Explore the art and architecture of the Middle Ages through four transformational moments in history. Dazzling early Christian mosaics, sumptuous Carolingian illuminated manuscripts, sculpted Romanesque church facades, and soaring Gothic cathedrals give artistic expression to an astonishing variety of beliefs and practices, as well as reflect a unified purpose to lead the human spirit toward a vision of eternal life.
Independent art historian Judy Scott Feldman examines the art of the thousand-year period between classical antiquity and the Renaissance and its relationship to a diverse society infused with faith and spirituality.
10 –11:15 a.m. Constantine’s Conversion
Constantine the Great, the first Christian Roman emperor, and the transformation of classical artistic traditions to Christian beliefs and practices; Roman catacombs, Old St. Peter’s, Ravenna mosaics, Hagia Sophia, icons and iconoclasm.
11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Charlemagne and the Carolingian Renaissance
Charlemagne and the synthesis of barbarian, Irish, and classical traditions; learning at the court of the Holy Roman Empire in Aachen; the Palace Chapel at Aachen, Irish illuminated manuscripts, Coronation Gospels, and the Ottonian Gospel Book of Otto III.
12:45–1:15 p.m. Break
1:15–2:30 p.m. Monastic Reform and Public Piety Around 1100
The meeting of monastic spirituality and the public cult of the saints in the great Romanesque monasteries and pilgrimage churches of Europe during the 12th century; the cloister of Santo Domingo de Silos, the sculptured tympanum at Ste. Foi in Conques, St. Mary Magdalene in Vézelay, jeweled reliquaries and shrines.
2:45–4 p.m. The “12th-Century Renaissance” and the Gothic Cathedral
The rise of Gothic art and architecture in the area around Paris, supported by French kings and bishops and inspired by technological innovations and intellectual discoveries from cathedral schools and visionary churchmen such as Suger of St. Denis and Bernard of Clairvaux; Chartres Cathedral, Reims Cathedral, St.-Pierre in Beauvais.
World Art History Certificate core course: Earn 1 credit*
General Information
*Enrolled participants in the World Art History Certificate Program receive 1 core course credit. Not yet enrolled? Learn about the program, its benefits, and how to register here.
