Understanding Change within Western Society from
Artists, like writers and social activists, are affected by their surroundings. Therefore, the work that they produce is also extremely affected by the existing society. Political, moral, economical, and religious views of a period are frequently themes in artwork, whether they are symbolic or obvious. The styling and technique that is used depicts and is a result of the ongoing era. When thematic issues and styles undergo drastic transformations, it can be understood that it is a result from the changing times and situations. The artistic changes in time the Western Society from Roman times to the time of Carolingian Empire are no exception. These creative differences that occurred during such times make it effortless to notice and understand the changes that were taking place. As a result, the alterations in society can be understood from the Roman Empire to the time of Charlemagne, just by observing some of the artwork from these times The Roman Empire was a definite milestone for the advancement of knowledge and civilization. The historian Edward Gibbon in his classic book The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire declared that Rome had at last experienced a "period the history of the world during which the condition
Christianity was made an official, legal religion in 313 AD, by Constantine. When this happened, marble tombs (sarcophagi) were created forming a "link between pagan Roman and early Christian art (Fleming, 123)." The Sacrophagus of Juius Bassus is a definite indication of the melding of the Roman world with the Christian religion. One major factor that is quite evidential is that all the people portrayed (with the exception of the nude Adam and Eve) are dressed in traditional Roman clothing, togas. A further exhibition of Roman style in this piece, is the appearance of the figures. All of the images have physical similarities to the previously discussed Augustus at Prima Porta. In other words, they are classical and realistic in the facial features and body structure; both are characteristics of typical Roman artwork. The Lombards invaded Italy and the Roman Popes turned to the Franks for support. The Popes wanted an affiliation with the Franks in support for the intervention against the Lombards. One of the first lights to shine through the prevailing darkness was in the form of a kingdom of the Franks of the Rhine valley. The Franks...were Christians faithful to the Popes as bishops of Rome, and they took over much of the Roman system of government (Fleming, 158). Such feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction that were present during this time were so evident in many artworks. The art of this era was majestic, romanticized, and idealistic. The Romans wanted to celebrate the magnificent Empire by paying homage to their important leaders and events. Descends from ancient depictions in sculpture and painting of an inspired philosopher and poet seated and writing. Its technique is of the same antiquity-deft, illusionistic brushwork that easily and accurately defines the masses of the drapery as they wrap and enfold the body beneath. The acanthus of the frame of the "picture window" recalls the fourth Pompeian style; the landscape background is classicizing, and the whole composition seems utterly out of place in the north in the ninth century (Gardner, 330-331). In his efforts to keep the education and culture of the Holy Roman Empire similar to that of the Roman Empire, Charlemagne The Northern production of Saint Matthew is similar to the image from the Coronation Gospels, in the position of the saint and the general idea, but it is in no way a replica of it. In the Italian/Byzantine image, Matthew is portrayed in the classic physical tradition. He seems proud and at ease. The Northern piece is just the opposite. The Saint seems stressed, and is portrayed in a crude, almost cartoonish manner. The existence of these two images is quite useful in the display of change from the Roman Empire to the rule under Charlemagne. Charles the Great, otherwise known as Charlemagne was the Frankish leader from 768 AD until 814 AD. After he defeated the Lombards, Charlemagne accepte
Some common words found in the essay are:
Roman Empire, Augustus Caesar, Caspian Sea, Rome Fleming, Porta Rome, Gospels Descends, , Column Trajan, Coronation Gospels, Theodoric Christian, roman empire, san vitale, augustus prima porta, trajan's column, empire charlemagne, saint matthew, imperial chapel, augustus prima, fleming 93, prima porta, roman empire charlemagne, changes western society, fleming 101, sixth century ravenna, church san vitale,
Approximate Word count = 1986
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)
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