Heslop – Gothic Art Discussion Article

Sara’s Questions:

 

-summarize article

-The author discusses the evolution of artistic style that can be examined through the depictions of clothing over time. (pgs. 142-43) What point does me make from this argument? How does it fit in to the overall thesis of the article?

-The author offers two differing perspectives on the artwork in Medieval manuscripts: that they were done by one artist or by two, and argues for the former. Does the article succeed in convincing you that one artist did the work? (pg .146)

-Viewers in the middle ages would have been familiar with the use of physiognomy, and know which traits were considered negative. Does the portrayal of Romanesque social distinctions in the artwork or literature translate to a modern audience? (pg. 148)

Laurie’s Questions:

(pg. 137) In the beginning of the article the author tells us the three means in which status and personality can be represented in the visual arts, what are they? How do they add to our interpretation of the artwork?

-What are some ways that the author discusses in which clothing is used in various paintings to tell us the social status of an individual? What about hair styles? Height? Gestures?

-On page 150 the author talks about psalters’ use for young people learning to read, and specifically the visual imagery in the psalter made for Christina Markyate possibly being “tailored for spiritual and moral improvement.” What do you think is the relevance of the depictions of social status in a book of psalms used for learning?