Giotto
Giotto or Giotto di Bondone is heralded as the Father of
European painting and is credited to shaping and innovation of the the
Renaissance style which developed a century later. In comparison to his
predecessors and even his contemporaries, his works exclusively concentrated on
human beings and their passion for drama and redemption.
Beowulf
Beowulf is one of the longest epic poem in Old English and it
survived as a single manuscript with no date. It is considered more of a work
of art than just a simple document. This is because of the numerous benefits of
studying the text like, insight into other cultures and values and it has many
examples of writing concepts like alliteration, allegory, imagery etc.
Chaucer
Geoffrey Chaucer was most famous for writing The Canturbery
Tales and is known as the Father of English Literature. His decision to write
in English instead of French considerably widened its word- stock and marked a
revolutionary transition in literary history. His works used vernacular English
meter and is one of the first to adapt the epic genre in portraying the lives
of ordinary people.
Romanesque
Romanesque architecture is described as a mixture of Roman, Carolingian and Ottonian, Byzantine, and German styles,
With the need for larger churches in the 10th Century due to Monasticism,
masonry vaulting was developed to replace timber construction. This style is
most commonly characterized with the use of semi-circular arches, and barrel/groin
vaults, along with massive walls and long side aisles.
Gothic
Gothic Architecture is a development over the Romanesque
style. It is characterized by high ceilings and vertical buildings which were
supported by ‘flying buttresses’. The most easily recognizable element of this
style is the pointed arches and large stained glass windows.
Gregorian Chant
The Gregorian chant is a type of music used in the Roman
Catholic Church to accompany text of the mass during Divine office and Roman
Rite. It is described as monophonic or unison and consists mostly of liturgy
and scripture.
Minstrels
In the early ages, masses relied on Minstrels to tell
histories and stories. Indeed they were singers that performed stories from distant
lands and events. They sometimes made their own stories but otherwise borrow
and embellish the works of others. They were later replaced by Troubadours as
courts became more sophisticated and they were relegated to traveling
entertainers.
Troubadours
Troubadours are composers and
performers of lyrical poetry during the High middle ages. Their works mainly
focused on chivalry and courtly love but many were vulgar and humorous. The
first troubadour came from nobility and most of them had clerical education which
enabled them to learn vocal training and understand music and poetry.
Benedict of Nursia
Also known as Saint Benedict, he was the Father of
Monastiscism and established the Benedictine order. The Rule he had written
became the norm for monasticism in Europe and is the most influential contribution
to Christianity. It is a set of guidelines for monks, clear and complete, that takes
into consideration differences in age and climate.
