Medieval art is often stereotyped as the period of Art History where all artistic rules, techniques and practices were ignored and forgotten. Everyone has seen medieval art at one time or another, and has probably considered the artworks simple and almost childlike when compared to the great works of the Renaissance or of the graceful and impressionistic works of the late 19th century. In a certain sense this ideal is true. However, medieval art is not simple, nor is it childlike, crude and repetitive, instead it is carefully considered, beautifully executed and enormously skilled even though at first glance one may have a different perspective.

So, what exactly is medieval art? It is difficult to reel off names of famous artists or paintings in an attempt to familiarise yourself with the genre, as most artists during the Dark Ages were nameless, and most of the praised medieval artworks are not recognised by the untrained eye. If I was to show you an image of Michelangelo's David, or a postcard of Monet's Waterlillies, it's pretty likely that you would recognise them and roll off at least one interesting fact or piece of information regarding each piece of art. However, medieval art isn't like that; it is, in most respects, a mysterious and anonymous period in Art History. Never the less, this period stretched for a good nine centuries, from its beginnings in the 6th century straight through to the 15th century, when revelations and progressions in the artistic world waved goodbye to the period and welcomed with open arms the Renaissance.

The images rendered in illuminated art can be considered as some of the most influential and important works of art throughout history. After all, medieval illuminated manuscript art was the major and most influential art medium for nine centuries. Until the work of Giotto began to grace the alters of churches and monasteries, medieval art reigned supreme.

If you are at all interested in the intricacies of medieval illuminated manuscript art, then you should definitely investigate the Limbourg brothers, Robert Campin, Jean Pucelle and Claus Sluter. All these artists and sculptors are late Medieval, from around 1400 onwards. Earlier medieval art is basically anonymous, painters and sculptors almost never signed their work.

For the complete article on Medieval Illuminated Manuscript Art check out Resources at the Artists Guild.

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