amy- Reflection on Medieval Christianity's Art

I cannot say I receive any joy from medieval art. I suppose the answer to this would be the icons are not supposed to attract the viewer to the art, but there are times I wish it had more variety. I really understand the heaviness of the medieval time period. As the viewer examines the art, he is able to feel the oppressive nature of sameness. Purely artistically speaking, I understand the term “Dark Ages.” If I step back, however, I am able to understand the practical and useful function of these artistic pieces. A change occurred within me when I stepped back and examined this historical context. Looking at all the pietas or contemplative Marys no longer held boredom, but, rather, an interest in seeing how these might have affected those who were not able to read. Jesus’ death is portrayed in such a way that it is difficult for the viewer to look at the image for long. For those in the medieval time period, Jesus could be a comfort to them in their sufferings. And yet… it is very hard for modern day man to understand these portrayals. I find that I do not fully understand them. When I see baby Jesus portrayed as a “baby-man” I cannot really take it seriously. In our practically minded society, this picture strikes us as funny, but within the coherent whole of the medieval time period, this idea of Christ is perfectly understandable.
After studying both the Italian medieval art and the art shown at Saint Agnes’ convent, I am not surprised that the Renaissance began in Italy. I feel as though the icons and medieval art in Italy held a type of artistry that genuinely wished to convey the truths of Christ. I remember at the Accademia in Venice being stunned by the complex biblical concepts the artwork attempts to convey. It was about the story rather than the art. At Saint Agnes’s convent, I felt that the work is so simplified that it did not hold the depth of the art in Italy. The Italian art held hints of the incredible heights it would reach during the Italian Renaissance.
At the same time, I do not want to be too harsh on the artwork shown here in Prague. One is able to observe how the level of skill in the art increases as the viewer sees the time period change to the 16th century. It is as if someone had turned on the light and the artists start to become more innovative. I remember specifically one of the forerunners in the new wave is a Mary who the artist dresses in black. This depiction was so different, just from the colors, that it caught my eye immediately. It is strange how the smallest change in protocol can catch the eye of an observer. After that point in the gallery, I could see the slight changes in the artwork by giving Jesus different features or showing more genuine humanity in the Biblical stories. I think by learning about the medieval time period, I have become less harsh on medieval art. It will never be my favorite, but I have a better understanding of it.