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Lesson 3 of 4
  • Year 6

Patterns in medieval art

I can identify and explain the sacred and symbolic patterns used in medieval paintings, and design my own pattern to express a personal idea, story, or memory.

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Lesson 3 of 4
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  • Year 6

Patterns in medieval art

I can identify and explain the sacred and symbolic patterns used in medieval paintings, and design my own pattern to express a personal idea, story, or memory.

Download all

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Medieval artists used geometric, floral, and gilded patterns to express spiritual ideas, not just decoration.
  2. Patterns were used to communicate meaning, such as harmony, holiness, and the connection between heaven and earth.
  3. Artists used patterns as a visual language to communicate ideas, beliefs, and stories to people who could not read.

Keywords

  • Pattern - a pattern is a design made by repeating shapes, lines, colours, or images

  • Geometric shape - a geometric shape is a regular shape with clear edges, often made using maths or tools

  • Symbolism - symbolism is when an object, shape, or image stands for an idea or meaning

Common misconception

Patterns in medieval paintings were just decoration.

Patterns actually had symbolic and spiritual meanings, helping people understand religious ideas when most couldn’t read.


To help you plan your year 6 art and design lesson on: Patterns in medieval art, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Have visual references (e.g. illuminated manuscripts, painted panels, halos, decorative borders) ready. Point to examples of repeating shapes, floral designs, and gold backgrounds, and explain their meanings before pupils start designing.
Teacher tip

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What does the word texture mean in art?

the colour of the artwork
Correct answer: the way a surface looks or feels
the size of the painting
the type of paint used

Q2.
What can thick texture in artwork help to show?

Correct answer: emotion and a link to a place
the artist’s handwriting
flatness and calm
mistakes in the paint

Q3.
How can personal objects or images help to express identity in art?

they decorate the background
Correct answer: they show who the artist is or what matters to them
they make the artwork look more expensive
they have no meaning

Q4.
True or false? If shapes in art look abstract, they don’t mean anything.

true
Correct answer: false

Q5.
What is a memory in art?

something the artist plans for the future
Correct answer: a thing you remember from the past
a type of pattern
the name of a painting

Q6.
What is impasto?

Correct answer: using thick paint to make a bumpy surface
a type of thin paper
a drawing of a pattern
a metal tool for carving

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
What do floral and vine patterns symbolise in medieval art?

Correct answer: growth and life
wealth and power
the passing of time
storms and chaos

Q2.
What does symbolism mean in art?

drawing without planning
Correct answer: using objects or images to represent ideas
copying another artist’s style
making patterns for decoration only

Q3.
True or false? Personal objects and images in art can become symbols of identity.

Correct answer: true
false

Q4.
Why did artists use gold leaf or gilding in their artwork?

to make their paintings lighter
Correct answer: to show something precious, divine, or eternal
because gold was easy to find
to fill in empty space