Medieval Art
Medieval art encompasses nearly a thousand years of artistic production, from the fall of Rome to the dawn of the Renaissance. This period saw the development of Byzantine mosaics, Romanesque monasteries, Gothic cathedrals, and illuminated manuscripts—all serving primarily religious purposes with a focus on spiritual rather than naturalistic representation.
Historical Context
Following the Roman Empire's collapse, the Catholic Church became the primary patron of arts in Western Europe. Monasteries preserved classical learning while developing new artistic forms. The Crusades brought contact with Byzantine and Islamic cultures, while growing cities funded magnificent Gothic cathedrals.
Key Characteristics
- Symbolic rather than naturalistic representation
- Gold backgrounds representing divine light
- Hierarchical scaling based on spiritual importance
- Illuminated manuscripts with intricate decoration
- Gothic architecture with soaring heights and stained glass
Related Art Movements
Explore Medieval Artworks
10,000 artworks from 500-1400 available in our collection
Roundel with Adoration of the Magi
Heinrich Aldegrever
ca. 1535–45
Roundel with the Temptation of Saint Anthony
Unknown Artist
1532
Roundel with the Crucifixion
Unknown Artist
ca. 1530–40
Roundel with Virgin and Child and a Carmelite Donatrix
Unknown Artist
1530–40
Roundel with the Hanging of Haman
Jan Swart van Groningen
ca. 1530–40
Roundel with Return of the Prodigal Son
Unknown Artist
ca. 1530–35
Roundel with Mary of Egypt crossing the Jordan
Unknown Artist
ca. 1525
Roundel with Saint John the Baptist and Donors
Unknown Artist
ca. 1525
Roundel with Saint Peter as Pope
Unknown Artist
ca. 1525
Roundel with the Prodigal Son among the Swine
Unknown Artist
ca. 1530–35
Roundel with Angel Supporting a Heraldic Shield
Unknown Artist
ca. 1530
Roundel with Christ and the Adulterous Woman
Pseudo-Ortkens
ca. 1525
Roundel with Saint Christopher
Unknown Artist
ca. 1530
Roundel with the Crucifixion, the Virgin, and Saint John
Unknown Artist
ca. 1525–30
Roundel with Saint Jerome in his Study
Pseudo-Ortkens
ca. 1520
Roundel with Saint Peter
Unknown Artist
ca. 1520
Roundel with Christ Bearing the Cross
Unknown Artist
ca. 1520
Roundel with Susannah and The Elders
Pseudo-Ortkens
ca. 1520
Roundel with the Crucifixion, the Virgin, and Saint John
Unknown Artist
ca. 1525
Roundel with Joseph Buying Corn in Egypt
Unknown Artist
ca. 1520
Roundel with Sorgheloos ("Carefree") with Easy Fortune
Unknown Artist
ca. 1520–25
Roundel with Christ as Savior of the World
Unknown Artist
1520–30
Roundel with Allegorical Scene of Book Burning
Unknown Artist
ca. 1520–30
Roundel with Daniel Slaying the Dragon
Pseudo-Ortkens
ca. 1520
Showing 24 of 10,000 artworks
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800 BCE - 476 CE
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1800-1899
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