32 Chapter 9.2: Art of the Germanic Tribes

ART OF THE GERMANIC TRIBES

The art of the Germanic peoples, including the Ostrogoths, Visigoths, Franks, Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, who inhabited Europe after the fall of the Roman empire differed sharply from the Greco-Roman tradition. Monumental art and architecture were rare, if non-existent. Most of the art that survives, including weapons and items of personal adornment, was found in graves. Dismissed in previous centuries as decorative or minor art, scholars now recognize the immense amount of skill, knowledge of materials, and creativity that went into the creation of these art forms.

THE BRITISH AISLES

As the previous section illustrated, there were many different tribes who occupied territories of the former Roman empire. While there are motifs and stylistic characteristics that are unique to each one, the categories of objects and how they functioned, are largely similar. Rather than exploring an individual artwork from each group, an examination of Anglo-Saxon art, will provide insight into the general style, character, and use of art in this time period. Initially pagan, the Anglo-Saxon people and Germanic tribes elsewhere eventually converted to Christianity. After exploring the treasures of the Sutton Hoo ship burial, the most important collection of Anglo-Saxon art, subsequent sections will explore Hiberno-Saxon manuscripts, which proclaim the triumph of Christianity in the British Isles.

ANGLO-SAXON ART – SUTTON HOO

The artifacts from Sutton Hoo ship burial are the most famous from the Anglo-Saxon period. In 1939 an amateur archaeologist discovered the remains of an Anglo-Saxon ship burial which likely belonged to an early king judging by the quality and quantity of objects that accompanied him. The treasures from this burial are among the most visited artworks in the British Museum.

Sutton Hoo TASK 1:

After watching the following videos on the treasures discovered in the Sutton Hoo ship burial, please answer the related questions.

Sutton Hoo an Anglo-Saxon Treasure

Sutton Hoo TASK 1 prompts:

What types of designs and motifs are found on the objects discovered?

Describe the techniques used to create the decoration on these objects.

What suggests that the person buried had a connection to Christianity?

Which objects imply that Britain was not separate from the rest of Europe?

Sue Takes on the Sutton Hoo Helmet

Sutton Hoo TASK 2 prompts:

What type of decoration was on the helmet and what does it symbolize?

What affect did the helmet have on the viewer and the wearer?

INSULAR OR HIBERNO-SAXON ART

An earlier video introduced the spread of Christianity to the pagan Germanic tribes through the efforts of important monks and the establishment of monasteries, which were important centers for learning. In monastic scriptoria, monks labored on copying important writings, including the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John from the New Testament. Monasteries were set up in remote locations in England, Ireland, and Scotland. The term insular (island) or Hiberno-Saxon (ancient name for Ireland and peoples of England) is often applied to the Christian artistic production from the British Isles. Illuminated manuscripts, particularly Gospel Books, are among the most treasured objects from this time period.

What is insular art?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I3V8Kx70zw