Manuscripts of the Early Middle Ages

Before the invention of the printing press, books were copied by hand one at a time by illuminators, and the vellum was often embellished with beautiful calligraphy and intricate patterns and designs.

Using your course textbook locate three examples of illuminated manuscripts from the early Middle Ages. Read about each one in your textbook, course lectures, and through reliable internet resources

First, completely identify each manuscript and/or manuscript page by title, date, and location where it was created.

In a minimum of 2 well-developed paragraphs address the following questions:

1. Who commissioned the creation of the manuscript? Why?
2. What was the purpose of the manuscript?
3. How do the visual characteristics of each manuscript contribute to or enhance its message or meaning?
4. How do the reasons these manuscripts were created compare with religious texts created today?

Be sure to explain your ideas clearly and support them by discussing specific details about each manuscript.

Question 2: Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals

Both Romanesque and Gothic architecture displayed distinctive characteristics and features. For this assignment, select one example of Romanesque church architecture and one example of Gothic church architecture from your course textbook. Read about each one in your textbook, course lectures, and through reliable internet resources.

First, completely identify the two cathedrals you have selected by name, date, and location.

Then, in a minimum of 3 well-developed paragraphs, address the following questions:

1. What architectural details are evident in each cathedral that make it representative of either the Romanesque or Gothic style?
2. What sort of decoration (interior and exterior) was employed in each cathedral? What was the meaning of the sculptures, paintings, windows that adorned each cathedral?
3. What was the visitor or viewer experience in each cathedral?