M8

Explain why you selected the video you chose from the selection listed above.

The first video I watched was Art & Life in the Middle Ages : The Luttrell Psalter, which I picked because I've never heard of it and was curious to see what it was.

For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

The Luttrell Psalter is an "illuminated manuscript", essentially a very lengthy, ornate, and unique book created/commissioned by Geoffrey Luttrell who was a wealthy knight during Medieval times. It details life during medieval times, including the duties of the peasants who lived on his farm land, some images of Luttrell and his family, and the life of Christ. Some unusual creatures are also included in this text, the monsters that the speaker mentions are the most interesting part of the book in my opinion.

What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

 I did not expect to be interested in this when the video started, but the detail and different styles included in this manuscript are very strange and unique. So many stories are told, including that of Luttrell, and the birds are creatures that take up the sides of the pages are spooky but intriguing.

Explain why you selected the video you choose from the selection listed above.

The second video I watched was Florence: Heart of the Renaissance which I chose because I love and have a great appreciation for renaissance artwork and sculpture.

For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

The Italian Renaissance started around 1400 and was a rebirth of cultures, a return to domes and columns and arches. Capitalism replaced Feudalism and Realism became important to artists during this time. I've never seen Donatello's wood sculpture of Mary Magdalene which I think is rather eerie looking. The Uffizi Gallery is featured during this gentleman's tour through Florence, and it holds the finest collection of Italian paintings anywhere in the world, thanks to the Medici family. 

What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

Though I'm not sure I needed to see his pit stop for dinner while we're all trapped at home, I did enjoy the brief tour through Florence. the gold-heavy altarpieces and gothic inspired works of this time are beautiful and interesting and Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Primavera are classic important works from this period.