ART100- Written Assignment 2
Chapter 16 & 17 discuss the influence of on the art and architecture of Europe. There are so many excellent examples of stunning works of art from these two chapters that sadly, we don’t have time to cover at the moment. Instead, I thought you all would like to explore some of the more iconic examples with the choices below.
1. Select one topic to write about in 300 words or more. See each topic choice for specific questions to help guide you.
2. Include an image or two to support your discussion of your topic.
3. Remember to:
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· Include your image(s) with your artwork info. Work as best as you can to find the information (make sure it’s not the person who took the photograph but the site/object). If it is a site, please include the location.
· Please don’t cut and paste info from the web without using quotes and citing your sources (this is plagiarism) and try to write as much as you can in your own words. It’s more important to hear what you think about these topics, than what other’s have . Instead, cite with in-text citations and include a works cited section at the end. Citing can include an in-text citation with no quotes if you are paraphrasing or quotes and an in-text citation if you are directly quoting one ore more citations. Here’s how to cite a website in MLA:
TOPIC #1 – Pilgrims and Relics
For this topic you will write about the most important pilgrimage route, The Way of St. James, which ends in Santiago de Compostela (UNESCO has a helpful site in addition to the Smarthistory site below). What was the purpose of pilgrimages and why is this route in particular so important? What is the significance of the scallop shell motif? Along the route, many cathedrals owned relics – what are these and what was their purpose? Please include at least one reliquary, with images, and one stop along the route in detail. Don’t forget its artwork info.
Here are some helpful articles:
· Christine M. Bolli, “,” in Smarthistory , August 8, 2015.
· Boehm, Barbara Drake. “” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. (originally published October 2001, last revised April 2011)
· Sorabella, Jean. “.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. (April 2011)
TOPIC #2 – Illuminated Manuscripts
For this topic you will write about the importance of illuminated manuscripts (the Getty & Metropolitan Museum of Art have helpful sites in addition to the Smarthistory link below). Some questions to think about answering include: What were they and why were they so revered? Who and how were they made? What are some common themes, scenes, and marginal figures and why? How do we see illuminated manuscripts change over time? What are marginal images? You can select a Christian or Islamic illuminated manuscript. Please include at least one manuscript in detail and include an image along with its artwork info.
Here are some helpful articles:
· Dr. Nancy Ross, “Medieval manuscripts, an introduction Links to an external site.,” in Smarthistory , August 8, 2015 .
· Department of Medieval Art and The Cloisters. .” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. (October 2001)
· Sardar, Marika. “” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. (October 2003)
· Ekhtiar, Maryam, and Julia Cohen. “.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. (May 2014)
· Jones, Susan. “” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. (October 2002)
TOPIC #3 – Armor in the Middle Ages
For this topic you’ll explore the many kinds of armor developed during the Middle Ages (the Metropolitan Museum of Art has an excellent collection). When answering this question, please focus on examples of armor from the Middle Ages and not the Renaissance (1400s). Some questions to think about answering include: What were the changes to armor over time during the Middle Ages? What were some of ways it was decorated? What are some common elements of armor? While there are many example of armor for men, what would women wear? Please discuss at least one example and include an image. Don’t forget its artwork info.
Here are some helpful articles:
· Norris, Michael. “.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. (October 2001)
· Breiding, Dirk H. “.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. (October 2003)
· Breiding, Dirk H. “” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. (October 2002)
· Breiding, Dirk H. “.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. (October 2004)
TOPIC #4 – Stained Glass and Abbot Suger
For this topic you will write about the importance and popularity of stained glass in cathedrals. Please read about Abbot Suger’s theories on light and explain his ideas and how they were practically applied. Some questions to think about answering include: What was the purpose of stained glass and what did these windows depict? What are common themes for stained glass windows and why? How do they change over time? What is the legacy of stained glass for us today? Please include at least one cathedral and its stained glass as an example. Don’t forget to include its artwork info if you’re able to find it.
Here is a helpful video and essays:
Reynolds, Elizabeth (Aislin) (2013) “” JCCC Honors Journal : Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 3.
TOPIC #5 – Gargoyles
For this topic you will write about gargoyles found on Gothic cathedrals. With a brief introduction on the history of gargoyles, think about answering some of these questions (no need to answer all): What are they and what was their purpose? What are some common types of gargoyles? What is the relationship between these figures and cathedrals? In your opinion, why are they so fascinating and so prevalent in popular culture? Please include at least two different kinds of gargoyles if one is modern. Don’t forget to include its artwork info if you’re able to find it.
Here are some helpful articles: and
TOPIC #6 – Depictions of the Virgin Mary
For this topic, you’ll compare how the Virgin Mary is depicted differently between the Romanesque and the Gothic periods. Find two examples, one from the Romanesque and one from the Gothic to compare. These examples can be in any medium: sculpture, painting, manuscript, icon, tapestry, etc. Questions to think about in your comparison: How are your depictions similar or different? How are these two Marys depicted – compassionate? motherly? reserved? What size and material or medium are they made from and does this relate to their purpose? Please include your two images and their artwork info.
Here are some helpful articles:
Department of Medieval Art and The Cloisters. “.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. (October 2001)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, “,” in Smarthistory , January 21, 2021.
ART100- Written Assignment 2
