Reading Journal 10-13
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School
Santa Monica College *
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Course
2
Subject
Arts Humanities
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
Pages
11
Uploaded by AmbassadorMusic4780
Reading Journal – Chapter 10
As you are preparing for your final exam, read Chapter 10 from your Textbook and create a
Study Guide by writing a comprehensive summary of this chapter (about 600 words)
●
Your Summary should include a comprehensive outline of the chapter (see 1)
●
Important points and citations and your reaction/ reflection to each (see 2)
●
Important terms, dates, concepts, and people (see 3)
Avoid numerous or long direct quotes and simply give all the article information in your
introductory paragraph. Use the following template to write this assignment. Any other format
will not be accepted.
Use the following template to write this assignment. Any other format will not be accepted.
1- Plot Summary: Briefly summarize the essay in a 350 words summary. Write your Summary
either as a formal outline or a short essay
Chapter 10 focuses on Early Christian art and architecture from around 300-600 AD. During
the reign of the Roman Empire, Christians constructed churches to accommodate large
gatherings for worship as Christianity rose in popularity. With the rise of Christianity in the
Roman Empire, Christians initially worshiped in private homes. However, with the Edict of
Milan in 313 AD, Constantine granted tolerance to Christianity, which led to the construction of
churches—Basilicas in Rome, such as Old St. Peter's. Old St. Peter's Basilica in Rome was a
significant Early Christian church with a lengthy central nave surrounded by side aisles and
clerestory windows, which provided natural light. The altar was at the east end, and the
narthex was at the western entrance. Churches with central plans were also constructed as
martyria, baptisteries, and mausoleums. Early Christian art incorporated pagan imagery, such
as the Good Shepherd motif, into its works. Sarcophagi, or stone coffins, often featured
combinations of Biblical scenes, like the Baptism of Christ, alongside Roman figures.
Catacomb frescoes were also used to depict early Christian subject matter. This art form
absorbed Roman styles and adapted them to new Christian meanings and purposes. During
the reign of Emperor Justinian I, the Byzantine architectural style developed with richly
decorated churches aimed at unifying the Christian faith. The churches were decorated with
mosaics, frescoes, and other forms of artwork. Justinian constructed grand churches such as
Hagia Sophia in Constantinople and San Vitale in Ravenna to unify Christendom under his
leadership. The Church of San Vitale in Ravenna features elaborate mosaics depicting
Justinian, Theodora, and Christ in the apse, conveying Justinian's role in Christianity.
Justinian's most significant architectural accomplishment was the construction of Hagia
Sophia in Constantinople. The church's enormous central dome is supported by pendentives
over a square base, with light streaming in from windows in the walls and dome. Byzantine art
later illuminated manuscripts like the Vienna Genesis. During the Byzantine era, there were
some significant developments. The Vienna Genesis was an illuminated manuscript that
included small narrative scenes at the bottom of pages of text. However, there was a
controversy over the use of images in worship. Some people, known as Iconoclasts, believed
that it was not right to depict holy figures in images because it led to idolatry. On the other
hand, Iconophiles argued that it was permissible to use images. Eventually, the Iconophiles
prevailed, creating panel paintings of saints known as icons in the Eastern Church.
2- Outline ideas, characters, or topics in the reading first (A)and reflect on each later(B)
A- Important points with citation
B- Your Reaction/Reflection
a.
"In the performance of the Mass, also
called Holy Communion, the Lord’s
Supper, or the Eucharist (Greek for
‘thanksgiving’), bread and wine are
believed to become literally the body
and blood of Christ." (p. 154)
b.
The intention of this mosaic was
clearly to depict Justinian as Christ’s
representative on earth and to show
him as a worthy successor to
Constantine. (p.162)
c.
Hagia Sophia’s dome was constructed
of a single layer of brick—a relatively
thin shell that minimized the weight
borne by the pendentives." (p. 164)
d.
"It was at Pergamon that parchment
was first used as a substitute for
papyrus." (p. 167)
a.
It is fascinating to observe how
religious rituals play a central role in
fostering faith and gratitude. I
appreciate how this quote explains its
spiritual significance.
b.
The quote highlights the blend of
religious and political symbolism
regarding Justinian's mosaic,
emphasizing the role of art in religion.
Reflecting upon this The artwork and
messaging are engaging, highlighting
the intricate relationship between art
and religion. Makes me realize how
much art played a role in religion
throughout history.
c.
I was surprised to learn that the dome
of Hagia Sophia was constructed
using only a single layer of brick to
minimize its weight. It's remarkable to
think about the complex techniques
used during that period. Studying
these techniques has given me a
further appreciation for the artistry
involved in historic artworks.
d.
I found this quote very intriguing
because innovations like parchment
were groundbreaking back in the day.
Comparing it to the rise of technology
taking over today, it made me realize
how even small advances like
parchment enabled further
developments in our time
3. Important terms, dates, concepts, and people:
Terms -
●
Basilica - meeting halls and places of worship adapted by early Christians from
Roman secular basilicas.
●
Apse - A semicircular recess at the end of a Roman basilica
●
Narthex - The entrance of an early Christian church.(vestibule)
●
Ichthus - A Christian fish symbol formed from the Greek initials
●
Typology -The practice called prefiguration where Christians connect Old Testament
stories to events in the New Testament.
Dates -
●
c. 33 AD - Death of Jesus Christ
●
313 AD - The Year where Constantine issued the Edict of Milan which granted
tolerance to Christianity.
●
333-390 AD - Construction time of Old St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
●
540-547 AD - Construction time of the church San Vitale in Ravenna in Italy.
●
537 AD - When the Hagia Sophia church in Constantinople was constructed
Concepts -
●
Christianity emerged within the Roman Empire
●
Early Christians developed the basilica style of architecture to provide a suitable space
for worshippers.
●
Under Justinian, the Byzantine style emerged with hieratic, abstract imagery and
architecture.
●
During the reign of Justinian, new art styles and architecture emerged in the Byzantine
Empire, such as abstract imagery and architecture.
●
A Controversy over the use of religious imagery between iconoclasts and iconophiles.
People -
●
Jesus Christ - Central figure of Christianity.
●
Constantine - Roman emperor who issued the Edict of Milan tolerating Christianity.
●
Saint Peter - The first bishop of Rome and pope.
●
Justinian - Byzantine emperor
To avoid getting 0 point for this assignment, make sure to follow the above template and use
your textbook as the only source.
Reading Journal – Chapter 11
As you are preparing for your final exam, read Chapter 11 from your Textbook and create a
Study Guide by writing a comprehensive summary of this chapter (about 600 words)
●
Your Summary should include a comprehensive outline of the chapter (see 1)
●
Important points and citations and your reaction/ reflection to each (see 2)
●
Important terms, dates, concepts, and people (see 3)
Avoid numerous or long direct quotes and simply give all the article information in your
introductory paragraph. Use the following template to write this assignment. Any other format
will not be accepted.
Use the following template to write this assignment. Any other format will not be accepted.
1- Plot Summary: Briefly summarize the essay in a 350 words summary. Write your Summary
either as a formal outline or a short essay
Chapter 11 focuses on the Early Middle Ages in Europe, from around the 7th to the end of the
10th century. The Early Middle Ages in Europe marked the emergence of Medieval Christian
civilization and the spread of Islamic influences following the Moorish conquest of Spain.
Islamic art avoided figurative representations due to religious prohibitions. An important
architectural element of Islam is mosques built towards the direction of Mecca. The Great
Mosque of Córdoba in Spain, made in the 8th century with red and white striped arches, is
one of the most important mosques. The art of Northern Europe was influenced more by
Germanic tribes like the Franks, Angles, and Saxons than by Classical traditions. A new art
style emerged, influenced by Germanic interlace patterns seen in metalwork and manuscripts
rather than the Roman models. One remarkable example of the mix of cultural motifs is the
gold purse cover discovered in the Sutton Hoo ship burial, combining Germanic, Celtic, and
Near Eastern designs. Irish monasteries, unaffected by Romanization, emerged as centers of
art, religion, and education, producing intricately decorated manuscripts such as the Book of
Durrow and the Book of Kells. In the late 8th century, Charlemagne wanted to strengthen his
claim as the Holy Roman Emperor by bringing back Classical Roman traditions. He built the
Palace Chapel in Aachen, which combined central-plan church architecture with Roman
monumentality. Manuscript painting, under Charlemagne's patronage, also looked to Classical
models. After his reign, manuscript painting took on a more emotional style, as seen in the
frontispiece of the Vivian Bible. Charlemagne expanded the network of Benedictine
monasteries, which became vital centers of art, learning, and craft production. These
monasteries played an essential role in religious and cultural life. However, after
Charlemagne's death, manuscript painting took on an even more emotional route, as seen
again in the Vivian Bible frontispiece. During the 10th century, Otto I utilized Roman models to
establish the credibility of his family's dynasty. The bronze doors designed for St. Michael's
church in Hildesheim demonstrated the revival of monumental Roman metal casting
techniques. From the 8th to the 10th centuries, Northern Europe became Christianized, laying
the foundations for medieval civilization with chivalric values, urbanization, and the Church's
central role.
2- Outline ideas, characters, or topics in the reading first (A)and reflect on each later(B)
A- Important points with citation
B- Your Reaction/Reflection
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