Chapter 13
The Age of Faith
Instructor’s Manual
Overview
In this chapter introduce The Age of Faith. Define the different religions that will be
explored. Speak to the spread of religion throughout the known world. Connect the fall of
Rome from chapter 12 with the spread of art inspired by faith.
Sub Headers
• Religious Images or Sacrilege?
• Early Christian and Byzantine Art
• The Early Middle Ages
o Islam
o Buddhism
o Hinduism
• The Middle Ages
o The Romanesque Style
o The Gothic Style
o Medieval Art in Italy
Terms
barrel vault
Byzantine
Gothic
mihrab
minaret
nave
nirvana
Romanesque
transept
trumeau
Lecture #1
Discussion:
Begin Lecture #1 by discussing the opening section “Timeless Links: Heaven and Hell.”
Throughout history and across different religions and cultural beliefs, depictions of both a
“heaven” and a “hell” have been common themes in works of art. Ask students to
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contemplate humans’ timeless fascination with this subject matter. Continue the lecture
by discussing the struggles many faiths had with depicting their gods. Introduce the early
imagery and architecture that emerged with early Christian and Byzantine Art, Islam,
Buddhism, and Hinduism.
Class Questions/Prompts:
Islamic Art and Pattern The Moslem faith retains to this day its objection to visual
representations of Allah. Early Moslems went further in forbidding the use of all images
because they believed that the act of creation should be reserved for Allah alone.
Therefore, much Moslem artwork consists of decorative motifs, and geometric or organic
patterns. These motifs and patterns are prized because of their beauty, harmony, and
complexity. Using several examples of Moslem artwork, discuss the following:
• Repeated geometric elements: the circle, square, and line are often the basis for
patterns
• Background and foreground
• Freedom of design
• Compare patterns found in both texts and architecture.
Heaven and Hell: Then and Now As discussed previously, heaven and hell have been
popular subjects in works of art since ancient times. Ask students to consider present day.
Is this theme still as popular today? Are there any modern-day works of art, including
photography, that could be associated with the imagery of heaven or hell?
Exercise #1
1. Analysis
a. Have students make observations on materials, methods,
cultural and historical context.
Figure 13-6 Mosaic Interior of San Vitale, looking up, Justinian and
Attendants at right, c. 547. Ravenna, Italy.
2. Compare and Contrast
Figure 13-9 The Golden Buckle of Sutton Hoo. Anglo Saxon, seventh
century. Gold and enamel. British Museum, London, United Kingdom.
Figure 13-10 Ornamental page from the Book of Lindisfarne (Cotton MS
Nero D IV f 26v), from Northumberland, England, late seventh century.
Illumination. British Library, London, United Kingdom.
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Lecture #2
Discussion:
In Lecture #2 discuss the Middle Ages in Europe and the unique styles that emerged in
art and architecture: the Romanesque style and the Gothic style. Also discuss the
variations of medieval art in Italy. Use examples from the text to highlight developments
in architecture. Discuss the cultural context that drove these developments.
Class Questions/Prompts:
Focus on the Figure This chapter contains a variety of figural artwork. Choose several
images of figurative work, such as 13-4 Justinian and Attendants, 13-21 Walking
Buddha, and 13-27 Gislebertus, Last Judgment. How are the figures included in these
works similar? How are they different? Are they realistic or naturalistic? What are the
figures most prominent features? What is their purpose? What culture and/or time period
are they from? How can you tell? What stylistic differences or similarities do you notice?
What types of beliefs could be embodied by these figures?
Terminology Throughout the chapter, several architectural terms are mentioned in
relation to various buildings. Using images or plans of structures featured in this chapter,
discuss these terms and label the images or plans with these terms. Have students point
out where these architectural elements exist in the structures featured in the chapter.
Terms include: barrel vault, nave, transept, trumeau, pointed arch, buttress, and ribbed
vault.
Exercise #2
1. Analysis
a. Have students make observations on materials, methods,
cultural and historical context.
Figure 13-25 Adam and Eve Reproached by the Lord, from the bronze
doors at Saint Michael’s. Hildesheim, Germany, 1015.
2. Compare and Contrast
Figure 13-28 Detail of Last Judgement, Autun.
Figure 13-37 Bonaventura Berlinghieri, panel from the Saint Francis
Altarpiece, 1235. Tempura on Wood. San Francesco, Pescia, Italy.