Hundred Year's War (04:42)

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Bitter fighting erupted in England during the War of the Roses. Gothic art grew in popularity during the reigns of Henry V, Richard III, and Henry VIII. The Victoria and Albert Museum assembled an exhibition; much of the work created during the time period was damaged during the Reformation.

Late Medieval Royalty (05:37)

Each English monarch pursued a pet project. Henry VI focused on education while Edward IV erected a church of chivalry. Henry VII built Westminster Abbey.

Noble Architecture (03:23)

Ralph Lord Cromwell built a tower at Tattershall Castle. Subjects attempted to erect buildings that did not incur the jealousy of the king. Local residents contributed to the building of the church; the Tame family commissioned the stained-glass windows.

Patronage (04:39)

The Middleham Jewel was a reliquary as well as a status symbol. Wealthy patrons commissioned specialty works of art such as the Donne Triptych.

St. Mary's Church (04:18)

Richard Beauchamp, the 13th Earl of Warwick was interred in a tomb with a bronze effigy in the chapel. John Dynham commissioned a tapestry from Flanders. Antonio da Salerio created the Withypool Altarpiece for his patron.

Hans Holbein (04:33)

Holbein designed Jane Seymour's cups, painted miniatures, and secured Henry VIII's patronage. Pietro Torrigiano worked in London during the early 16th century. Manuscripts were painted by artists.

National Identity (03:56)

While France emerged victorious in the Hundred Year's War, Calais remained under British control. “St. George and the Dragon” incorporated wood and metal. East Anglia was wealthy due to the wool trade.

Village Parishes (04:18)

Churches were a social center for the community. Every church prior to the Reformation was filled with functional, colorful iconography. The rood-screen divided the nave from the choir.

Transition from Life to Death (05:10)

England was an orthodox country; the devout wondered if they would enter purgatory, heaven, or hell. Individuals established chantries, tomb monuments, or endowments to enter paradise sooner.

End of the Middle Ages (04:35)

Henry VIII fought the pope over the divorce of Catherine of Aragon. Monasteries and shrines were attacked. During the Reformation, individuals painted over rood-screens, substituting images for words.

Credits: Gothic: Art for England 1400-1547 (00:33)

Credits: Gothic: Art for England 1400-1547