Day 14 - Great Schism (1378-1417)

In 1054 medieval Christianity experienced a split down the middle of the Roman Empire called the Great Schism.  The Great Schism is another term used for the East-West Schism, a break in relations between the Eastern (Greek) and Western (Latin) branches of  Eastern Orthodox Church (also called Oriental Orthodox in the far East limits of the Roman Empire) and the Roman Catholic Church, located in Rome. The two regions had long seated ecclesiastical differences and disputes over theology that caused strained relations.  Some of the arguments stem from whether or not to use leavened or unleavened bread in the eucharist, when to celebrate Easter, and the use of filioque, Latin for "and the son."  The Eastern branch believed the Holy Spirit proceeds "from the Father and the Latin Branch believed the Holy Spirit proceeded from "the Father and the Son." 

Two major and related disputes were over the Pope's claim to universal jurisdiction, and the place of Constantinople within the Pentarchy.  The Pentrachy was the structure of rule over all Christendom by five major episcopal sees, or patriarchates, of the Roman Empire: Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem. 

Adding to the division of the Church, in 1378 two Popes were elected.  This happened as a result of a conflict between the French and Italians over where the Pope should be settled. French Pope, Clement V settled in Avignon after his election in 1305.  Subsequent French Popes stayed in Avignon despite announced intentions to return to Rome.  After 40 years the two Popes were elected:  Clement VII who stayed in Avignon and Urban VI who remained in Rome.

There was also a time of great progress within the arts and science despite these crises, which was marked by renewed interest in ancient Greek and Roman texts and led to what has later been termed the Italian Renaissance.  Also emerging during this time was the early stages of European Capitalism which change the arts with secular (separate from the church) works being commissioned and created which are financed by the new wealth of this new economic system based on the trade of commodities.

During the late 13th century and early 14th century, much of the painting in Italy was Byzantine in Character, notably that of Duccio of Siena and Cimabue of Florence, while Pietro Cavallini in Rome was more Gothic in style.  From this develops a humanist spirit in the Renaissance which is marked by art that is more secular  nature.

Duccio, The Calling of the Apostles
Peter and Andrew, (from the Maestà),
c. 1308-1311.  Byzantine in character.

Pietro Cavallini, The Annunciation, Santa Maria in Trastevere, c. 1290s. 
Gothic in character.

References:

1. Text: Gardener's Art Through the Ages, A Global History, 13th ed., by Fred S. Kleiner
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentarchy
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Christianity
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East%E2%80%93West_Schism
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filioque
6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_art_history
7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pietro_Cavallini
8. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duccio