Certainly the Church was nearly the only force for about 800 years which could fund art and architectural projects; hence, most all art during this period is reflective of biblical themes, the most obvious being the cathedrals. Nevertheless, it's best to know the four key artistic periods that took place within this time:
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Gothic Period: Pointed arches, stained glass windows, and illuminated manuscripts, highly symbolic. 1100-1300. | |
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| The Annunciation from Ohrid |  | c 1300
Byzantine art, the Annunciation is the Archangel Gabriel's revelation to Mary that she will bear the Son of God. (Luke)
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| Lorsch Gospels |  | 778-829
Carolingian art of Charlemagne's Court School.
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| Adam, Eve, and the female Serpent |  | Gothic art at the entrance to Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
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| Giotto, Slaughter of the Innocents |  | 1305
While a medieval artist, Giotto's detail clearly crosses artistic periods and reveals hints of the Renaissance.
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| Limbourg brothers, Tres Riches Heures (Book of Hours) |  | c. 1412-1416
Gothic illuminated manuscript, this one of January. This is one of about 416 pages which shows the commissioning Duke's castle along with zodiac imagery and lunar calendar.
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| Giotto, Lamentation Over Christ |  | 1305-1306
Giotto was known for his emotional and dramatic effects.
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| Botticelli, Last Communion of St. Jerome |  | c. 1495
This is a painted wooden panel
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| Simone Martini |  | 1285-1344
late Gothic period, dark themed, and high emotion. | |
| Joos van der Beke van Cleve, Adoration of the Magi |  | c. 1525
At the Detroit Institute of Arts |
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