The great artistic movements of the Middle Ages—the Romanesque and the Gothic—emanated from France to other parts of Europe in a variety of ways, presenting a distinctive national creativity and character for the first time in medieval art. Among the architectural treasures explored in this class will be the majestic imperial churches in the Rhineland, the proud cathedrals of the independent Italian cities, and the playful novelty of the English Gothic style. Discover the remarkable figurative arts connected to these buildings, including the extraordinary sculpture of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the beautiful illustrated manuscripts used in services, and the stunning large-scale fresco cycles in Italian churches that foreshadow the early modern era.
Image: Window with two roundels and ornament from Christ Church Cathedral, Canterbury, “St. Stephen Disputing with Jews”, “The Last Judgement” lower roundel, ca. 1180, upper roundel before 1207, English (12th – 13th century), Stained glass with leading, 89.5 x 36.25 in. Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund