500 words essay about Europe medieval history

 Syncretism is the mixing of two or more elements to create something new.  Synthesis is the creation of something new as a result of reactions to a dominant idea or system.  Considerations for syncretism and synthesis:

 Religion  Culture  Materials  Workmanship/skill  Technology  Function INFLUENCES IN EUROPE  Germanic Peoples  New skills/styles  Roman Tradition  Ruins persist  Technology/skill lost  Christianity  Monasticism & Pilgrimages  Pagan Traditions  Fusion of practices  Local Economy  Need for Defenses MEDIEVAL ARCHITECTURE IN E UROPE Cluny Abbey • The largest abbey in Europe • Multiple reconstructions and additions • A center of Benedictine power • An example of Romanesque architecture • Romanesque is a term applied to the style that emerged after the fall of Rome. It imitated the Roman vaults, but had lost the technology of building a dome. • Square structures with cavernous interiors dominated the style. ROMANESQUE CHURCHES Last Judgement – Cathedral of Saint Lazare Typical façade terminology DETAIL OF SAINT LAZARE TYMPANUM • Take note of the elongated forms and angular style. • Notice the mixture of human and mythological creatures. • Pay attention to the skill required to render the images in relief. EXPRESSION OF FUNCTION  Abbeys and Cathedrals housed pilgrims.  Large interiors served seasonal congregations more than local congregations.  An economic and intellectual center for the surrounding communities.m FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS • Consider the many different types of housings and enclosures. • Relate this to the economy of the Abbey and the surrounding area. • Today, principal buildings remains while surrounding buildings are lost. What value does this communicate? A SHIFT TO THE GOTHIC STYLE • Begins in France • Term indicates a “non - Roman” style. • Emerges alongside wealth generated through the Crusades. • Mark important cities in the Kingdom • Influenced by Muslim styles in Spain and the Eastern Mediterranean. FLOORPLAN OF A WESTERN CHURCH COMPARE ROMANESQUE AND GOTHIC CHURCH SCULPTURE. IS THE SUBJECT MATTER THE SAME? DOES THE ARTIST WANT TO PRODUCE THE SAME EFFECT ON YOU ? Romanesque Gothic GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE PUT THE “SKELETON” OF THE BUILDING ON THE OUTSIDE TO ALLOW FOR INCREASED HEIGHT. WHITE GARMENT OF THE CHURCH Part 1 Part 2 CAN YOU IDENTIFY SYNCRETISM AND SYNTHESIS ?  Classical  Germanic  Christian  Arabic ARCHITECTURE IN A SIA  Unlike Europe, Continuous Development is the terminology applied to the sculptural arts in Asia.

 What does that mean?  Rather than waves of conquest, decline, and recovery that dictate shifts in sculptural and architectural styles, slow incremental change is the norm.  Medieval is not a term used in the areas of India, China, or Japan. INDIA  Hinduism – religion is described as “facets of a diamond ”  What does that mean?

 It is incorrect to describe Hinduism as Polytheistic. Rather, like a diamond, there is a single entity with multiple facets or manifestations.  The arts of India combine the sensual and the meditative. Test this claim against specific works of Indian literature and art. CONSIDER THE FLOORPLAN. WHAT AREAS MIGHT BE A SURPRISE TO A WESTERNER? MITHUNA COUPLE AT ORISSA  Consider the role of sensuality in Hindu art.

 What does the sensuality convey?  How does this value differ from expressions in other regions?  Reflect on the reading “Rasa Lila”.

 What does the dance accomplish?  What does the dance symbolize?  How is that shown here? CHINA  Fusion of Confucianism and Buddhism had taken place prior to the emergence of the Sui Dynasty.

 Combination of Buddhist Temples and Confucian Schools.  Monasteries as centers of learning.  Harmony and Unity are values expressed in the arts. SCULPTURAL ARTS IN CHINA  Merit was an important value expressed in China.

 Exam System to earn positions in the government  Time and Nature were important elements of Chinese art.

 How are these expressed in the arts? NOTICE THE COMBINATION OF IMAGE AND TEXT. CONSIDER THE SINGULARITY OF SUBJECT. JAPAN  Consider the statement that the culture of Japan is both delicate and fierce.

 What does that mean?  How is that statement illustrated? CONSIDER THE DELICACY DEMONSTRATED IN CONSTRUCTION AND IN ART.

Pagoda at Nara Kichijoten , Heian Period IN CONCLUSION  In a world where the illiterate outnumber the literate, visual communication is of utmost importance.

 Facilitate experiences  Communicate values  Relate episodes, stories  Express cultural traits.  These expressions may borrow elements but they also draw from the shared cultural heritage of their populations.