Priya Kapoor
During the Middle Ages, the preservation of paintings was often linked to their association with royalty, saints, or founder figures, rather than artistic merit. The use of natural, earth-based pigments and materials in medieval art contributed to their longevity, as these paints were UV-resistant, humidity-resistant, and lightfast. Illuminated manuscripts, created with nature-based materials and pigments, were cherished as symbols of sacred knowledge and have survived due to their durability. The high cost of commissioning art during this period limited access primarily to institutions like the Church or wealthy patrons, and the lack of resources for preservation resulted in the loss or destruction of many works. However, surviving drawings and manuscripts from the Middle Ages offer valuable insights into the artistic processes and styles of the time.
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What You'll Learn
- Illuminated manuscripts were made with all-natural materials, which is why they've lasted so long
- Natural pigments were UV-resistant, humidity-resistant, and lightfast
- Egg tempera paint was permanent, fast-drying, and long-lasting
- The Middle Ages lacked the knowledge and resources to preserve older works
- Some paintings survived due to their association with saints or founder figures
Illuminated manuscripts were made with all-natural materials, which is why they've lasted so long
Illuminated manuscripts, created in the Middle Ages, are still around today and are well-preserved. This is because they were made with all-natural materials. Paper was not yet widely available, so parchment (animal skins) was used for the pages of the books, and the covers were made from dried animal hides soaked in lime. Pens, or "quills", were made from bird feathers or reeds, which were soaked in water, dried, and hardened with heated sand. The pigments used were also natural, with colours derived from natural earth, rust, turmeric, saffron, yellow ochre, the mineral malachite, azurite, and chalk, among others. These paints did not contain preservatives, fillers, petroleum-based additives, or heavy metals, which is why they have lasted so long and remain as luminous as the day they were painted.
The process of creating illuminated manuscripts was tedious, detailed, and demanding, requiring physical and mental stamina. They were often created in monasteries, with monks working collectively to sponsor the patronage of a manuscript. The creation of these manuscripts was a testament to their devotion, with scribes and illuminators working in solitude from morning until night.
The use of natural materials was not unique to illuminated manuscripts. For example, the Anglo-Saxon Monkwearmouth-Jarrow Abbey planned to breed 1,600 calves to supply the skins for the vellum required to create three copies of the Bible in 692.
The durability of natural pigments used in illuminated manuscripts is exemplified in their UV resistance, humidity resistance, and lightfastness. This is why these manuscripts have lasted so long and remain vibrant today.
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Natural pigments were UV-resistant, humidity-resistant, and lightfast
During the Middle Ages, painters used a variety of natural pigments that were inherently UV-resistant, humidity-resistant, and lightfast. These pigments, derived from natural sources such as earth, minerals, and plants, provided a wide range of colours while also possessing inherent protective properties.
For red hues, artists used natural red earth, crimson, and even rust. Yellow pigments were obtained from natural dyes like turmeric and saffron, as well as natural pigments such as yellow ochre. To create green, they ground the mineral malachite into a powder, while blue was commonly derived from azurite. White pigment was sourced from chalk.
The use of these natural pigments contributed significantly to the longevity of the paintings. The UV resistance of these pigments prevented the colours from fading or degrading due to exposure to sunlight or artificial light sources. This quality ensured that the paintings retained their vibrant hues over time.
Additionally, the humidity resistance of the natural pigments played a crucial role in preserving the artworks. During the Middle Ages, before the widespread use of temperature-controlled environments, paintings were often exposed to varying levels of humidity. The humidity-resistant nature of the pigments helped prevent issues such as colour bleeding, mould growth, and overall deterioration of the artwork.
The lightfastness of the natural pigments further enhanced the preservation of the paintings. Lightfastness refers to the ability of a pigment to retain its colour and stability when exposed to light. By using lightfast pigments, artists ensured that their creations could withstand prolonged exposure to light without significant discolouration or fading.
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Egg tempera paint was permanent, fast-drying, and long-lasting
Medieval art was often preserved due to the use of natural, UV-resistant, and long-lasting materials. Egg tempera paint, in particular, was a commonly used medium that was permanent, fast-drying, and long-lasting.
Egg tempera paint was made by mixing dry powdered pigments with a water-soluble binder, typically egg yolk, and sometimes other binders like glue, honey, milk, or even urine and human earwax. The paint was diluted with water and applied in thin layers, allowing for great precision and fine linear details. It had a jewel-like appearance and was known for its luminosity.
The fast-drying property of egg tempera was advantageous for artists, allowing them to work quickly and create multiple layers. However, this also posed a challenge as the paint could crack or flake off if applied too thickly. Artists had to constantly adjust the consistency of the paint by adding more water to prevent it from becoming too "greasy" or "watery".
Egg tempera was water-resistant but not waterproof, and it required a stiff board as a painting surface. The paint was not flexible, and using it on canvas would result in cracks and chips. Despite this limitation, egg tempera was a primary method of painting until around 1500 when it was gradually replaced by oil paint, which offered more vibrant colours and better layering capabilities.
Egg tempera paint is still valued today for its permanence and longevity. Once it is completely dry and oxidised, it is known to be hard-wearing and long-lasting, withstanding wear and tear. However, it is important to note that egg tempera paint is organic and preservative-free, so it requires proper storage and handling to ensure its longevity.
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The Middle Ages lacked the knowledge and resources to preserve older works
The Middle Ages, a period spanning from the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD to the early Renaissance in the 14th century, witnessed a diverse array of artistic styles and periods. However, the knowledge and resources necessary to preserve older works were largely absent during this era, resulting in the loss or deterioration of numerous creations.
One crucial factor contributing to the challenge of preservation was the high cost of materials. For instance, the creation of manuscripts required the use of animal skins for parchment and dried hides soaked in lime for covers, making them expensive endeavours. As a result, recycling was a common practice, with manuscript pages scraped and reused, leading to the survival of palimpsests. The materials used in artworks were also valuable, with ivory reliefs and jewel-adorned book covers often stripped for their precious components.
The preservation of paintings and other artworks was not a priority for most people during the Middle Ages. The focus was primarily on the present and future creations rather than the preservation of older pieces. This mindset, coupled with limited resources, resulted in a high rate of wear and tear, loss, and destruction of artworks. Additionally, the following Renaissance and Baroque periods did little to promote the preservation of medieval works, often disparaging them in favour of classical styles.
The materials and techniques used in creating artworks during the Middle Ages also impacted their longevity. While natural pigments and earth-based paints, such as egg tempera, provided UV resistance, humidity resistance, and lightfastness, the absence of preservatives and other additives meant that these works required careful preservation methods. The use of natural materials, such as animal skins and hides, also contributed to the durability of certain creations, like the "Illuminated Manuscripts" of the Middle Ages, which have survived for centuries.
The preservation of medieval art was also influenced by the socio-political currents of the time. Art during this period was often commissioned by the Catholic Church or wealthy patrons for specific social and religious rituals. As a result, many works were created to feature Biblical tales and classical themes, with a focus on the suffering of Christ and sacred figures. However, the emphasis on religious and ritualistic purposes meant that the preservation of older works was not a primary concern.
In conclusion, while the Middle Ages produced a plethora of artistic styles and periods, the lack of knowledge and resources necessary for preservation resulted in the loss or deterioration of numerous creations. The high cost of materials, the focus on present and future creations, the absence of preservation techniques, and the socio-political influences of the time all contributed to the challenge of preserving older works during this era.
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Some paintings survived due to their association with saints or founder figures
During the Middle Ages, the preservation of paintings was often linked to their association with saints or founder figures. The physical remains of saints, known as relics, were believed to possess healing powers and the ability to intercede in prayer. This belief extended to depictions of saints in art, which were considered sacred and powerful. As a result, paintings featuring saints or religious figures were more likely to be preserved and protected.
Medieval art prominently featured images of saints, either in narrative scenes from their lives or as cult figures. These images were often found in manuscripts, sculptures, or paintings, and they served as a link between the worshipper and the divine. The lives of saints, or "saints' lives," were compiled in anthologies like The Golden Legend, further contributing to their popularity and influence.
The power and significance of saints in Medieval Christian art also influenced the preservation of certain paintings. Saints who were martyred for their faith, like Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, or Saint Catherine of Egypt, were often depicted in art with their attributes of martyrdom. These images served as a reminder of their sacrifice and reinforced their status as holy figures.
Additionally, the rise of religious orders and the increasing wealth of the church during the Middle Ages contributed to the preservation of paintings associated with saints. Religious orders, such as the one founded by Francis of Assisi, commissioned artworks and supported the creation and preservation of religious art. The church, with its growing financial resources, was also willing to spend lavishly on art, ensuring the survival of paintings with religious themes.
Furthermore, the materials used in creating these paintings played a role in their preservation. Illuminated manuscripts, for example, were crafted using natural materials like parchment made from animal skins and covers adorned with precious metals, ivory, and jewels. These materials were costly and contributed to the preservation of the artworks. The use of natural pigments and earth-based paints also enhanced the durability of the paintings, making them resistant to UV light, humidity, and fading over time.
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Frequently asked questions
People in the Middle Ages used natural pigments and materials to create paintings, which have lasted due to their UV resistance, humidity resistance, and lightfastness. These paintings were often done on parchment made from animal skins and bound with materials like dried animal hides soaked in lime.
Natural materials such as red earth, crimson, rust, turmeric, saffron, yellow ochre, malachite, azurite, and chalk were used to create the pigments.
The binding process involved using egg tempera, a mixture of dry powdered pigments, egg yolk, and water. Other binders like glue, honey, milk, urine, and human earwax were also used.
Many paintings from the Middle Ages were not well-preserved due to a lack of interest in preserving older works for their artistic merit. However, some paintings survived because they were considered relics or had associations with royalty or religious figures.
Illuminated manuscripts, religious paintings, and drawings were among the types of art preserved from the Middle Ages. These works were often created by monks and collected by royalty, religious institutions, or antiquarians.
