Chapter 16
EARLY MEDIEVAL EUROPE
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1.
Historians once referred to the Middle Ages roughly 400-1400 as the ______________.
a. reign of Barbarian Terror
b. Dark Ages
c. rise of the Papacy
d. Age of Enlightenment
Answer: b
2.
Scholars thought of the long interval from classical antiquity to the beginning of the modern European world
as ________________________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
rough and uncivilized
polished and sophisticated
rigid and dogmatic
formal and polite
Answer: a
3.
Which group of barbarian invaders became firmly established in regions known today as France, Switzerland,
the Netherlands, and parts of Germany?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Visigoths
Huns
Lombards
Franks
Answer: d
4.
The Ostrogoth, Theodoric, established his kingdom in ___________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Italy
Germany
Yugoslavia
Italy
Answer: d
5.
What area of Western Europe was never colonized by Rome?
a.
b.
c.
d.
England
France
Ireland
Spain
Answer: c
427
6.
Elaborately decorated Merovingian fibulae have been excavated from graves. Based on this it can be said
these small objects are __________________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
emblems of prestige
simple jewelry
strictly utilitarian
holy objects
Answer: a
7.
Two silver spoons, “Saulos” and “Paulos,” Paul’s names before and after baptism, were discovered as part of
the Sutton Hoo burial. What might be alluded from these spoons?
a.
b.
c.
d.
They were part of the ritual burial ceremony.
The owner ‘s conversion to Christianity.
The owner’s need for utilitarian objects.
They were left as gifts.
Answer: b
8.
The Sutton Hoo purse has two groupings each of a man standing between two lions. This can also be found in
what earlier culture?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Sumer
Classical Greece
Etruscans
Late Roman Empire
Answer: a
9.
Early 11th Century England was briefly part of what empire?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Merovingian
Carolingian
Danish
Celtic
Answer: c
10.
In the later Middle Ages religious books were created for the private devotions of the laity.
They were based on readers used by the monks. These books contained prayers to be
read at specific times during the day, they were popularly known as _________________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Books of Devotions
Books of Sacramentaries
Books of Hours
Books of Benedictionals
Answer: c
11.
The symbol of Matthew from the Book of Durrow shows frontal head, profile feet, and a cloak and frame that
resemble contemporaneous cloisonné metalwork. Which of the following statements explains this work?
a.
wedding the abstraction of Late Roman adornment and Early Christian pictorial
imagery
428
b.
c.
d.
wedding the abstraction of Early Medieval adornment and Early Christian pictorial
imagery
wedding the abstraction of Early Christian adornment and Late Roman pictorial
imagery
wedding the abstraction of Byzantine adornment and Early Christian pictorial
imagery
Answer: b
12.
It has been said that the author-portrait of St, Matthew from the Lindisfarne Gospels shows classical
influences. What supports this statement?
a.
b.
c.
d.
The figure is seated as an imperial emperor.
The figure is seated as an adjudicating senator.
The figure is seated as a philosopher or poet reading or writing.
The figure is seated as an imperial judge.
Answer: c
13.
What manuscript is commonly considered the greatest achievement in Hiberno-Saxon art?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Book of Durrow
Book of Lindisfarne
Book of Alciun
Book of Kells
Answer: d
14.
Equestrian statues were reminders of Rome’s glory. Charlemagne returned Rome after his coronation with an
equestrian statue of Theodoric. Which statue served as the ultimate model for such equestrian portraits?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Marcus Aurelius
Alexander the Great
Justinian
Julius Caesar
Answer: a
15.
The Ebbo Gospels represent a new Carolingian vernacular. Which of the following describes the new
Carolingian style?
a.
b.
c.
d.
translated a classical prototype
translated a Byzantine prototype
translated a Hiberno-Saxon prototype
translated a Merovingian prototype
Answer: a
16.
The Lindau Gospels book cover displays an amalgamation of tradition and style. Which of the following
describes that cmbination?
a.
b.
c.
The work highlights the Byzantine tradition and Utrecht Psalter style.
The work highlights the Early Christian tradition and Utrecht Psalter style.
The work highlights the Early Christian tradition and Coronation Gospels style.
429
d.
The work highlights the Byzantine tradition and Ebbo Gospels style.
Answer: b
17.
What church plan was used as the model for the palace chapel at Aachen?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Old St. Peter’s
Santa Sabina
Hagia Sophia
San Vitale
Answer: d
18.
What do the doors of St. Michael at Hildesheim illustrate?
a.
b.
c.
d.
the Old Testament
the New Testament
Original Sin and Redemption
The Passion
Answer: c
19.
The alternate support system is first found in the architecture of which period?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Merovingian
Early Christian
Carolingian
Ottonian
Answer: d
20.
Irish or Celtic stone crosses are identifiable by which of the following?
a.
b.
c.
d.
four arms of equal length
a circle intersecting the cross arms
extra top slanting bar
combination swastika symbolizing the four directions
Answer: b
21.
Who was a major force in the revival of the Classical style in early medieval times?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Louis the Pious
Bernward of Hildesheim
Charlemagne
Otto III
Answer: d
22.
It has been said that Bernward’s doors are instruments that detail Original Sin and Redemption by juxtaposing
these two concepts side by side. Which juxtaposed panels from the doors would support this?
a.
b.
c.
The Great Flood and the Crucifixion
The Sacrifice of Isaac and the Nativity
The Prodigal Son and the Baptism of Christ
430
d.
The Fall and the Crucifixion
Answer: d
23.
_________________ was a possible model for Bernward’s column because the narrative reads from top to
bottom.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Marcus Aurelius’s Column
Justinian’s Column
Trajan’s Column
Constantine’s Column
Answer: c
24.
The Utrecht Psalter is most closely related to which of the following?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Book of Lindisfarne
Ebbo Gospels
Gospel Book of Otto III
Bishop Bernward Gospels
Answer: b
25.
In which way did the three-aisled basilica for the Monastery of St. Gall differ from its Early Christian
prototypes?
a.
b.
c.
d.
It had a second apse on the west end
It had a choir between crossing and apse
It had integrated towers
It had procession of transepts
Answer: a
26.
The ________________ burial epitomizes the early medieval tradition of burying great lords with rich
furnishings.
a.
b.
c.
d
Sutton Hoo
Lindisfarne
Centula
Suffolk
Answer: a
27.
Early Medieval burial traditions were recorded in the __________________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Book of Durrow
Lindisfarne Gospels
Book of Doom
Saga of Beowulf
Answer: d
28.
The abbey church at Hildesheim has a double-transept plan that creates eastern and western centers of gravity.
The lateral entrances on the north and south aisles further disrupt the traditional basilican plan. What model
might have been used for this church?
431
a.
b.
c.
d.
Basilica of Constantine
Basilica Ulpia
Aula Palatina Basilica
Basilica Trajan
Answer: b
29.
What was the primary vehicle used in the Christianization of the British Isles?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Roman manuscripts
reliquaries
liturgical books
oral tradition
Answer: c
30.
The primary sacred text was the Bible, consisting of the Old Testament originally written in Hebrew and the
New Testament written in Greek. In what language is the Vulgate version of the Bible written?
a.
b.
c.
d.
entirely in Greek
Old German
Latin
Archaic English
Answer: c
31.
Which of the following manuscripts showed the greatest influence of Roman illusionism?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Utrecht Psalter
Coronation Gospels
Lindisfarne Gospels
Gospel Book of Otto III
Answer: b
32.
The style of the Gospel Book of Otto III can best be described as ________________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
abstract interlace
antique illusionism
Byzantine formalism
Carolingian formalism
Answer: c
33.
It has been said that Charlemagne was a man of great energy and learning, a strong patron of the arts, and a
sincere admirer of classical culture. Which of the following do later generations owe to Charlemagne’s
patronage?
a.
b.
c.
d.
the restoration of the classical sculptural tradition
the copying of important Early Christian texts
the restoration of the Late Imperial Roman Empire
the copying of important classical texts
Answer: d
432
34.
Later church architecture adopted heavy square piers alternating with columns, dividing the nave into vertical
units and mitigating the tunnel-like horizontality of Early Christian basilicas. This system is known as
_________________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
revived Romanism
modular
alternate support
Middle Byzantine
Answer: c
35.
The Carolingian architectural plan that demonstrated the beginnings of the modular system was found in
___________.
a.
b.
c.
d.
the Monastery of St. Gall
the abbey church of Centula
Saint Michael’s at Hildesheim
St.-Riquier
Answer: a
SHORT ANSWER
36.
Contrast the Lindau Gospels book cover and the Gero Crucifix.
Answer: The Lindau Gospels book cover presents the Early Christian representation of Christ as a youthful
figure. The Gero Crucifix uses the Byzantine formula of a matured bearded Christ figure, showing the drama
and blood of the event.
37.
Explain the importance of Uta Codex.
Answer: Uta abbess of the Niedermunster convent commissioned this codex. It contained a portrait of Uta
presenting the codex to the Virgin with a dedicatory inscription. The artist portrayed Uta with her head
touching the Virgin’s medallion, which suggests the spiritual and secular realms and the interaction between
them. The codex indicated the important role women played not in the religious life but also as patrons of the
arts.
38.
Briefly describe and explain the juxtaposition of Old and New Testament scenes of the Bernward Doors from
St. Michael at Hildesheim
Answer: The carefully selected scenes each present to the viewer the idea of Original Sin or sin and
redemption and salvation. For example, the panels illustrating Eve nursing Cain and the Virgin with the Christ
Child on her lap, juxtaposed sin and the coming redemption and salvation.
39.
Why is the date, Christmas Day, 800 significant?
Answer: Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne Emperor of Rome. The event took place in St. Peter’s basilica.
40.
What is the significance of the term “holy” when applied to Roman Emperor?
Answer: It signifies his Christianity. This title was meant to imply that the holder was the Christian Emperor
of Rome, the faith’s “capital” in the medieval world.
41.
The Book of Durrow has pages devoted to pure embellishment with neither text nor illustration. Why is this
significant?
433
Answer: The Book of Durrow is among the earliest Hiberno-Saxon manuscripts. The Book of Durrow
illustrates its independence from the classical tradition of papal Rome. This type of decoration, pure
embellishment, has no precedent in classical art.
42.
Briefly describe the contributions of the Iona monks.
Answer: They established a monastery in Lindisfarne off the northern coast of Britain. This became a great
center for learning as well as a famous scriptorium.
43.
Briefly describe a cross-inscribed carpet page from the Lindisfarne Gospels. What does it show?
Answer: It is a design, which involves the entire page in zoomorphic forms intermingling with clusters and
knots producing rhythm and energy yet held in check by the regularity of the design and dominating cross
motif. It also shows the marriage of Christian imagery and animal-interlace style of the North.
44.
Explain the plan for the monastery at St. Gall
Answer: It provided a coherent arrangement for the buildings within a monastic community. The fundamental
purpose of the design was the separate the monks from laity who also lived within the community.
45.
Evaluate the importance of Bishop Bernward of Hildesheim to the development of Ottonian art.
Answer: Bernward was a patron of the arts who oversaw the building of the abbey church at Hildesheim with
its alternate support system. He also commissioned the great bronze doors for the abbey church and a bronze
column, the first since Antiquity, drawing influences for the doors and column from his trip to Rome. He
incorporated classical and Early Christian motifs to create monumental art in addition to creating visually
appealing teaching instruments.
46.
How has scholars' interpretation and labeling of the period known as the “Middle Ages” changed?
Answer: The term is a negative legacy from the humanist scholars of Renaissance Italy. The period itself was
thought to be primitive, uncivilized, and crude, simply a blank between two great civilizations, the Antique
world (classical) and the Renaissance. Current scholarship no longer sees the art from this period as inferior
or unsophisticated. But the force of tradition continues in the use of those terms, “Middle Ages” and
medieval.
47.
The portrait of St. Matthew from the Lindisfarne Gospels describes the union of Early Medieval Christian art
and thought. Briefly explain that union.
Answer: The scene portrays Matthew seated writing a gospel, in the background appears a head holding a
closed book emerging from the curtain. It is thought that this figure could be a representation of Moses. Both
figures, Matthew and Moses, represent the New and Old Testaments and both books are depicted as open and
closed. This is the union of Early Medieval Christian art and thought. It is the presentation of the New and
Old Testaments as open and closed.
48.
Early medieval civilization in Western Europe represents a fusion of which cultures?
Answer: It was a fusion of Christianity, the Greco-Roman heritage, and the cultures of the non-Roman peoples
north of the Alps.
49.
Who was Alciun of York and what was his contribution to art history of this period?
Answer: He was the member of Charlemagne’s court who introduced Anglo-Saxon scholarship to court. He
was also the master of the cathedral school of York. He undertook a favored project for Charlemagne, which
434
was recovering the true text of the Bible (corrupted through errors in copying). He prepared his revision of the
Bible at the new monastery at Tours. It subsequently became the most widely used.
50.
Interpret the portrait of Otto III from the Gospel Book of Otto III.
Answer: He is presented as an emperor, holding the cross-inscribed orb and scepter, emblems of his office and
his authority. At his sides are the clergy and barons, representing the Church and the state. Otto III was very
aware of his Byzantine connections (his mother was Theophanu, an imperial princess of Byzantium), even
though this portrait is stylistically remote from Byzantium, the political resemblances to Byzantium are clear.
This work shows the same political theme as the mosaic portrait of Justinian from San Vitale.
SAMPLE ESSAY QUESTIONS
51.
Discuss the development of manuscript painting. Include in your essay the monasteries that produced these
manuscripts. How did they differ from monastery to monastery? What elements are indigenous and what
influences came from outside contacts or sources? Use examples to support your essay.
Answer: pages 411-414, 415-418, and 426-428.
52.
Compare and contrast the art patronage of Charlemagne and Otto III. What outside factors or sources
influenced each man? How did these influences reflect each man and his role as art patron? Use examples to
support your essay.
Answer: pages 415-428.
53.
Critically evaluate the bronze doors of the abbey church at Hildesheim. How did they revive a monumental
sculptural tradition? What religious and philosophical components went into the iconographic program?
What outside influences are also reflected in these doors?
Answer: pages 424-425.
54.
Compare and contrast the Book of Durrow with the Coronation Gospels. How does each work represent its
environment? How does each work reflect its period and the changes in manuscript illumination, if any?
Answer: pages 412-413 and 416-417.
55.
Compare and contrast the Utrecht Psalter with the Lectionary of Henry II. Discuss the subject and the
execution. Also consider the period of each work as well as the individual patron of each work.
Answer: pages 418 and 426-427.
56.
Describe and explain the interaction of Roman illusionism with Barbarian linear decoration in manuscript
illumination of the early Middle Ages. Use examples to support your essay.
Answer: pages 411-418.
57.
Evaluate the development of architecture during the Carolingian period. What changes occurred? How were
they initiated, and what outside influences impacted these changes? Use examples to support your essay.
Answer: pages 415, 419-421.
58.
Explain the fusion of Christianity, the Greco-Roman heritage, and the cultures of the Barbarians. What effect
did this fusion had on the visual arts of the early Middle Ages? Use examples to support your essay.
Answer: pages 407-416.
435
59.
Compare and contrast Carolingian and Ottonian architecture. Consider the development and evolution in
architectural styles and attendant sculptural programs. Use specific examples to support your essay.
Answer: pages 415, 419-421 and 422-425.
SLIDE IDENTIFICATION
60.
(Figure 16–12)
a.
Charlemagne
b.
Otto III
c.
Marcus Aurelius
d.
Constantine
Answer: a
61.
(Figure 16–19)
a.
Ottonian
b.
Anglo-Saxon
c.
Carolingian
d.
Merovingian
Answer: c
62.
(Figure 16–26)
a.
Bernward Cross
b.
Charlemagne Cross
c.
Gero Cross
d.
Otto III Cross
Answer: c
63.
(Figure 16–6)
a.
Lindisfarne Gospels
b.
Book of Durrow
c.
Ebbo Gospels
d.
Book of Kells
Answer: b
64.
(Figure 16–18)
a.
St. Pantaleon, Cologne
b.
San Vitale, Ravenna
c.
Palatine Chapel, Aachen
d.
Saint Michael’s, Hildesheim
Answer: c
65.
(Figure 16–25)
a.
Otto III Column
b.
Charlemagne Column
c.
Bernward Column
d.
Henry II Column
Answer: c
436
66.
(Figure 16–7)
a.
Book of Durrow
b.
Lindisfarne Gospels
c.
Book of Kells
d.
Ebbo Gospels
Answer: b
67.
(Figure 16–22)
a.
St. Gall
b.
Saint Michael, Hildesheim
c.
Palatine Chapel, Aachen
d.
St-Riquier
Answer: b
68.
(Figure 16–4)
a.
Anglo-Saxon
b.
Viking
c.
Hiberno-Saxon
d.
Carolingian
Answer: b
69.
(Figure 16–15)
a.
Ebbo Gospels
b.
Coronation Gospels
c.
Utrecht Psalter
d.
Book of Kells
Answer: c
70.
(Figure 16–21)
a.
alternate support system
b.
binary support system
c.
triple support system
d.
haitro support system
Answer: a
71.
(Figure 16–8)
a.
Book of Kells
b.
Book of Durrow
c.
Lindisfarne Gospels
d.
Gospel Book of Otto III
Answer: a
72.
(Figure 16–3)
a.
Hiberno-Saxon
b.
Carolingian
c.
Anglo-Saxon
d.
Ottonian
Answer: c
437
73.
(Figure 16–9)
a.
Migration period
b.
Ottonian
c.
Carolingian
d.
Irish
Answer: d
74.
(Figure 16–2)
a.
fibula
b.
stirrup
c.
baton
d.
scepter
Answer: a
75.
(Figure 16–20)
a.
St. Cyriakus, Gernrode
b.
Abbey Church, Corvey
c.
Palatine Chapel, Aachen
d.
St. Michael, Hildesheim
Answer: b
76.
(Figure 16–14)
a.
Coronation Gospels of Charlemagne
b.
Ebbo Gospels
c.
Gospel Book of Otto III
d.
Book of Lindisfarne
Answer: b
77.
(Figure 16–16)
a.
Early Christian
b.
Byzantine
c.
Carolingian
d.
Ottonian
Answer: c
78.
(Figure 16–1)
a. Lindisfarne Gospels
b. Utrecht Psalter
c. Coronation Gospels of Charlemagne
d. Lectionary of Henry II
Answer: a
SLIDE QUESTIONS
79.
How are these works alike?
Answer: Merovingian fibula (16-2) and Sutton Hoo purse (16-3). Both works
represent legacies from previous civilizations. The fibulae resembles in general form the
438
pins used to fasten the garments of some the attendants seen in the Byzantine mosaic of
Justinian from San Vitale. The Sutton Hoo purse illustrates an even earlier motif first seen
in the Ancient Near East, the man between two beasts and both works came from burials.
80.
What period does each work represent and how are the works alike?
Answer: Book cover Lindau Gospels (Figure 16-16) and Gero Crucifix (Figure 16-26).
The book cover is from the Carolingian period and the crucifix is Ottonian. Each work
illustrates a different figural representation for Christ. The earlier work, the Lindau Gospels
book cover follows the Early Christian tradition of the youthful Christ figure in contrast to
the Ottonian Gero Crucifix. The bearded Christ figure follows the Byzantine format for the
representation of Christ, a mature man.
81.
How does this work represent the “school of Reims”?
Answer: Psalm 44 Utrecht Psalter (Figure 16-15). It shows an innovative use of energy and line. This same
kind of animation can be seen in the Ebbo Gospels. The figures from Psalm 44 are tensed, the shoulders are
hunched, and the heads are thrust forward. These rapid, sketchy techniques can are also seen in the
evangelists from the Ebbo Gospels. Both manuscripts show the same nervous vitality.
82.
How do these figures represent “empire”?
Answer: Charlemagne (Figure 16-12) and Otto III Enthroned Gospel Book of Otto III (figure
16-29). Each work illustrates the desire to imitate a great empire and both works reflect the
pretensions of the men portrayed. The ultimate model used for the mounted equestrian
figure of Charlemagne was the equestrian figure of Marcus Aurelius. Charlemagne was very
aware of the work as he saw it in Rome. The portrait of Otto III from the Gospel Book of
Otto III is presented in much the same way as a Byzantine portrait. The resemblance to the
Justinianic portrait from San Vitale makes the same kind of political statement. The
unification of Church and State under a single secular ruler.
83.
Why does this image show classical illusionism?
Answer: St. Matthew Coronation Gospels (Figure 16-13). The Coronation Gospels illustrates the influence of
classical illusionism. Charlemagne was intent on establishing Aachen as the capital of a renewed Christian
Roman Empire and classical painting was a component in that endeavor.
84.
How do these works echo Rome?
Answer: Doors, Hildesheim (Figure 16-24) and Column, Hildesheim (Figure 16-25). The
Doors are loosely based the doors of Santa Sabina, an Early Christian church. The Column is
modeled after an earlier work, Trajan’s Column that can also be found in Rome. Bishop
Bernward was familiar with both the Early Christian church and the Roman Imperial column
from a visit he made to Rome when he visited young Otto III. Both Santa Sabina and
Trajan’s Column provided inspiration for Ottonian artists working under the guidance of
Bernward.
85.
How does this work represent Latin influence?
Answer: St. Matthew Lindisfarne Gospels (Figure 16-7). The image of Matthew is based on a Latin
prototype. It is based on a classical model imported from the Mediterranean. It may have come from an
illustrated Gospel book a Christian missionary brought from Rome to England. St. Matthew is depicted in his
study composing his account of the life of Christ. It is an indoor scene and the evangelist is shown seated at
an angle employing perspective, both suggesting a Mediterranean model.
439
86.
How does this work show its classical heritage?
Answer: St. Matthew Ebbo Gospels (Figure 16-14). It used late antique prototypes and resembles the
Coronation Gospels work in pose. However, those are the only resemblances to its classical past. The artist
has energized this work with a frenzy that is absent from the Coronation Gospels. St. Matthew from the Ebbo
Gospels pulses with vigor and vitality.
87.
How does this work express Carolingian architectural innovation?
Answer: Interior, Palatine Chapel (Figure 16-18). The Palatine Chapel shows a massive
geometric form. The architects showed a conversion of a subtle and complex Byzantine
building into that shows robust strength and a clear articulation of the structural elements.
The Palatine Chapel interior foreshadows the architecture of the 11 th and 12th centuries.
88.
What architectural innovation does this interior illustrate?
Answer: Nave, St. Cyriakus, Gernrode (Figure 16-21). St. Cyriakus shows the alternate
support system. Heavy square piers alternate with columns dividing the nave into vertical
units. This interior mitigates the tunnel-like horizontality of Early Christian basilicas.
440