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How Well Do You Know Medieval Art?

Sucheta Pradhan
Time and space-wise, Medieval Art covers a huge expanse that spans over 1,000 years from present-day Europe to Middle East to North Africa. Take this quiz to learn about one of the most illuminated art eras in the history of humanity!
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The Beginning
Medieval art began during latter phases of Early Christian Art, and later evolved to became more refined in the Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic periods.
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Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017
The Theme
Christianity was the main subject in the medieval art of all styles. In later period, Islamic influences can be seen on medieval art; nevertheless, the main subject, Christianity, remained more or less constant.
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The basic vocabulary of Gothic art and architecture comprised brilliant colors and lead lines, and a delightful and attractive play of light and shade..
Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017
The Hues
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Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017
Romanesque Splendor
Romanesque architecture is characterized by members such as semi-circular arches, sturdy pillars, barrel vaults, high towers, and decorative arcades.
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Gothic Grandeur
Stained-glass windows are most prominent features of Gothic architecture, which can be seen in numerous soaring churches and cathedrals throughout Europe. They mainly feature Biblical scenes and characters.
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Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017
Enlightened Writing
A layer of gold leaf was applied on illuminated manuscripts in the medieval period to give them a radiant glow.
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Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017
Well Decorated
The first letter of every illuminated manuscript is highly adorned. It is mostly decorated with motifs of plants, animals, and/or mythological creatures.
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Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017
Rightly Written
In the medieval period, parchment-makers made parchments out of animal skin by drying and processing them so as to transform them into clean, white surfaces suitable for writing.
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Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017
Biblical Portrayals
Byzantine mosaics were extensively produced under the patronage of the Byzantine Empire between 4th and 15th centuries. They mainly portrayed Christian religious figures.
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Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017
Knightly Greatness
In medieval period, knights painted/carved unique symbols on their shields to tell one apart from the other. Usually, the symbols had two different colors.
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Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017
Family Legacy
In medieval times, every noble family had a “coat of arms”, a special, highly embellished family symbol or logo. These had distinctive colors and patterns, and were passed down from father to son.
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In middle ages, art forms like metalwork, ivory carving, enamel and embroidery using precious metals, etc., were more of a secular nature and considered to be minor or decorative arts.
Secular Art