Wylie.P5.T4 - Medieval Synthesis Question

The emergence of the middle class was a profound event in the Medieval Period, its roots founded in the development of cities after periods of conflict and unrest. Whereas the population sustained a prolonged decline followed by stabilizing at a low population during the Middle Ages, the Medieval Period marked a population boom and a shift towards sustained urbanization. The new population spurred a wealthy economy, while the promise of success broke the restrictive ties of serfdom through the promise of wealth equality. Artisans and tradesmen banded together into guilds, groups of similar tradesmen that, as a united force, had the power to challenge the noble aristocrats of the feudal system, centralizing power in the Medieval hierarchy by defeating feudal barriers against trade.

The coming of a new middle class, both wealthy and optimistic, brought a new style of art that contrasted the dreary, cynical art of the early Middle Ages. Previously unavailable due to its high cost, stained glass was used to create magnificent displays in churches. Quite distinct as color was scarcely used, stained glass art inspired awe in its novel showing of color and light. Also conveying the new idea of light rather than dark was the extravagant Gothic architecture. Designed with tall, sharp arches, Gothic cathedrals literally presented a wall of light, and, when combined with stained glass, created a unique sense of grandness and spiritual elevation. The middle class influenced Medieval art by changing the general attitude of artistic presentation; breaking free from the depressing works of the early Middle Ages, artists looked to the energy and rosiness.