Medieval Times

Medieval Times

When defined historically, the medieval times, otherwise known as the Middle Ages refers to a time between 5th and the 15th century. In European history, this time lies tentatively from 400-1500 AD, and which is sandwiched between renaissance and the fall of the Roman Empire. Historians simplify the Middle Times into three parts namely the early, high and late medieval ages. Also, scholars and historical thinkers during renaissance called the preceding times Middle Ages because it acted as the demarcation between the culture of ancient Rome and Greece and the renaissance itself. It is important to note that during this period, the Catholic Church became the most powerful and dominant institution in Europe, which influenced the then monarchs. Also, it was characteristic of a feudal system, as there were kings, lords, vassals, knights, and peasants. The history of the Middle Ages is rich and plays a significant role in the current era, and this study looks at Gero Cross and how it is important today.

The Gero Crucifix is the oldest monumental sculpture showing the Christ who had been crucified. The sculpture represents the era in that Catholic Church, as it has already been pointed out, was the most powerful institution and dominated the culture at the time (Binski, 2017). One of the most captivating creative works that demonstrate the cultural ideals of the era was sculptures. Of paramount importance to note is that although the medieval art runs through centuries, it was not until during the final four hundred years of the period when single painter artists and sculptors began to be regularly reported (Binski, 2017). It was because of the artistic nature of classical antiquity, Christian iconography, and the mighty Roman Empire why art in Europe during the Middle Ages developed. The Byzantine culture was also significant in influencing the medieval art. Close to all artistic work at the period had to be ratified and approved by religious authorities, specifically for those meant for churches or secular leaders for the ones meant for the general public. It is important to note that monks were the creators of such sculptures.  

Medieval Christian sculpture dates between 750 and 1050 developed at the court of King Charlemagne and at the court of Emperors Otto I, II and III during the same period (Binski, 2017). The sculptures were usually made of ivory as King Charlemagne had revived the art of ivory carving. However, experts in goldsmith practice produced range bindings and metal reliefs which were instrumental in the making of illuminated manuscripts. The monumental sculpture, like bronze sculpture, was also revived during the reign of King Charlemagne (Binski, 2017). The medieval Christian sculpture that the study focuses, however, is the Gero Cross or Crucifix, which was made from 965 to 970 in Cologne Cathedral. The Gero Crucifix was commissioned by the Archbishop of Cologne at the time, Gero, and is made of an oak carving. The carving is partially gilded and painted and has a baroque sound which was added in 1683 (Binski, 2017). The sculpture has original cross pieces made of a halo. Due to its unique way it presents Christ, the Gero Crucifix is paramount to medieval art and history as a whole.

The sculpture is the first monumental depiction of Christ nailed on the cross and the first from the medieval period. Further, Gero cross’ shape is reminiscent of Carolingian religious art, but then the sculpture emphasizes the suffering of Jesus Christ crucifixion (Binski, 2017). As one would find out, the Gero Crucifix has had a massive influence on later crosses, where many crosses follow the rounded natural style. The Byzantine and Carolingian before may have influenced the shape of Gero, but the slumped head and twisted body, which are due to nailed hands at different heights on the cross are not found in the aforementioned arts. The Gero Crucifix has had a massive influence, especially to the lives Catholic Church faithful, up to date. Catholics are huge admirers of the wooden cross or made of other material and this is majorly major of the Gero Cross from the medieval ages (Binski, 2017). Also, the Catholic Church is reminded of the fact that the Christ did not enjoy to be on the cross, as the cross depicts him in agonizing pain on it. The Christian culture is also reminded of the existence of Jesus Christ upon looking up on that Gero Cross. Moreover, the influence of the medieval art in the construction of the Gero Cross is also evident today, as smaller versions of the sculpture by using wood, metal, cold and even melted plastic have been made by artists.

Conclusion

The medieval times or the Middle Ages is a historical period in the European continent lying between 400 and 700 AD, or between 5th and 7th centuries. The period lies between the fall of the Roman Empire and Renaissance and had massive impacts on the current age. Art in Medieval Times was majorly done by the use of wood, metal, and other materials. This study chooses the Gero Crucifix as the piece of art that demonstrated the cultural ideals at the time and which still has influenced today.         

Fig. The Gero Cross/Crucifix

Reference

Binski, P. (2017). Medieval invention and its potencies. British Art Studies, (6). doi:          10.17658/issn.2058-5462/issue-06/pbinski

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