Arts and Culture Flashcards
Was stone sculpture available in Pagan England?
No, it was rare. Essentially, it is a Christian art form
Are works of art closely dated?
No, most assigned to a wide time-band
Where could you find naturalistic work and what does this reflect?
More Naturalistic work to be found in Mercia and Northumbria in the ninth century, reflecting Carolingian influence
Where is the oldest surviving artifact and where does it originate from?
The jamb of the doorway at Monkwearmouth Jarrow c.680s
How did Christianity revolutionize art according to the WBEASE?
Christianity revolutionized art as it now had a function - new models were also available: Pagan art favoured abstraction, Christianity required legible, figural iconography
What is an example of Christian imagery and Mediterranean decoration? Why did this vary from location to location?
Vine-scroll
Varied thanks to the extent of cultural connection, the greatest of which could be find in Northumbria in the 7th century.
How did works differ in the South from the North?
Works in the South were far more restrained, whereas those from Northumbria were more overt - especially Monkwearmouth Jarrow where they established their own distinct style
What does the Codex Amiatinus demonstrate?
Monkwearmouth’s direct connections with Rome and Gaul which so heavily influenced the works in 7th century Northumbria.
The overt nature of works in the North compared to the South
What is early Anglo-Saxon art confined to?
Personal items such as brooches, buckles or wrist-clasps - these are invariably decorated
How much influence did the Church hold in terms of projects in this period?
“about half of the economic resources and workforce in England poured into Ecclesiastical projects”
Sara N. James claims the churches were more organised than what?
the church more organised than “secular kingdoms”
In what letter does Alfred express his sadness at the demise of Latin?
Alfred’s translation of Pope Gregory the Great’s “Pastoral Care” is prefaced by a letter from the king to Bishop Werferth of Worcester
What does Alfred say in his letter to Bishop Werferth of Worcester?
What does this letter contain?
In this letter — evidently one of many sent to bishops throughout the land — Alfred describes how the standard of Latin learning had declined so much following many decades of viking attacks that, whereas once the land had been a magnet for foreign scholars, now learning had to be acquired from beyond its borders
The letter also mentions that each manuscript containing the translation was to come with an æstel (for pointing at words while reading), worth fifty gold coins. The Alfred Jewel is widely considered to be part of such a treasure.
What did Alfred instruct his bishops to do?
Alfred instructs his bishops to lead a programme of translation from Latin, the language of the Church, into the more widely accessible English vernacular, while also educating the young to read their own language.
What does the Frank’s Casket depict?
Depiction of the Adoration of the Magi accompanied by scenes from old pagan myths including the legend of Wayland the Smith
It incorporates both Pagan and Christian sentiments
