Question

what are some examples of medieval art and architecture when classical, Christian and barbarian concepts are fused together?

Answer 1

The medieval art and architecture show cases a variety of socio-cultural conditions prevalent in those times and proves to be a proof of the nature of societies, the artistic temperament of those times and host of other complex issues that act as reference for us today. From paintings to sculpture to glass work, the art medieval art and architecture show cases   the immense talent of those times ( approximately from the 5^th to the 15 the century).Medieval art and architecture is a candid historical accumulation of the rich cultural heritage of classical concepts (depiction of gods like Neptune, Jupiter, Minerva, Venus and so on , not just on paintings but also on kitchen accessories like ladles, vessels and so on shows the great influence of classical concepts). Christianity being an emerging religion of those times, was beginning to influence the art and architecture of medieval period to a considerable extent—with painters , sculptors and others adapting to the changing socio-religious scenario –Even Roman artists were getting diverted from their traditional classical depiction of art and , at times would seek to create a fusion of various aspects prevailing in those times which was a deviation from the traditional classical culture. The prevailing wars, plague like situation shave all been an influential factor on the art and architecture. Embracing Christianity, many artists and artisans sought o deviate from the classical form by depicting the tenets of the ‘then’ newer religion of Christianity, even tombs of Christians and Christian converts showcased the important biblical principles which act as a proof of the slow yet a symbolic change or a fusion of the classicism and Christian cultures. This was also depicted upon silver based items that serve as a strong proof of the changing scenario. Roman art , especially shows the influence of both religion(Christianity) an the cultural conditions prevailing in the Roman period—a diverse yet an important proof today of how the medieval artist’s mind was influenced.

Due to the prevalence of poverty, the high investment costs, illiteracy, the domination of the agricultural sector, the art and architecture showed more of an influence of ‘ after death’ utopian experiences – a situation feeling that ‘maybe life after death would be better than what was now’.

Churches, cathedrals, all serve as a existing proof of the architectural excellence in depicting the biblical philosophy and teachings.

Yet on a more common note, glass paint depictions of varied forms and colours showed the diversity of thoughts existing during those periods as well as the merging of the earlier times with the changing times.The art and architecture became a medium to express a variety of complex philosophies and realities of life and conditions prevailing in those times.