The Nude

                                                                            

Why are medieval nude humans in paintings so extremely stick-like and thin?

Medieval artists had a very different approach to depicting the human body compared to later Renaissance painters. The stick-like, thin figures in medieval art were often a result of symbolic representation rather than anatomical accuracy. Unlike the Renaissance, which revived Greco-Roman ideals of proportion and realism, medieval art was more focused on conveying religious themes and moral messages.

Christianity played a significant role in shaping medieval artistic conventions. Nudity was rarely celebrated, and when it appeared, it often emphasized human frailty, sin, or suffering. Figures like Adam and Eve were depicted as vulnerable rather than idealized, reinforcing the idea that nakedness was associated with weakness and shame.

Additionally, medieval artists often followed stylized artistic traditions rather than direct observation of the human form. Their goal was to create recognizable figures that fit within the established visual language of religious manuscripts and paintings. This led to elongated limbs, simplified features, and a lack of naturalistic musculature.

It wasn’t until the Renaissance that artists began studying anatomy more closely, leading to the more lifelike and proportionate depictions of the human body that we associate with classical art. Fascinating how artistic conventions evolve, isn’t it?

https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/the-nude-in-the-middle-ages-and-the-renaissance

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From Le Roman de la Rose, 14th Century.

Zeuxis was a Greek painter who lived in the 5th century BC. None of his works survived, but

is known for having worked on giving volume to his works. Famously,to paint the ideal woman, he

ended up needing 5 models, taking aspects that pleased him from each.

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Copilot:

French history; what are the subdivisions of the Middle Ages?

The Middle Ages in French history are typically divided into three main periods:

Early Middle Ages (5th–10th century) – This period began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and saw the rise of the Frankish Kingdom under Clovis and later Charlemagne. The Carolingian Empire dominated much of Western Europe before fragmenting into smaller feudal territories.

High Middle Ages (11th–13th century) – Marked by the expansion of royal power under the Capetian dynasty, this era saw the growth of feudalism, the Crusades, and the development of Gothic architecture. The monarchy gradually consolidated control over various duchies and counties.

Late Middle Ages (14th–15th century) – Characterized by crises such as the Hundred Years' War between France and England, the Black Death, and social upheaval. The Valois dynasty emerged, and by the end of this period, France was transitioning toward a more centralized state.

Would you like to explore a specific event or figure from this era?

France; What are the sudivisions of the Middle Ages in French?

In French, the Middle Ages (Moyen Âge) are typically divided into three main periods:

Haut Moyen Âge (Ve–Xe siècle) – This period began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and saw the rise of the Frankish Kingdom under Clovis and Charlemagne.

Moyen Âge central (XIe–XIIIe siècle) – Marked by feudalism, the Crusades, and the expansion of royal power under the Capetian dynasty.

Bas Moyen Âge (XIVe–XVe siècle) – Characterized by crises such as the Hundred Years' War, the Black Death, and the transition toward the Renaissance.

You can explore more details on this French-language page about historical subdivisions! Let me know if you’d like a deeper dive into any of these periods.