Mr. Wright Art Class: Living with Art, Chapter 15 - Christianity and Europe, Part 2

William Wright・2 minutes read

The Celts originated in central Europe, spreading to regions like Austria and Germany before the Romans interacted with them, referring to them as Gauls in France. Celtic culture, characterized by status symbols like gold armbands, influenced Britain and Ireland, eventually integrating into Roman Britain after the Roman invasion.

Insights

  • Celtic culture spread across Europe, influencing regions like Britain, Ireland, and France, with status symbols like torques and gold armbands defining their identity.
  • The transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture in Europe marked a shift towards more elaborate and ornate designs, characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and stained glass windows in structures like the Chartres Cathedral.

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Recent questions

  • Where did Celtic culture originate?

    Central Europe

  • Who rebelled against Roman control in Britain?

    Boudicca

  • What architectural style followed the Carolingian Empire?

    Romanesque

  • Who became the new emperor of the Christian Roman Empire?

    Charlemagne

  • What architectural features are characteristic of Gothic style?

    Pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, stained glass windows

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Summary

00:00

Celtic Influence and Roman Interactions in Europe

  • The Celts developed in central Europe, spreading to regions like Austria, Germany, and even reaching Turkey with the Galatians.
  • The Romans interacted with the Celts, referring to them as Gauls, particularly in the area of France.
  • Torques, significant in Celtic culture, originated in Ireland before spreading to mainland Europe.
  • Celtic culture, characterized by status symbols like gold armbands, influenced Britain and Ireland.
  • The Romans eventually invaded Britain, leading to the integration of Celtic culture in the region.
  • Celtic culture flourished and developed, showcasing intricate objects like the Best Huge Flagon and Parisian Horse Coin.
  • The Romans used propaganda around Celtic practices, like wine consumption, to portray the Celts negatively.
  • Gaul surrendered to the Romans, with notable figures like King Ghettorix standing out in the conflict.
  • Boudicca, a Celtic queen, rebelled against Roman control, leading a fierce uprising against the Romans in Britain.
  • Rome's eventual collapse in 410 AD left a power vacuum, allowing Germanic tribes to migrate and settle in Western Europe.

13:47

"Germanic Tribes Shape Medieval Europe"

  • After the collapse of Rome, Germanic tribes spread across Europe from the 300s to the 600s, settling in new lands.
  • Lombards take over Lombardy in northern Italy, while Angles and Saxons move into England, with the Angles giving England its name.
  • Southern parts of England were known as Saxony in ancient times, leading to names like Sussex, Essex, and Wessex.
  • Wales, Ireland, and Scotland become distinct from England, with some British lineage in Brittany, France.
  • Vandals attack Rome, leading to the term "vandalism," while Franks move into Gaul, establishing the Frankish Kingdom.
  • Goths spread across Europe, setting up kingdoms along with Vandals in Africa and Spain.
  • The development of Europe during the Middle Ages sees Germanic tribes embracing Christianity and writing systems.
  • The Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript from 9th century Ireland, showcases not work and animal styles.
  • Charlemagne becomes the new emperor of the Christian Roman Empire, uniting Europe under Christianity.
  • The Romaneque period follows the Carolingian Empire, characterized by stone walls, round arches, and barrel vaults in cathedrals.

27:56

Evolution of Gothic Architecture in England

  • The Bayou Tapestry is an embroidered cloth depicting events leading to the Norman Conquest of England.
  • William of Normandy claimed ancestry from Wales to justify his invasion of England.
  • Norman England was established during the Romanesque period, transitioning to the Gothic period around 1200.
  • Gothic architecture featured pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, and stained glass windows.
  • The Chartres Cathedral exemplifies Gothic architecture with ribbed vaults, buttresses, and large pointed arches.
  • The cathedral evolved from Romanesque to early Gothic with more pointed arches and ornamentation.
  • Late Gothic architecture featured spiky elements, gargoyles, and elaborate decorations.
  • Gothic style was initially considered barbaric, leading to flamboyant and over-the-top designs.
  • Early Gothic sculptures were relief carvings, evolving into freestanding sculptures with intricate details.
  • Gothic cathedrals incorporated stained glass windows to depict stories and educate the public.
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