Style.

Question 17

What is the International Gothic Style?

Answer 17

Style extending across western Europe around 1275 to 1415. Bridge between Gothic and Renaissance art. Rich use of colours and gold decoration, emphasis on delicate detail and smooth forms.

Question 18

Identify, date, describe

Answer 18

Limbourg Brothers, page from Les Très Riches Heures of the Duke of Berry, c 1410, shows mix of early Renaissance realism (perspective, shading, details from nature) and Medieval decoration (stylisation, formulaic faces and trees).

Question 19

Before the 1400s it was enough to learn visual ________ for representing the _______ story. Now the artist needed to be able to reproduce ________.

Answer 19

Before the 1400s it was enough to learn visual formulas for representing the sacred story. Now the artist needed to be able to reproduce nature.

Question 20

Identify, date, describe

Answer 20

Antonio Pisanello (1395-1455), Studies of a Monkey, c1430. Shows new-found interest in depicting nature realistically, and new artistic practise of sketching from nature.

Question 21

Giotto di Bondone dates?

Answer 21

1267-1337

Question 22

What is a book of hours?

Answer 22

Illuminated manuscript popular in the Middle Ages, consisting of a collection of prayers and psalms arranged according to the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church.

Typically accompanied by intricate illustrations and decorations, and personalized for wealthy owners.

Most famous and elaborate examples were created during the late Gothic and early Renaissance period.