Reply To: The Dark Ages

[Rachel Nelson]

Miranda,
I like how you mention the perspective of the people that coined the name “the Dark Ages.’ It’s always good to remember that history is written through the lens of a few. It actually would make a lot of sense for a civilization that values realism in their art to see the simple, almost regressed art, for example the depiction of the Apostle Matthew on the Book of Durrow, as a “lack of culture.’ So, while in the eyes of the Roman Empire, the simplistic, less realistic art from the “dark ages” was considered “less,” really it was just stylistically different. I myself must admit I share the same opinion of modern, abstract art!