Early Medieval Art

Key Ideas:

• No particular style for Medieval art: classical, geometric, and natural designs.

• Medieval painting and sculpture mostly avoids naturalistic depictions.

• Information about history and techniques are lost such as technological advances and secrets to architecture.

• The Vikings were an aggressive culture that succeeded in oceanic navigation and boat building. They invaded the British Isles and colonized parts of France. They were officially Christianized in the 11th c. 

• "Dark Ages" describes the knowledge of the times than the time itself.

• Monasteries were the principal centers of learning and illuminated manuscript creation. Illustrations allowed for creativity and interpretation.​

• Hiberno-Saxons refers to the art of the British Isles (also known as insular art)