Art History. I will need to complete 10 courses, at least 4 core courses and 6 electives. Art of the Medieval World is a core course.
The first session was an overview, covering Medieval Art across 1000 years (300-1300 AD). The lecture is led by Dr. Judy Scott Feldman who is, needless to say, a very knowledgeable expert and a good public speaker. She had us enraptured and taking notes. I think about 50 are in the class. Above I show the Chartres Cathedral, which was shown at the beginning of the program and which I saw almost exactly two years ago in France.
I cannot possibly explain all that was covered, but wanted to remember some high points. For example, Chartres Cathedral has rose and lancet windows that are not only beautiful but let light in that is colored and ever-changing and creates an atmosphere that can be described as an image of heaven. In Medieval times, the people were more concerned with divinity than with naturalistic portrayals....as in the classic style of the preceding period and the Renaissance, which followed. As an example, images of Mary, mother of Jesus, are portrayed in a stylized way and looking directly at the viewer, whereas in Renaissance art she appears as a real person. This has a lot to do with the purpose of the art. In Medieval times, it was an aid to reflection, meditation, and prayer was.
We also learned about the patterns in Celtic art, which is a Medieval Art form, and how the stylized patterns are meant to be contemplated. Again, the viewer is directed toward a more inward thought process.
Well, I see my understanding is incomplete. This week's lecture was on "Early Christian Art" and I hope to post about it soon.
it is just too hard to do a blog about it, but I am enjoying the class.
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