Germanic,

Hiberno-Saxon,

and Carolingian

ca. 500-900

I. HISTORYA. The Vandals sacked Rome in 455, and the last Roman emperor died in 475.

In the following centuries (ca. 500-1400), several cultural and artistic

styles evolved. The general term for this time is “ ." The

important styles during the years were: , ,

, (secular), , , and .

B. After the dissolution of the Roman Empire, Western Europe was

fragmented, and the population was plunged into violence and illiteracy.

During this time society slowly rebuilt itself, resulting in a conglomerate

culture inherited from Germanic tribal traditions, de-contextualized

Greco-Roman remnants, and Christian iconography, presided over by the

church as the only and ultimate authority. This era, once called "the dark

ages," eventually resulted in the foundation of modern European nations.

II. GERMANICA. Various Germanic tribes (Huns, Ostrogoths, Visigoths, Franks, Vandals

Burgundians, Celts, Vikings, Angles, and Saxons) belonged to one language

family. They were tribal and warlike, following a migratory existence.

B. Germanic Tribal traditions

1. Epic poem ofa. Exalts personal valor and heroism associated with a

warring culture.

Beowulf

medieval

Germanic Hiberno-SaxonCarolingian Feudal Romanesque Gothic 14th century

b. Transmitted orally and eventually written.

c. Is the first monumental literary composition in a European

vernacular language (Old English).

2. Purse cover from

a. From a Viking ship burial

b. Medium of

c. decoration

III. HIBERNO-SAXONA. Religious objects. In 432 Saint Patrick established the first Christian

church in Ireland and began the conversion of the Celts.

1. Ardagh Chalice

a. Medium of precious metal, gold wire, glass, and enamel

b. Used in celebration of the Mass

2. Lindisfarne , Carpet Page

a. Illuminated manuscript

b. Christian book wrought in intricate Hiberno-Saxon style

c. The monastery of Lindisfarne was established in 635.

IV. CAROLINGIANA. Charlemagne

1. Frankish chief Charles the Great ruled from 768 to 814

cloisonné

Zoomorphic

Gospels

Sutton Hoo

2. Pursued the dream of restoring the Roman Empire under

Christianity, and crowned "Holy Roman Emperor."

3. Led a rebirth in literacy, art, and culture, established link with

Bagdad, opened trade routes, and encouraged scholarship.

B. , from The Coronation Gospels

1. Integration of classical culture with Christian subject.

2. "Gospels" is a collection of the four Evangelists' versions of the life

of Jesus.3. Evangelists and their symbols:

a. Matthew (angel)

b. John (eagle)

c. Luke (ox)

d. Mark (lion)

C. Utrecht Psalter

1. A “ " is a collection of Biblical Psalms (Songs written by

King David).

2. Illustrates the Psalm: "Praise the lord with the sound of the

trumpet...with the psalter and harp…with tambourine and

dance...with stringed instruments and organs...upon loud cymbals."

D. Jeweled cover of the Lindau Gospels

1. Integration of Germanic, Roman, and Byzantine styles.

Psalter

The Four Evangelists

E. Palatine Chapel of Charlemagne, , Germany

1. Inspired by San Vitale, Ravenna

2. Attached to palace complex

Aachen

Purse cover from Sutton Hoo, c. 630. Gold with garnets and cloisonné enamel, length 8 in.

Ardagh Chalice, from Ireland, early 8th century. Silver, gilt, bronze, gold wire, glass, enamel

Carpet Page,

from the Lindisfarne Gospels, c. 700.

Manuscript illumination

Equestrian statuette of Charlemagne,

from Metz, 9th century.

Bronze with traces of gilt. Height 9 ½ in.

The Four Evangelists,

from The Coronation Gospels, c. 805

Utrecht Psalter, featuring

Psalm 150, c. 830. Ink on vellum,

1 ft. 1 in. x 9 7/8 in.

Front cover of the Lindau Gospels,

c. 870. Silver gilt with cloisonné enamel

and precious stones, 13 3/8 x 10 3/8 in.

Odo of Metz, Palatine Chapel of

Charlemagne, Aachen, Germany,

c. 792-805

Beowulf— an Old English epic poem celebrating the

legendary Scandinavian hero Beowulf; the first monumental

literary composition in a European vernacular language

Sutton Hoo— the site in Suffolk of a Saxon ship burial of the

seventh century, containing magnificent grave goods including

jewelry and gold coins

Cloisonné— (French, cloison, “fence”) an enameling

technique produced by pouring molten colored glass between

thin metal strips secured to a metal surface; any object

ornamented in this manner

Zoomorphic— animal-shaped; having the form of an animal

Gospels— the four New Testament books that relate the life

and teachings of Jesus

Illuminated manuscript— a luxurious handmade book with

painted illustrations and decorations

Four Evangelists— the writers of the four Gospels

(John, Matthew, Luke, Mark)

Psalter— a book containing the Psalms

Medieval— In European history, the era between the Roman

Empire and the Renaissance. Also called the Middle Ages

Germanic— People who consisted of various tribes (Huns,

Ostrogoths, Visigoths, Franks, Vandals, Burgundians, Celts,

Vikings, Angles, and Saxons) and belonged to one language

family. They were tribal, warlike, and followed a migratory

existence

Hiberno-Saxon—Style of art produced in British Isles post-

Roman Empire. Also known as insular art. Most of the art

originates from Irish monasticism, especially illuminated

manuscripts.

Carolingian— The Frankish noble family that reigned in

Europe, reached its peak with Charlemagne as emperor. His

death in 814 led to fragmentation and decline.

Feudal— System of legal and military customs in medieval

Europe. The feudal system was a structure for society based

around the exchange of land for service or labor.

Romanesque— “Roman-like,” medieval style of art and

architecture during the 11th to 13th centuries that used Roman

models.

Gothic—Medieval style of art and architecture that followed

the Romanesque style. Also developed architectural

innovations such as the flying buttress.

14th Century—A dynamic and unstable era of transition

between the past (Gothic) and future (Renaissance), containing

elements of both old and new ideas.