
Early Church, Islamic, Byzantine & Gothic Art
During the Middle Ages (the centuries that followed the fall of the Roman Empire), Europe was ablaze with religious fervor! Christianity and the quest for eternal salvation played a major role in the art of that time. Cathedrals were built all over the European continent with sculptures, paintings, and stained glass windows that told the stories of the Bible to the masses of illiterate people.
Later, in the 7th century, Islam would rise and spread rapidly throughout the Near East and southern Mediterranean regions. The Islamic religion forbade the use of the human figure in its artwork, so its artists turned to a more abstract form of expression.
The art and architecture of the Medieval period was gloriously ornamental, intricately designed and opulent in every way! Many art pieces were gilded with gold or silver leaf, or even precious stones. Geometric designs, botanical motifs, interlacing patterns, and even animals were consistent decorative themes.
*PLEASE NOTE: Due to the various mediums, details, and skills involved
in each lesson, this course is recommended for ages 13 and up.
*Click here for the basic supply list for
Art Through the Ages
ART THROUGH THE AGES
You are about to take a journey through time — one that begins in the cradle of civilization and the earliest recorded history of mankind.
And frankly, if it hadn’t been for the ART these ancient humans created, we would hardly know anything about how they lived, worked, and survived.
Archeologists unearth and study evidence from past cultures, such as pottery, jewelry, statues, and even buildings — all created with the human hand. And each piece is a record of ideas, cultural influence, and the era in which they lived.

Art is the universal language of humanity, and throughout the ages, three main art forms have been found in almost every civilization and culture: Painting, Sculpture, & Architecture
Join artist, Alisha Gratehouse and her husband, Jason, in this brand new series as they give you hands-on projects based on art from thousands and thousands of years ago. You will learn about art from the far corners of the world and historical periods from the earliest civilizations spanning through medieval times.
Not only will you have fun recreating amazing works of art—you will also gain a richer, deeper understanding of different cultures and civilizations.
There are 5 volumes in this series:
- Ancient Art (Art of the Fertile Crescent, Mesopotamia, and Egypt)
- Classical Art (Art of the Greeks, Etruscans, and the Romans)
- Eastern Art (Art of China, Japan, and India)
- Medieval Art (Early Church, Islamic, Byzantine, and Gothic Art)
- Tribal Art (Art of Africa, the Americas, and Oceania)
Throughout this series, we will create:
Clay Sculptures • Mosaics • Fresco • Plaster Sculptures • Reliefs • Paintings
Faux Stained-Glass • Batik • Pattern Design • Calligraphy • Pottery
BONUS LESSONS: Architectural Sketches for Each Era

















