Medieval Art History and Sacred Geometry

Description

This program will examine the art and sacred geometry of the Medieval era, a singular period of creativity, spirituality, and change. We will study the motivating ideas and issues of the age: the dynamic influence of migrating tribal cultures on inherited classical traditions, the problem of iconoclasm, the arcane goals of the alchemists, and Neoplatonic philosophy expressed through the visions of the mystics. The idea that both mystic and artist were "seers"—seeing beyond the physical into the transcendent and metaphysical—impelled them into visionary realms. We will learn about the mysticism of Hildegard of Bingen, Meister Eckhart, and other charismatic figures, as we see their visions expressed in superb mosaics, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, sculpture and architecture. Sacred music of the era will be experienced through recordings and a possible field trip. We will also learn about the outstanding art, architecture and geometry of medieval Islamic Spain. Islamic dictates forced artists of the period to use ingenious geometrical techniques (rather than figurative ones) to create sacred and secular architectural adornments. Art, design and simple geometry workshops will enable students to move from theory to practice. Students will use geometry skills to create Islamic tilings and to design, draw, and paint a Gothic rose window.