Art+of+the+Middle+Ages

__**Art of the Middle Ages Lesson Plan**__ Lesson:

Early Middle Age art reflected the differences between Catholicism in the Western Roman Empire (Romanesque) and the Byzantium Empire (Byzantine). The art was largely created for the church. Byzantine Art’s characteristics include: Romanesque Art’s characteristics include:
 * -Religious figures
 * -Artists were members of the churches
 * -Muted tones
 * -One dimensional
 * -Figures were mostly front-facing
 * -Long, narrow faces
 * -No attempt at realism
 * -Illuminated Manuscripts
 * -Mosaics
 * -Fresco paintings in churches
 * -Generally no portraits
 * -Muted colors
 * After this, the Gothic and Middle Ages Art period emerged. There was a break from the influence of the church and the ideals moved more toward the coming Renaissance. The changes included:
 * -Brighter colors
 * -Sculptures
 * -Bronze art
 * -Stained glass windows
 * -Move towards realism
 * -Use of shading/light
 * -symmetry
 * -Depicting animals and mythological scenes

Activity: Choose from this list of artists and complete a realistic rendering of any of their works that appeals to you. Suggestions: [|**Donatello**] **(choose a statue to render using charcoal –David’s Torso)** [|**Giotto**] **(Madonna and Child or //part of// The Last Supper)** [|**Leon Battista Alberti**] **(Rendering of the classical triumphal arch or the full Temple of Rimini)** [|**Cimabue**] **(portrait of St John)** [|**Filippo Brunelleschi**] **(**dome for the Duomo of Florence**)** [|**Fra Angelico**] **(Adoration of the Magi painting)** [|**Lorenzo Ghiberti**] **(East Doors of the Baptistery of San Giovanni, Florence –referred to as "The Gates Of Paradise")**

You may use charcoal, oil paint, acrylics or graphite pencil. Have fun and post in our googlegroups!