Medieval & Renaissance Europe: Key Figures, Art, and Cultural Shifts

Charlemagne

Charlemagne, son of Pepin and Bertrada, continued his father's policy to consolidate power. He actively promoted Christianity, believing himself called by God to spread the Christian faith worldwide.

The Eastern Schism

The year 1054 marks the separation between the Eastern and Western Churches. In reality, the root causes of this separation were long-standing tensions between the Patriarchs of the East and the Bishop of Rome.

The Western Schism

In the year 1377, Pope Gregory XI returned to Rome and died there shortly after. The cardinals elected Pope Urban VI, but a group of French cardinals then elected Clement VII. Mutually, both popes excommunicated each other. Western Christianity was divided, with obedience split between one pope or the other. Years later, the Council of Constance deposed all three claimants and elected Pope Martin V as the sole Pope.

The Romanesque

Origins and Context

The Romanesque style emerged alongside the development of Romance Languages, which are characteristic of each region and share a common Latin root. Both phenomena contributed to the resurgence of European culture and marked the end of the uncertainty following the Roman Empire's decline.

Characteristics of Romanesque Art and Architecture

• Christian temples were built in each new population center as places of gathering and celebration.
• In Spain, the style arrived via the Road to Santiago.
• The number of windows was essential, providing a rather tenuous light to the interior.
• A porch full of symbols greeted the faithful before entering the temple. Depending on the economic potential of the people and the mastery of the sculptor, these porches could be filled with small, hieratic figures narrating stories from the Bible.

The Gothic

Origins

The Gothic style was born in northern France in the mid-12th century, in a fully urban environment where universities and the bourgeoisie controlled the economy. The thick walls of Romanesque churches could not support the broad roofs that covered large surfaces. A change to the Gothic style was the only alternative.

Features of Gothic Art and Architecture

• The Gothic style largely designed and built cathedrals.
• Structures were supported by buttresses and tall columns that sustained high vaulted ceilings.
• In sculpture and painting, figures took on greater realism than in the Romanesque style.
• The Gothic style was imbued with a natural stroke.

Gregorian Chant

In the year 600, Pope Gregory I had the idea to compile hymns sung by early Christians in celebrations performed in honor of Rome. This chant, often associated with the catacombs, was given the name Gregorian Chant after this pope.

Gregorian chant is vocal, without instrumentation. The text is in Latin and is usually taken from the Psalms, Gospels, and anonymous compositions. It is sung a single note at a time, without additional voices. It is performed with devotion, aiming to get closer to God through the lyrics and musical harmony. This form of prayer is used in the Liturgy of the Hours, where people gather to pray Matins, Lauds, and Vespers through singing.

The Renaissance

The name 'Renaissance' indicates a trend to return to everything related to classical Greco-Roman culture. It therefore began in the 15th century and lasted until the 16th century. It was divided into two stages:

1. The Quattrocento, developing mainly in Italy.
2. The Cinquecento, lasting until the 1530s, when Mannerism began.

This rebirth affected fine arts, literature, and science. Renaissance architecture had a clear secular character from its inception, as the grand cathedrals of Europe had already been constructed in earlier styles.

Humanism

Humanism emerged in the 14th century, bringing a different way of seeing the world, a deeper understanding of the universe, and a new vision of the role of human beings. Humanity became the center of attention and admiration. Humanism brought about spiritual changes. While God was central in the Middle Ages, Humanism shifted focus, restoring faith in human potential and placing humanity at the center of attention and admiration.