Alex- She did a nice job with her post. It covered the main topics and was well written.
Angie- Her post was interesting to read and helped me to get a better understanding of these periods. Her pictures also helped me to visualize the main components the design styles.
Saturday, February 27, 2016
Peer Reviews: The Americas
Holli- Her post was very informative and thorough. I like that she broke it up into different sections, it made it organized and easier to read. Her pictures were also all excellent examples of what this period was about.
Emma- Her post was brief yet to the point. It was written in a way that kept me interested and wanting to know more! I like how she focused on the structures, their construction, and design.
Emma- Her post was brief yet to the point. It was written in a way that kept me interested and wanting to know more! I like how she focused on the structures, their construction, and design.
The Americas
The Americas were a time the spanned from 2000BC-1521AD. This included the Olmec (1st dominant culture in southern Mexico), Aztec (Mexico), Inca (Peru), and Mayan-Toltec (Central America) civilizations. The geography of these places were humid and tropical in the low lands, and extreme climate shifts were experienced in the mountains.
Religion played an important role in these civilizations as well. Temples and pyramids were build to represent the gods and powers of the region. Ceremonial centers were the main factor of Mesoamerican settlement. These civilizations were also polytheistic which means that they worshiped more than 1 god.
The Olmecs were the first major civilization in Mexico and were around from 2000BC-200BC. They were the ones who developed hieroglyphic writing. Their temple focused in the city type and the jaguar was the symbol of their chief deity. They were also known for the Mesoamerican ballgame and realistic artwork. La Venta was the first example of a temple that focused on the city type. The ceremony center was composed of the Great pyramid of earth, ball court, smaller pyramids, burial grounds, and giant stone heads. The giant stone heads were sculpted from basalt boulder and weighed from 40-50 tons. Their artwork consisted of delicate carvings of jade, rock crystal, and less valuable stone. Ax heads, masks, and decorative objects were also a form of their art, as well as mural paintings and pottery.
Social life consisted of elites who lived in highly decorated homes and wore elegant jewelry and clothing, and commoners who lived in homes made of sticks and mud. They had a diverse diet and food sources for commoners were reliable. Shamans, people who believed they had a direct contact to a deity, gave advice about agriculture and periodic rain to leaders.
Their specific religion was comprised of the belief of multiple deities and gods. People became close to the gods from bloodletting and human sacrifices. Small ceramic figurines, stone carvings, and utilitarian pots were associated with religious beliefs.
The Teotihuacan empire reigned from 250BC-900AD and was named "Place of the gods." The city was laid out in a grid and was abruptly deserted. Their ceremonial center was 2 miles in length, had a central spine which was also referred to as the road of the dead, and included the Temple of the Feathered Serpent and the Pyramid of the Sun/Pyramid of the Moon. The ruling elite were on raised platforms in the city; beyond that was the houses of artisans and peasants. They did not have city walls which was a sign of a powerful society without enemies. Their art was decorative and utilitarian pottery. Some of their decorative motifs included birds, butterflies, flowers, and abstract signs.
The Mayans were around from 300BC-1521AD and flourished for 1,800 years. They occupied the high and lowlands of the areas that are current day Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Unfortunately, they were destroyed by the Spanish conquest of 1519.
The Aztecs lived around 1150-1520 AD. This was Tenochtitlan's center capitol of Aztec civilization. Some major structure and pyramids from the Aztecs are Templo Mayor which was 2 temples that worshiped the god of war and the god of agriculture, Pyramid of the Sun and moon which were made from stone and brick, Montezuma's throne, and floating gardens. Their architecture expressed their thoughts and beliefs, and the creation of art was their thoughts on life.
Finally, the Incas were around from 1200-1572CE and were the largest empire in Pre-Columbia America. They were known for their architecture and were masters of stone cutting. Machu-Pichu was located in a seismically unstable area, yet is the most notable area in Peru. It was built wihtout mortar and included a royal estate of the Incan emperor Pachacuti. The empires were isolated and had a deep connection to the metaphysical world. Their concepts were that of open spaces and its relationship to buildings.
Extra Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz_k0Tl3x0A&list=PL5D2191207A1D7105
Religion played an important role in these civilizations as well. Temples and pyramids were build to represent the gods and powers of the region. Ceremonial centers were the main factor of Mesoamerican settlement. These civilizations were also polytheistic which means that they worshiped more than 1 god.
The Olmecs were the first major civilization in Mexico and were around from 2000BC-200BC. They were the ones who developed hieroglyphic writing. Their temple focused in the city type and the jaguar was the symbol of their chief deity. They were also known for the Mesoamerican ballgame and realistic artwork. La Venta was the first example of a temple that focused on the city type. The ceremony center was composed of the Great pyramid of earth, ball court, smaller pyramids, burial grounds, and giant stone heads. The giant stone heads were sculpted from basalt boulder and weighed from 40-50 tons. Their artwork consisted of delicate carvings of jade, rock crystal, and less valuable stone. Ax heads, masks, and decorative objects were also a form of their art, as well as mural paintings and pottery.
Social life consisted of elites who lived in highly decorated homes and wore elegant jewelry and clothing, and commoners who lived in homes made of sticks and mud. They had a diverse diet and food sources for commoners were reliable. Shamans, people who believed they had a direct contact to a deity, gave advice about agriculture and periodic rain to leaders.
Their specific religion was comprised of the belief of multiple deities and gods. People became close to the gods from bloodletting and human sacrifices. Small ceramic figurines, stone carvings, and utilitarian pots were associated with religious beliefs.
The Teotihuacan empire reigned from 250BC-900AD and was named "Place of the gods." The city was laid out in a grid and was abruptly deserted. Their ceremonial center was 2 miles in length, had a central spine which was also referred to as the road of the dead, and included the Temple of the Feathered Serpent and the Pyramid of the Sun/Pyramid of the Moon. The ruling elite were on raised platforms in the city; beyond that was the houses of artisans and peasants. They did not have city walls which was a sign of a powerful society without enemies. Their art was decorative and utilitarian pottery. Some of their decorative motifs included birds, butterflies, flowers, and abstract signs.
The Mayans were around from 300BC-1521AD and flourished for 1,800 years. They occupied the high and lowlands of the areas that are current day Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Unfortunately, they were destroyed by the Spanish conquest of 1519.
The Aztecs lived around 1150-1520 AD. This was Tenochtitlan's center capitol of Aztec civilization. Some major structure and pyramids from the Aztecs are Templo Mayor which was 2 temples that worshiped the god of war and the god of agriculture, Pyramid of the Sun and moon which were made from stone and brick, Montezuma's throne, and floating gardens. Their architecture expressed their thoughts and beliefs, and the creation of art was their thoughts on life.
Finally, the Incas were around from 1200-1572CE and were the largest empire in Pre-Columbia America. They were known for their architecture and were masters of stone cutting. Machu-Pichu was located in a seismically unstable area, yet is the most notable area in Peru. It was built wihtout mortar and included a royal estate of the Incan emperor Pachacuti. The empires were isolated and had a deep connection to the metaphysical world. Their concepts were that of open spaces and its relationship to buildings.
Past
Present
Extra Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz_k0Tl3x0A&list=PL5D2191207A1D7105
Thursday, February 25, 2016
China and India
China is the world's longest continuous civilization and the largest population today. The invented the Pagoda which is a combination of the stupa and Chinese tower building. A stupa is a mound of dirt where a monument structure is built over the mound. The stupa came to China as Buddhism spread to the region. The only limitations of the stupa is that there is no space for visitors.
The Great Wall of China is one of the most magnificent accomplishments of China. Made of stone, brick, wood, mud, and earth, the Great Wall runs along the northern border of China. Its is 5500-13000 miles long. and includes watch towers.
Many of the interiors, both residential and commercial, are based on a courtyard building style. The orientation and layout was mainly symmetrical. As for the furniture, the form was light, beautiful, and stable. Certain materials that were used to make chairs were Huali wood, lacquer, ceramic, and bamboo.
Indian architecture and construction also included a stupa, just as the Chinese. Their stupas acknowledged important people in the Buddhist religion. The same limitations applied just like the Chinese stupas.
As for the interiors, many Indian structures had a lack of furniture. For the most part, people sat, ate, and slept on the floor.
The Great Wall of China is one of the most magnificent accomplishments of China. Made of stone, brick, wood, mud, and earth, the Great Wall runs along the northern border of China. Its is 5500-13000 miles long. and includes watch towers.
Many of the interiors, both residential and commercial, are based on a courtyard building style. The orientation and layout was mainly symmetrical. As for the furniture, the form was light, beautiful, and stable. Certain materials that were used to make chairs were Huali wood, lacquer, ceramic, and bamboo.
Indian architecture and construction also included a stupa, just as the Chinese. Their stupas acknowledged important people in the Buddhist religion. The same limitations applied just like the Chinese stupas.
As for the interiors, many Indian structures had a lack of furniture. For the most part, people sat, ate, and slept on the floor.
Past
Present
Extra Credit: http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/other-shows/videos/discovery-atlas-china-revealed-chinese-architecture/
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Peer Reviews
Claire- I think she did a good job mentioning all the characteristics that make up Gothic design. I also like how she mentioned the arches and why they were the shape they were and the architecture behind them. Her pictures tied in nicely with her post as well.
Anna- I like how she gave a nice brief overview of the Gothic period as a whole. Her pictures did a nice job at showing the Gothic design and features. Her blog was well organized and easy to understand.
Anna- I like how she gave a nice brief overview of the Gothic period as a whole. Her pictures did a nice job at showing the Gothic design and features. Her blog was well organized and easy to understand.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Gothic
The Gothic period lasted from 1140-1500. During this time Paris was the center of the Gothic World and city life revolved around the churches. There was competition and unity in the construction of the cathedrals. The Gothic period was also the time were knighthood, chivalry, and artisan guilds were seen. Gothic religion was also important because it expressed heart of design. Wealth and power can be seen throughout the church as well, giving the pope immense power.
As for the architecture, the Gothic period was a bridge that led the Romanesque style to the Renaissance style. Gothic architecture and design derived from Romanesque and has 3 main components to its design, they are the pointed arch; ribbed vault; and flying buttress.
The cathedrals of this time appeared weightless with tall walls and stained glass windows. One major design element that is associated with the Gothic period is the Rose window. It is a stained glass window in a round shape that was an aesthetic part of the cathedrals. Many were very elaborate and the tracery surrounding the windows were just as intricate. Cathedrals were established to express devotion to God and to provide economic drivers. Cathedrals began showing up in other places other than France. 50 years after they popped up in France, England began building cathedrals as well, however they were lower and longer compared to the ones in France. One way this idea was thought to be spread was through tradesmen traveling from country to country, evoking the Gothic style.
Some of the more popular cathedrals that exhibit the Gothic style are St. Denis, Notre Dame at Chartres, Notre Dame at Paris, (French) Wells Cathedral (English) Regensburgh Cathedral (German) Barcelona Cathedral (Spanish) Siena Cathedral (Italian).
There are very few homes still standing that display Gothic features. Most of the information on this subject comes from illuminated manuscripts and tapestries. One of the motifs was the linenfold, and rich colors, materials, and decoration were seen throughout the homes.
Extra Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYhOaQhV6QE
As for the architecture, the Gothic period was a bridge that led the Romanesque style to the Renaissance style. Gothic architecture and design derived from Romanesque and has 3 main components to its design, they are the pointed arch; ribbed vault; and flying buttress.
The cathedrals of this time appeared weightless with tall walls and stained glass windows. One major design element that is associated with the Gothic period is the Rose window. It is a stained glass window in a round shape that was an aesthetic part of the cathedrals. Many were very elaborate and the tracery surrounding the windows were just as intricate. Cathedrals were established to express devotion to God and to provide economic drivers. Cathedrals began showing up in other places other than France. 50 years after they popped up in France, England began building cathedrals as well, however they were lower and longer compared to the ones in France. One way this idea was thought to be spread was through tradesmen traveling from country to country, evoking the Gothic style.
Some of the more popular cathedrals that exhibit the Gothic style are St. Denis, Notre Dame at Chartres, Notre Dame at Paris, (French) Wells Cathedral (English) Regensburgh Cathedral (German) Barcelona Cathedral (Spanish) Siena Cathedral (Italian).
There are very few homes still standing that display Gothic features. Most of the information on this subject comes from illuminated manuscripts and tapestries. One of the motifs was the linenfold, and rich colors, materials, and decoration were seen throughout the homes.
Past
Present
Extra Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYhOaQhV6QE
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Peer Reviews: Islamic
Krista- I like how she focused on the Taj Mahal and went into more detail about it. I liked reading and learning more about the structure and the background information on Shah Jahan, his wife, and family. The pictures she chose were also unique yet fitting to the topic of Islamic design.
Erin K- I like how she touched upon every building and structure we discussed in class. She used many descriptive words which helped me to visualize the spaces even better. Her content was very organized as well and was easy to follow along.
Erin K- I like how she touched upon every building and structure we discussed in class. She used many descriptive words which helped me to visualize the spaces even better. Her content was very organized as well and was easy to follow along.
Peer Reviews: Romanesque
Kiera- I liked how her blog was to the point. There wasn't an overflow of information which made it an easy read. I like how she covered all the main points of the Romanesque design and style while still keeping it brief.
Scott- I like how he made a list of the Romanesque features. This helped me to focus on what this period was all about in regards to their design and architecture. I also liked how he incorporated the pictures into his post.
Scott- I like how he made a list of the Romanesque features. This helped me to focus on what this period was all about in regards to their design and architecture. I also liked how he incorporated the pictures into his post.
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Islamic
Mohammad is the main figure-head of the Islamic Religion. He lived from 570-632 CE. Islamic religion was the foundation of Islamic design and there was a great variety in their designs in accordance to the region. Mosques were the central facility for prayer and worship. Mohammad's farm was the first mosque and was a prototype for the future mosques. Some features of the mosque were covered halls of columns, a courtyard, and a perimeter wall. It served as a place of prayer where worshipers would come in and pray to God on their knees, all while facing Mecca.
One of the prayer halls was the Great Mosque of Kairouan, built some time between 820-836 CE. It contained classic capitols with Islamic arches, including a horseshoe arch. It was the most famous ancient mosque in Tunisia, North Africa. Other examples of mosques were that of Persian architecture, including ones from Istanbul, Turkey, and Constantinople. The mosque of Sultan Ahmed, also known as the blue mosque, was built between 1609-1617. It consisted of one main dome, six minarets, and eight secondary domes. The patterns found in the architecture were a result of patterns that originated in textiles such as carpets. In addition, there are over 20,000 hand made tiles in the mosque and over 50 tulip designs. It is also made up of 200 stained glass windows and geometric decoration.
Indian architecture was very elaborate as well and one excellent example of their grand and ornate designs can be seen in the Taj Mahal. It was ordered to be built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahanupon the death of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The white, domed, marble moswas built from 1632-1648 CE. The Taj Mahal was seen as an earthly replica of the house of Mumtaz in paradise.
Alhambra is a large palace and fortress complex built in 1250-1360 CE in Granda, Spain. It was built by Ibn Ahmar and incorporates an arabesque design which is seen through the Acanthus leafs and vines. The most notable feature of the Alhambra are the muquarnas-filled arches and domes found throughout the palace.
One of the prayer halls was the Great Mosque of Kairouan, built some time between 820-836 CE. It contained classic capitols with Islamic arches, including a horseshoe arch. It was the most famous ancient mosque in Tunisia, North Africa. Other examples of mosques were that of Persian architecture, including ones from Istanbul, Turkey, and Constantinople. The mosque of Sultan Ahmed, also known as the blue mosque, was built between 1609-1617. It consisted of one main dome, six minarets, and eight secondary domes. The patterns found in the architecture were a result of patterns that originated in textiles such as carpets. In addition, there are over 20,000 hand made tiles in the mosque and over 50 tulip designs. It is also made up of 200 stained glass windows and geometric decoration.
Indian architecture was very elaborate as well and one excellent example of their grand and ornate designs can be seen in the Taj Mahal. It was ordered to be built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahanupon the death of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The white, domed, marble moswas built from 1632-1648 CE. The Taj Mahal was seen as an earthly replica of the house of Mumtaz in paradise.
Alhambra is a large palace and fortress complex built in 1250-1360 CE in Granda, Spain. It was built by Ibn Ahmar and incorporates an arabesque design which is seen through the Acanthus leafs and vines. The most notable feature of the Alhambra are the muquarnas-filled arches and domes found throughout the palace.
Past
Present
Extra Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdzTuMbH2LM
Romanesque
The Romanesque period was ruled by Charles the Great in 800 AD. This was a time where learning and the arts were encouraged, schools and monasteries were established, Roman literature was copied and preserved, and finally, building was encouraged through the use of technology of Roman structures.
Little architecture was built before 1000 AD, however, a minimum of 1,587 churches were built between 1000-1100. In addition, the religious movement was also strong during this time and they initiated pilgrimages to Christian shrines.
Some of typical and reoccurring features of Romanesque Churches were semicircular arches and vaults; the nave, transept, and apse were modified for a better space; a side chapel was added in the transept; and they were influenced by the early Christian Basilica. A choir was also added, as well as including multiple aisles and vaulting. The space was created to be larger to hold more worshipers and better lighting was provided. The roofs of the churches were masonry, not wood, they had rich tapestries hung around, gilded sculptures, and the walls were painted in rich greens, blues, purples, and golds.
St. Bernard established a monastery at Fontenay in 1118. It produced goods such as wool and iron. It had an overall austere appearance, and there were blank walls above the slightly pointed nave arcades. It is a great example of religious and economic force.
The Pisa Baptistery in Pisa, Italy includes 3 free standing buildings, a cross shaped cathedral, a cylindrical baptistery, a tall Canpanile, and was made of local marble.
A lot of the Romanesque ornament is stone carvings. The believed in rewards of virtue and punishment of vice. Furthermore, they show Christ draped in swirled clothing, extending his hands to the various people groups of the world.
Finally, Romanesque residential design was drafty, wet, and dark. There was a center fire in the great hall, and many homes were made from wood, brick, mud, twigs, and contained dirt floors.
Little architecture was built before 1000 AD, however, a minimum of 1,587 churches were built between 1000-1100. In addition, the religious movement was also strong during this time and they initiated pilgrimages to Christian shrines.
Some of typical and reoccurring features of Romanesque Churches were semicircular arches and vaults; the nave, transept, and apse were modified for a better space; a side chapel was added in the transept; and they were influenced by the early Christian Basilica. A choir was also added, as well as including multiple aisles and vaulting. The space was created to be larger to hold more worshipers and better lighting was provided. The roofs of the churches were masonry, not wood, they had rich tapestries hung around, gilded sculptures, and the walls were painted in rich greens, blues, purples, and golds.
St. Bernard established a monastery at Fontenay in 1118. It produced goods such as wool and iron. It had an overall austere appearance, and there were blank walls above the slightly pointed nave arcades. It is a great example of religious and economic force.
The Pisa Baptistery in Pisa, Italy includes 3 free standing buildings, a cross shaped cathedral, a cylindrical baptistery, a tall Canpanile, and was made of local marble.
A lot of the Romanesque ornament is stone carvings. The believed in rewards of virtue and punishment of vice. Furthermore, they show Christ draped in swirled clothing, extending his hands to the various people groups of the world.
Finally, Romanesque residential design was drafty, wet, and dark. There was a center fire in the great hall, and many homes were made from wood, brick, mud, twigs, and contained dirt floors.
Past
Present
Extra Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grz69X4sZLQ
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Peer Reviews: Byzantine
Angie- Her blog was very informing and nicely laid out. It was well organized which made it easy to follow.
Rachael- Her blog helped me to understand this period a bit more. She covered all the main points of this time and her blog was well written.
Rachael- Her blog helped me to understand this period a bit more. She covered all the main points of this time and her blog was well written.
Peer Reviews: Early Christianity
Holli- Her content was very thorough and well informed. Overall she did a great job describing this period.
Katie- Her pictures tied in well with the information. It was easy to read through and well written. I especially liked how she mentioned more about St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome and the Sant' Applinare in Classe.
Katie- Her pictures tied in well with the information. It was easy to read through and well written. I especially liked how she mentioned more about St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome and the Sant' Applinare in Classe.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Byzantine
The Byzantine period was from 330-1453 CE and was the longest political entity in European history. It was associated with the Eastern culture and influenced by the Greeks and Orient. The Byzantine Empire was a secular leadership and religion. Constantinople eventually became the capital of the Roman empire.
Emperor Justinian reigned in 527 CE. During this time the basilica plan changed to a more centralized plan and the east dome was combined with the square base of the classical temple of the west. The domed basilica was the new and popular architectural type. Pendetives were also up and coming in the construction of buildings. The pendetives supported the dome on a square base and were frequently constructed of bricks or light, porous stone.
The Hagia Sophia, also known as the Church of the Holy Wisdom is the main cathedral of Constantinople. It is a central plan with a circle of windows where east meets west. The massive dome gives a sense of importance to the exterior. The architects of this building were Anthemius of Tralles and Isidoe of Miletusgeometricians.
Most of the architecture included multiple domes, round arches and arcades, central planning including the Greek Cross Plan, gold mosaics or lapis backgrounds, and alternating stone colors or stone and brick. In addition, vaults were seen throughout as well as columns. There was a seperation of church interiors into the church and nave. The Byzantine design inspired Romanesque, Islamic, and Gothic architecture.
Byzantine interiors were adorned with marble, frescos, mosaics, and alabaster. The floor was tiled in marble often with geometric designs and patterns. The only structure remaining from this time period are churches or temples.
Emperor Justinian reigned in 527 CE. During this time the basilica plan changed to a more centralized plan and the east dome was combined with the square base of the classical temple of the west. The domed basilica was the new and popular architectural type. Pendetives were also up and coming in the construction of buildings. The pendetives supported the dome on a square base and were frequently constructed of bricks or light, porous stone.
The Hagia Sophia, also known as the Church of the Holy Wisdom is the main cathedral of Constantinople. It is a central plan with a circle of windows where east meets west. The massive dome gives a sense of importance to the exterior. The architects of this building were Anthemius of Tralles and Isidoe of Miletusgeometricians.
Most of the architecture included multiple domes, round arches and arcades, central planning including the Greek Cross Plan, gold mosaics or lapis backgrounds, and alternating stone colors or stone and brick. In addition, vaults were seen throughout as well as columns. There was a seperation of church interiors into the church and nave. The Byzantine design inspired Romanesque, Islamic, and Gothic architecture.
Byzantine interiors were adorned with marble, frescos, mosaics, and alabaster. The floor was tiled in marble often with geometric designs and patterns. The only structure remaining from this time period are churches or temples.
Past
Present
Extra Credit:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWhGeDUSu-s
Early Christianity
Early Christianity ranged from about 330-800 CE. It began with the death of Christ in ancient Judea which is an eastern outpost of the Roman Empire. This specific Religion posed a threat to the emperor, in that Christians could not declare the divinity of the emperor. Because of this refusal, the early Christians were persecuted.
Christianity promoted access to God and although it was basically and underground religion, many people still chose to practice it; consisting mainly of those in the lower class.
Finally, in 313 CE, the emperor Constantine legalized Christianity through the Edict of Milan. Christians at last, were able to have houses of worship and display their holy artifacts.
Due to the rising number of believers, the early Christians were in need of new facilities for worship. They used to gather in Roman temples, homes, or other existing buildings. However, the temples were not built to accommodate large groups or taking of the Eucharist.
The new buildings were referred to either as basilicas or cathedrals, depending on the shape and architectural structure. Some characteristics of early Christian architecture included centrally planned buildings, separate baptisteries, clerestory windows, entrances of the church on the opposite apse, and the separation of the interior into nave and flanking aisles.
One of the more well known cathedrals was Old St. Peter's Cathedral Rome. The interior is very intricate and elaborate, covered with frescos of biblical accounts. The exterior on the contrary, is not as detailed but rather plainly decorated. It' contains masonry walls, a wood roof, clerestory windows, and a wood truss ceiling. The total length of the Cathedral is 700 feet.
Another form of architecture is Sant' Apllinare in Classe-Ravenna ranging from 535-538 CE. This structure is defined by geometric volume, 24 columns, mullion windows, triumphal arch, and semi vaulted apse with mosaics.
There are very few examples of Christian furniture, but from what has been found, their pieces were very elaborate. They followed the Roman style and were elaborate and richly decorated with jewels. Storage within the church structure was one of the more important furniture items of this period.
Motifs that are seen during this period were crosses, doves, fish, grapevine, and lambs. The decorative arts consisted of paintings, murals, and frescos. They incorporated images of Christ, the apostles, and Mary.
Christianity promoted access to God and although it was basically and underground religion, many people still chose to practice it; consisting mainly of those in the lower class.
Finally, in 313 CE, the emperor Constantine legalized Christianity through the Edict of Milan. Christians at last, were able to have houses of worship and display their holy artifacts.
Due to the rising number of believers, the early Christians were in need of new facilities for worship. They used to gather in Roman temples, homes, or other existing buildings. However, the temples were not built to accommodate large groups or taking of the Eucharist.
The new buildings were referred to either as basilicas or cathedrals, depending on the shape and architectural structure. Some characteristics of early Christian architecture included centrally planned buildings, separate baptisteries, clerestory windows, entrances of the church on the opposite apse, and the separation of the interior into nave and flanking aisles.
One of the more well known cathedrals was Old St. Peter's Cathedral Rome. The interior is very intricate and elaborate, covered with frescos of biblical accounts. The exterior on the contrary, is not as detailed but rather plainly decorated. It' contains masonry walls, a wood roof, clerestory windows, and a wood truss ceiling. The total length of the Cathedral is 700 feet.
Another form of architecture is Sant' Apllinare in Classe-Ravenna ranging from 535-538 CE. This structure is defined by geometric volume, 24 columns, mullion windows, triumphal arch, and semi vaulted apse with mosaics.
There are very few examples of Christian furniture, but from what has been found, their pieces were very elaborate. They followed the Roman style and were elaborate and richly decorated with jewels. Storage within the church structure was one of the more important furniture items of this period.
Motifs that are seen during this period were crosses, doves, fish, grapevine, and lambs. The decorative arts consisted of paintings, murals, and frescos. They incorporated images of Christ, the apostles, and Mary.
Past
Present
Extra Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svVc3i71uQk
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