Artistic Innovation in Times of Crisis: The Legacy of the Black Plague on European Art

Abstract

This paper explores the profound impact of the Black Plague (1347–1351) on European art, focusing on how the crisis spurred artistic innovation, both in form and content. The article examines how artists responded to widespread mortality, societal upheaval, and the shifting religious attitudes during and after the plague. It analyzes key shifts in iconography, themes of mortality and salvation, and how these changes influenced European art's trajectory. The study situates these innovations within broader sociocultural and theological contexts, using case studies of notable works from Italy, France, and Northern Europe to highlight the transformations that occurred. The legacy of the Black Plague on European art is presented as a catalyst for both deep reflection and creative reinvention, leaving a lasting mark on the development of Western artistic traditions.