Test 3 Question 1

From the 6^th century to the 15^th, Europe and the Americas saw a huge change in art and architecture with an emphasis on religion. Thousands of pieces were commissioned by churches with the rise of Christianity as well as an increase in art patrons. The architecture in the Americas began to increase as large temples were constructed such as Temple I in Guatemala. In Europe we saw the rise of medieval and Romanesque art. Pieces such as the book of Kells and the Palace Chapel of Charlemagne were created. These were two good examples of the religious oriented pieces that were being created at this time, the book of Kells being created by monks and containing the four Gospels of the Old Testament. The Romanesque art created were all churches and cathedrals with elaborate carvings and decorations, modeled after the roman architecture that came before it. These cathedrals such as the abbey church of Notre Dame contained large arches where one can see the Romanesque styling. This period led onto the gothic art in which more cathedrals were constructed this time with beautiful stained glass windows and tall, complicated spires. The stained glass windows were very important ass they usually portrayed various scenes from the bible. During the 14^th and 15^th century in Europe many more religious paintings were commissioned. These paintings often were of Christ and a scene from the bible.  In paintings like Virgin and Child enthroned by Cimabue as well as Bondone’s one can see the central composition and muted blues and reds along with lots of gold with gave it a sacred feeling. In Europe the Renaissance and High Renaissance were deemed the reach of perfection for art, masters such as Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello led them. This time saw the best religious related work created. World renown pieces were created such as David and the Creation of Adam. During this time religious commissioned work reached its pinnacle.