Medieval Portraits for the Masses

Medieval portraits became popular in the Middle Ages (also known as the Dark Ages). There are many old master paintings in this period which eventually became public and private murals or frescos. The Middle Ages was classified into nine major art movements - Celtic, Early Christian, Migration Period, Pre-Romanesque, Romanesque, Gothic, Trecento, Byzantine, and Islamic.

A medieval portrait usually portrays real and fictional religious characters. Major artworks of Biblical icons and events, the Crusades, knights and other manuscript images became famous. Popular old master painters of the period include Jan van Eyck, Giotto de Bondone, Fra Filippo Lippi, Robert Campin as well as the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance artists like Fra Angelico, Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo Buonarotti, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Raphael Sanzio. Most of them are Italian, Flemish, and French. Medieval architecture also became popular with the construction of the most popular churches enhanced with sculptures and paintings of angels, saints, and gargoyles.

Original medieval portrait paintings and sculptures are very expensive and have become important properties of the countries where the artists were born. You have to be really rich to afford one to have in your collection. Medieval architecture is very popular for many tourists and art aficionados. Modern artists highly regard these art works. You can study the medieval arts by taking an art course in your college or read books and certain Internet sites about art history and appreciation.

Most popular medieval portrait paintings and art works have become very accessible for modern masses. There are miniature medieval paintings on religious pendants and necklaces that can be bought in Catholic churches especially in England, France, Rome, and in the US. There are also imitations of medieval portraits that you can buy online or from different gallery exhibits.