3.1 Cultural Contexts of Early European and Colonial American Art

During this unit, art was greatly influenced by Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), and across many pieces you will find similar motifs (symbols), techniques, and functions. Furthermore, the cultural practices and physical environment of where the artwork was created, affects various elements within the piece. For a brief overview of the historic events that occurred, you can visit this study guide. 

Below are a few bullets of information the College Board expects you to know in relation to this topic. 👇 

All of this information comes from the AP Art History CED.

• "Medieval art derived from the requirements of worship (Jewish, Christian, or Islamic)..." (pg. 85).
• "The arts of 15th-century Europe reflected an interest in classical models, enhanced naturalism, Christianity, pageantry, and increasingly formalized artistic training" (pg. 86).
• "The 16th-century Protestant Reformation and subsequent Catholic Counter-Reformation compelled a divergence in...[Northern and Southern European art]...with respect to form, function, and content. Production of religious imagery declined in northern Europe, and nonreligious genres...developed and flourished. In [Southern Europe], there was an increase in the production of political propaganda [and] religious imagery..." (pg. 86).
• "In the 17th century, architectural design and figuration in painting and sculpture continued to be based on classical principles and formulas but with a pronounced interest in compositional complexity, dynamic movement, and theatricality" (pg. 86). Now, will briefly discuss some of the cultural beliefs and practices that influenced artistic movements in this unit. 🎨

Cultural Contexts of Artistic Movements

Late Antique and Byzantine Art

Late antique art (approximately 200-500 CE) was heavily influenced by religion. Christianity was rapidly spreading and many churches commissioned art to convey religious ideologies and decorate architecture. During this period, the Roman Empire still ruled much of the Mediterranean, and this led to the blending of many different traditions (which we will cover later). Furthermore, the period saw the rise of the Byzantine Empire (500-1450 CE), whose art was also influenced by Christianity. 

Islamic Art

Islamic art, as you can imagine, was heavily influenced by Islam.  Within this unit, you will notice that Islamic artwork features calligraphy (decorative handwriting) and geometric patterns known as arabesques. This is because Islam strictly prohibits imagery of human figures. Therefore, these motifs are used to decorate elements in architecture, textiles, ceramics, and many other forms of art. 

Early Medieval Art

Similar to previous artistic movements, the Medieval Era (450-1050 CE), also known as the Dark Ages, was also influenced by Christianity. However, due to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century and the rise of new political entities, such as the "barbarian" Frank Kingdom (modern-day France and southwestern Germany) and Anglo-Saxons (British Isles), previous traditions were mixed with regional, artistic styles (see Merovingian looped fibulae and Lindisfarne Gospels).

Romanesque Art

The Romanesque period (1050-1200 CE) was dominate by feudalism, which was a social system in Europe where Lords granted safety to peasants in exchange for work. However, the most significant event was when the Catholic church, under the direction of Pope Urban II, began a series of wars known as The Crusades. This was an effort to spready Christianity in Europe and counteract the growing influence of Islam. Thus, religion continued to play a central role in history. Furthermore, the Romanesque period was characterized by a rise in pilgrimage culture and the construction of many religious buildings, like the Church of Sainte-Foy, which was a popular pilgrimage center. 

Gothic Art

The Gothic period (1140–1400) was influenced by the development of European economy. With growing cities, we begin to see art not only being commissioned by people of nobility, but also by the rising merchant class, who hoped to also display some of their wealth. The Gothic period nevertheless, was still influenced by Christian artistic tradition, which is demonstrated through the Gothic cathedrals and the rise of Mendicant Orders (religious groups dedicated to spreading church teachings, especially to the poor). 

Renaissance Art

While the Renaissance (1400-1600) was still influenced by Christianity, this artistic movement saw a renewed interest in Greek and Roman classical ideals. There was an emphasis on realism, naturalism, and the human form. This is why you might notice the images in this period features more human figures as opposed to the prior artistic movements. Moreover, as previously discussed, in Northern Europe the Protestant Reformation greatly influenced artwork. 

Baroque Art

Baroque art (1600–1700) was sometimes used as a means of propaganda by the Catholic Church, as a part of the Counter-Reformation. We will later go into artistic techniques, but Baroque art dramatized classical forms. Baroque art was also brought to New Spain.