Final answer:
The Black Death was a devastating pandemic caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis in the 14th century. Art changed as a result, with a shift towards morbid and somber themes reflecting the social and psychological impacts of the plague.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Black Death was a devastating pandemic that occurred in the 14th century. It was caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and spread through fleas that infested rats. The disease was highly contagious and had a mortality rate of around 75-200 million people in Europe.
As a result of the Black Death, art underwent significant changes. During this time, there was a shift towards a more morbid and somber theme in art. Symbolism of death and disease became prominent, with many artworks portraying skeletons, graveyards, and other dark imagery. The art also reflected the social and psychological impacts of the plague, with themes of mourning, despair, and loss prevalent in paintings and sculptures.
This period of art, known as the Late Gothic or the Black Death art, captured the intense emotions and realities of the time. It was characterized by influences from the plague, such as the Dance of Death motif, which depicted the inevitability of death and the equalizing power it held over all levels of society.
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