Art 623 Virtual Art Museum, Charles Semones

Presentation of Virgin Mary Church, 1300

Jan 1, 1300

This church is located in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. Construction was completed in 1300. The interior of the chapel contains an amazing alter piece. The original architecture is gothic style. Many baroque, rococo, and medieval paintings have been added over the centuries. The sanctuary is visually stunning. It contains a beautiful alter and has a very ornate ceiling. Not many structures from this era are still in such pristine condition.

1300-1400 A.D.

Period: Jan 1, 1300 to Dec 31, 1399

This century focused on a great deal of religous art stemming out of Europe. Most of the paintings, music, architecture, and sculpture contained religous themes. Luckily, a few other cultures contained art that could easily contend with the religous ones. Ultimately, fine art should encompass all aspects of the world.

Pulpit of Sant' Andrea, Pistoia, Giovanni Pisano, 1301

Jan 1, 1301

This pulpit was commissioned by Canon Arnoldus. The structure has a hexagonal design with seven columns supporting the reliefs above. Two of the columns rest on lions, ones rest on Atlas, and another on three winged gryphons. Annunciation, Dream of the Magi, Massacre of the Innocents, The Crucifixion, and Last Judgment are the reliefs situated above the pulpit. Pisano tilted the reliefs toward the floor for the first time in order to allow onlookers a better view.

The Scrovegni Chapel, 1305, Giotto

Jan 1, 1305

The fresco inside depicts the life of Virgin Mary and her role in human salvation. Many suggest it is one of the most important works of Western Art. The chapel was commissioned by Enrico Scrovegni. There at least 40 different scenes depicted. One of the most notable is Giotto’s portrayal of The Kiss of Judas. All of the pieces combine to tell the story of Christ. Imagery of usury is found throughout due to Enrico’s father making his fortune in banking.

Coronation of the Virgin, Gaddo Gaddi, 1307

Jan 1, 1307

This masterpiece is a mosaic located in Duomo, Florence, Italy. Very few pieces of Gaddi’s have survived. This piece is an excellent testament to his skill. The theme of Christianity encompasses many of the artwork from this century. Gaddi created a wonderful piece to add to the religious theme. This Gothic piece has been kept preserved for it importance to the world of art.

The Divine Comedy, Dante Alighieri, 1308-1325

Jan 1, 1308

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The Divine comedy is an amazing epic poem. It is seen by many as one of the greatest pieces of literature to ever exist. He uses allegorical content to draw the reader deeper into the poem. The Tuscan dialect became the standard Italian language due to this book. It is divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. This piece of literature is one of the few pieces of art that has influenced every other genre of art for the last 7 centuries.

The Palacio de Generalife, 1309

Jan 1, 1309

This palace is located near Granada, Spain. It contains a beautiful medieval Persian garden known as the Water Garden Courtyard. The Sultan’s Garden is also located on the premises. These gardens are two of the oldest surviving Moorish gardens. This is obviously an amazing piece of architecture and garden design since it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its beauty and splendor have lasted since 1309 and will definitely continue on for centuries more.

Naples Cathedral, 1309

Jan 1, 1309

This Roman Catholic Cathedral is another example of the religious influence among art in the 14th century. The main attraction of the cathedral is the Royal Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro. A variety of art adorns the cathedral by artists such as Domenichino, Lanfranco, Stanzione, Ribera, Solimena, and Fanzago. The cathedral has definitely earned its place among the great artwork of the 14th century since it now serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Naples.

Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru, 1319

Feb 1, 1319

This is a painting with a water-based pigment over a foundation of clay mixed with straw. It has been dated back to the Yuan Dynasty. Nothing is known of the author. It depicts Bhaiṣajyaguru, the Buddha of healing and medicine. This painting is considered very sacred to members of the Buddhism. This piece shows the importance of religion from somewhere besides the Christian kingdoms. It is currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Annunciation, Simone Martini, 1333

Jan 1, 1333

Lippo Memmi helped with the construction of the painting. The use of expensive lacquer and gold leaf in the construction shows the importance the piece had to the Siena Cathedral. It is currently located in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. Many view this painting as one of the most outstanding Gothic paintings of all time. This painting is one of the best examples of religious art. Once again, Christianity dominates this time period.

Kapellbrücke, Unknown, 1333

Jan 1, 1333

This wooden bridge is the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. It is also the world’s oldest surviving truss bridge. It is an amazing architectural feat for when it was built. Triangular paintings have hung in the eves on the trusses since the bridges inception. A fire destroyed most of the paintings and a large part of the bridge in 1993. Fortunately, this piece of art was fully restored. The local community of Lucerne, Switzerland, realized its importance to the culture.

Mosque of Amir al-Maridani, 1340

Jan 1, 1340

Islam had a huge place in the architectural world of the 14th Century. This Mosque was the most extravagant of its time in Cairo, Egypt. It is the earliest known example of a fully octagonal minaret. It was also the first mosque to have its minaret crowned with something besides a mabkhara type. The incorporation of this new minaret shows an amazing architectural ability by the builders. This mosque shaped the beginning of a new mosque design.

Birth of the Virgin, Pietro Lorenzetti, 1342

Jan 1, 1342

This piece was located next to The Annunciation in the Siena Cathedral. Religious alter pieces were one of the most importance pieces found in cathedrals. The birth of the Virgin Mary is one of the most important scenes in the life of Mary. She is the Patron Saint of Siena. Lorenzetti’s masterpiece is one of the finest examples of Sienese art. His painting does an amazing job of using spatial illusion. The depth found in the piece is unlike any other.

Four Sleepers, Mokuan Reien, 1329-1345

Jan 1, 1345

This form of "apparition" or "shadow" painting was characterized by faint, wet ink, sketchy lines, minute details, and a lack of fully realized forms. Mokuan was a Japanese monk who traveled to China in order to study at a Chan monestary. This painting is one of the most famous examples of Japanese art from the 14th Century. The depiction of Feng-kan and his tiger, and Han-shan and Shih-te all immersed in deep slumber is a common theme among this type of art. It is simple, yet beautiful.

Orsanmichele Tabernacle, Orcagna, 1346-1347

Jan 1, 1346

The Orsanmichele was the largest commissioned sculpture of its time in Florence, Italy. It was constructed out of marble, lapis lazuli, gold and glass inlay. The Gothic structure was designed to house a Bernardo Daddi painting, Madonna and Child. The intricate detail sets it apart from any other piece at that time. This piece is interesting since it has a specific function beyond mere art. The altar pieces were part of the religious ceremonies.

Madonna and Child, Bernardo Daddi, 1347

Jan 1, 1347

Maddona and Child is housed within the Orsanmichele Tabernacle. This is another beautiful depiction of religious art found during this time period. Art containing the Virgin Mary was abundant during this time. Daddi uses tempera and gold to make this painting stand out from the masses. The rich colors and formal lines help to lift Mary right off the panel. Daddi was considered Florence’s greatest painter of his time. This work of art is a great example of why.

The David Vases, Unknown, 1351

Jan 1, 1351

The vases are considered the most important examples of blue and white porcelain in existence. Religious art may dominate this century, but these vases show how not all art is of the religious theme. They were created during the Yuan Dynasty. Interestingly enough, these vases show the importance of trade among art during this time. The cobalt used to make the blue color was only found in Iran. An inscription on the necks of the vases tells the exact date of dedication.

Ecco la primavera, Francesco Landini, 1325-1397

Jan 1, 1360

Listen Here Francesco Landini was considered the most famous composer in Italy during the last half of the century. The short phrases and catchy rhythm of Ecco la Primavera seem to project a popular, uncultivated feel. All of Landini's surviving music is based on secular subjects. Even though Landini was blinded by smallpox as a child, he was able to produce some of the most poplular music of his time like Ecco la Primavera.

Messe de Nostre Dame, Guillaume de Machaut, 1365

Jan 1, 1365

Listen Here This piece is a polyphonic mass considered to be one of the great masterpieces of medieval music and all religious music. It originally played during parts of a Eucharistic liturgy. This piece is the first known to have unified the order of a mass. It has been attributed to redefining the structure of mass for the rest of time. Many see Machaut as the greatest composer of the 14th Century.

Monument to Cansignorio della Scala, Bonino da Campione, 1376

Jan 1, 1376

This monument is actually a magnificent tomb to Cansignorio della Scala. The church cemetery contains many other detailed monuments. However, none of them are nearly as intricate as this one. It easily stands out among the rest. The detail in the marble work is exquisite. Cemeteries have become one of the biggest attractions in many older cities. Luckily, monuments like this one stand out and can be cherished by many.

Holy Thorn Reliquary, Unkown, 1390

Jan 1, 1390

The Holy Thorn Reliquary is made of gold, enamel, rock crystal, pearls, rubies and sapphires. A great deal of technical skill was involved in creating this piece. The goldsmith who built this piece is still unknown to this day. Many new techniques were used in the design such as ronde bosse. It is believed this reliquary was designed to house one of the thorns from the Crown of Thorns. Once again, a piece of art has more to it than meets the eye.

The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer, Late 1390's

Jan 1, 1398

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The Canterbury Tales does an amazing job of depicting a critical view of English society and the Church during this time. These stories show a wonderful representation of historical events. It is believed the English language took a strong foothold in the world due to this writing. High Schools and Universities around the world still incorporate this writing into their curriculums. It has obviously stood the test of time and will continue for centuries to come.