The Medieval Period was a time of unique growth and new ideas that led to the emergence of a new class of people through the advances of the time. The economy changed the way people acted and how they viewed the world, exposing new art that helped the tradesman class and consequently, the economy.
During this period there had been a strict feudal system and aristocracy, but when the Magna Carta was signed in 1215, limiting the king’s power and separating him from the church, the townspeople gained independence and were able to prosper due to their independent classes. Because of this new freedom, the merchants and artisans began exploring new opportunities and embracing their ideas. Ideas were formulated and became influential inventions such as tools to help agriculture, in turn, advancing farming and increasing products produced and sold in town.
Through charters people could regulate their own business and form a money-based economy with coins as currency. Trade increased as more people learned to read, with more leisure time they could enjoy books in many different languages and styles, which helped when signing business papers and reading contracts. This free time people now had without worry or the pressure of their class allowed hem to reflect on life and interpret things differently, which is conveyed through the art of the Medieval Period.
Art changed in the Medieval period, becoming more Gothic, which is shown in many cathedrals as they shifted from the Roman style architecture, as their towers appeared to reach up towards God. For example, the Chartres Cathedral depicts this new art for with natural representations of people as well as high pointed towers. Sculptures often depicted religion and paintings religious scenes, which show the high influence of the Catholic Church. Stained glass also became a common design in architecture during this economic prosperity. Paintings such as Duccio’s Maestà alterpiece for Siena Cathedral was a new kind of painting known as panel painting which became popular in this period.
This new age of economic success was due to a larger and more independent tradesman class that had advanced systems of trading through inventions and change in social status. Although the Catholic Church was still the highest absolute power, people had more freedoms to express themselves in art that reflected the thoughts of the Medieval Period.
Asher Period 1 Team 3
ReplyDeleteJustine Turrietta, Lauren Broder, Laura Lussier
We love the meticulous details you have provided for all the aspects of the synthesis question. You dug deep into the research by teaching the audience on each category. The transition from the economy into different aspects from from trade was very impressive. You showed the audience that the economy can transmute the world and not only money. You showed the audience that the Medieval Period was catapulted from the initial economy. The details in each area greatly helped the audience understand the importance of the Medieval economy. Bravo!