The term Medieval means “of the Middle Ages”, with the “middle” referring to the period just after the fall of the Roman Empire, but before the Renaissance. Primarily characterised by religious themes, due to the church’s influence during this era, its distinct style often lacks depth and perspective, with figures appearing flat and two-dimensional. The size of individual elements commonly denotes importance in works. Symbolism is heavily employed, with colours, objects and positioning carrying significant meaning; religious iconography is presented in a recognisable, conventional manner. Bright, bold colours achieved with natural pigments are another common feature. A popular form of Medieval art was manuscript illumination, hand-written books adorned with intricate, colourful decorations. The later Medieval period saw the emergence of the Gothic style, emphasising light and colour, often in architectural works.