What are some characteristics of medieval art?

Answer 1

Figures in Byzantine art are highly stylized. The goal was to have symbols which clearly represent people, not to portray them as they appear on earth, because the emphasis was on their religious souls. They generally look like paper dolls, facing front and elongated.

The backgrounds of Byzantine art aren't very detailed. Since Byzantine art isn't meant to portray natural images, artists didn't use illusionism to create depth or perspective.

Byzantine art is almost always religious, many of them depicting saints. Look for halos, wounds in the feet and wrists like Christ, and gold leaf.

Answer 2

· There was a focus on painting human anatomy. When Michelangelo carved the statue of Moses, he included veins and muscles in the arms and legs. Another example is the "Vitruvian Man" painted by Leonardo da vinci, which studies the ideal proportions of a male figure. High Renaissance art focused on portraying the humans in their most natural form. Nudes were painted beautifully and aesthetically. Artists perfected the art of of facial expressions. Leonardo Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" and the "Last Supper" are a good example of this.

Answer 3

There are different movements of medieval art. A generally accepted scheme includes Early Christian art, Migration Period art, Byzantine art, Insular art, Pre-Romanesque and Romanesque art, and Gothic art.

British medieval art generally focused on religion, alchemy and depictions of historical events.

Religious art can be seen in churches especially the original glass etchings in the windows as one example.

In alchemy there are mystical symbolism and artwork usually found in textbooks that are difficult to understand.

The Battle of Hastings tapestry is a famous medieval depiction of an historical event.

The rich or those in a position of power who lived in the medieval times such as landowners or the monarch etc could afford self portraits or commissioned paintings.

If your question is academic/scholarly then you will need to research into the movements otherwise this is a very basic answer to a broad question. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

• Vivid colors
• No use of perspective
• Figures convey emotions
• Religious subjects

Answer 5

Characteristics of Mosaic in Byzantine Art

Answer 6

Medieval art tended to focus on religious material. Much of this art is still around in stained glass windows, illuminated manuscripts, and tapestries.