Ideas Flashcards
Manuscript process
First, the animal pelt is soaked in a lime bath and then dried while stretched over a large wooden frame. It is then cleaned and scraped with a circular, half moon knife to get rid of grime and hair. Lastly, it is pumiced and chalked to achieve its milky white smoothness.
Origins of glass
The origins of the use of glass and translucent materials in architectural contexts is related to Ancient Rome. They were intended to bring in diffused light.
How did romans make windows?
They set glass, mica, alabaster and shell in wooden frames to use as windows to let in light.
Appeal of stained glass to the Christian Church
They found stained glass to be both aesthetic and spiritual in its origin.
What did St. Augustine argue?
Stained glass windows are never static; in the course of the day they are animated by changing light and a building diffused with that very element is what he believed received divine approval.
What did Stained Glass reflect (medieval concept)
The architectural development of stained glass was a reflection of the medieval concept of the role of light in the ecclesiastical interior.
What did Glass-Painters have access to?
They had access to libraries and/or private collections of manuscripts.
How did glass painters get ideas for their work?
They recreated iconographic scenes from paintings and manuscripts via cartoons.
How was glass stained/coloured?
Glass was painted on with various pigments, including copper, iron oxides and silver nitrate. These were then fired in a kiln to set and make practically permanent. Later, when glass staining was discovered, glass was stained using more oxides while in its molten state.
Why was it so hard to produce a bible?
In the Early Middle Ages, production of complete bibles was rare due to the extensive length of the bible and cost in time, money, animals and wealth that would be involved. It was the reason why biblical text was often transcribed in multiple volumes for specific purposes. (It was PROHIBITLY expensive due to the amount of materials that were required to make a manuscript as hefty and important as the bible.)
When was Christianity introduced to the Anglo-Saxons and who was responsible?
The Anglo-Saxons were the last significant pagan peoples and Christianity was introduced to them by Italian missionaries in the late 6th century.
Irish (Scottic) Missionaries were responsible for what?
The evangelization of the Northumbrian Kingdom
What were Irish monasteries characterized by?
Early Irish monasteries are characterized by circular enclosures, numerous circular structures (assumed to be monastic cells, where monks slept, made private prayer or held small services) and rectilinear buildings that were churches and workshops. Stone was used in only the most important buildings like the church.
Why was the transcription of holy writing and libraries so important?
The transcription of holy writings and establishment of libraries was a monastic duty, and the act of copying such a text was considered a pious act.
What did Irish monks accomplish?
The Christianization of Northumbria
Organizational formula of Hiberno-Saxon gospel books
Each gospel was preceded by an author-portrait, a carpet page and a major decorated initial page.
Why were manuscripts like the Lindisfarne gospels not intended for personal use?
They were mostly for display because of how large and heavy they were. They were designed to be visible at a distance to a congregation sitting in the body of the church. A manuscript could be observed on an altar, and recent research has made it clear that gospel books were displayed to the faithful in processions. Intricate and detailed decorations were for contemplation only by those who had access to the manuscript.
What is the evidence for Iona’s accomplished scriptorium?
In addition to material evidence that is the Cathach of St. Columba and the Book of Durrow, there is literary evidence as well. Adamnan wrote the Life of Columba there between 688 and 692, Iona Chronicle was compiled until 704. Though interest in annalistic compilation waned in the mid-eighth century, Iona’s scriptorium was still active as late as the ninth century as demonstrated by an oblique passage in the annals.
Literacy in the Middle Ages
Most people were not literate with letters, but they could understand and interpret complex ideas via intricate art. Visual literacy is more important to medieval people than written literacy. “Those who do not know letters may at least read by seeing on the walls what they are unable to read in books.”
How did the Christian familia witness and engage in biblical stories?
The familia (Christian community) engaged with various religious images in church, guided by a priest, therefore collectively “witnessing” biblical stories.
Examples of public art in religious contexts
Mihrab, east window
Where and why was early stone sculpture created?
Early stone sculpture was created in specialized monastic ateliers to promote Christian doctrine (propaganda) and elite patrons of the Church, as elite patrons helped fund the church.
What was stone used for in the early Medieval period?
Stone replaced ephemeral building materials (timber, wattle, and daub) as churches took up classic architectural forms (basilica). Also used as the medium for monumental sculpture - a new art form in the early medieval west.
What were East Anglian monks proficient in?
In the 8th century, East Anglian monks were proficient stoneworkers. In Ely, around 699, there was evidence that suggested some monks in Ely could carve and shape stone.
Who owned quarries and made sculptures?
Covenants and monasteries were the only organizations with enough wealth to create and fund stone works, as well as buy and maintain quarries.
Why was stone sculpture unique?
Stone sculpture was unique because they were hard and hefty to move, and usually were found in the original place of display. Thus, the place of origin and meaning are intact.
