6.02 Visual Arts: The Middle Ages

• Introduction
• Learn
• Try It
• Task

Introduction

If you like illustrated books, castles, knights, people in flowing clothes, jousters, and religious artwork, then you will enjoy learning about art of the Middle Ages! The Middle Ages was also known as the Medieval time period. You might have certain images in your mind for the Middle Ages that you have developed because of what you have seen in movies or on television.

During this time, also referred to as the Dark Ages, Christianity flourished in Europe. The spread of Christianity, and specifically Catholicism, brought with it new views of life and a rejection of the traditions and ideals of ancient times. In this lesson, you will see that art prospered during the Middle Ages. Very few names of the artists survive this time period, but they left behind an impressive legacy of art and culture.

 

Lesson Objectives

Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to... Examine and describe works of art from the Middle Ages Enduring Understandings Through the arts, people make meaning by investigating and developing awareness of perceptions, knowledge, and experiences. People gain insights into meanings of artworks by engaging in the process of art criticism. Visual imagery influences understanding of and responses to the world. People develop ideas and understandings of society, culture, and history through their interaction with and analysis of the arts. The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Arts Survey standards: 2, 3, 4, 7.