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432
Santa Sabina, 432 C.E., Brick and Stone, Roman
The Santa Sabina is an iconic Roman basilica, helping historians understand early Christian basilicas. The building was designed to appear light, with colorful mosaics and graceful arches. As the Santa Sabina is a Church, the light symbolizes Christ. Citation:
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/early-christian1/a/santa-sabina
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500
Rebecca and Eliezer at the Well and Jacob Wrestling the Angel, Early 6th century, Pigments on vellum, Byzantine
In Rebecca and Eliezer at the Well, Abraham asks his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. The woman shown twice is Rebecca, and she becomes the mother of Jacob. In the latter piece, Jacob wants the Angel to bless him. The manuscripts are an important part of Christian theology. Citations:
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ap-art-history/early-europe-and-colonial-americas/medieval-europe-islamic-world/a/vienna-genesis
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/827325394016406588/ -
550
Merovingian looped fibula, Mid-6th century, Silver with inlaid stones, Merovingian (Frankish)
The fibula is a brooch often buried in graves with the owner. In the common "crossbow" shape, the Merovingian looped fibula was created with the cloisonné technique. The resulting shape and pattern made it unique to its owner. Citations:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/47357563@N06/8042699558
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/latin-western-europe/early-medieval/a/fibulae -
700
The Lindisfrarne Gospels, Early 8th century, Ink, pigment, and gold on vellum,
The manuscript was created by a monk, Eadfrith. He created the piece while Britain was re-converting to Christianity. The manuscript has a blend of artistic styles, hinting at the turbulence of the times. Citations:
http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/sacredtexts/lindisfarne.html
http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/ttp/lindisfarne/accessible/pages9and10.html -
968
Pyxis of al-Mughira. 968 C.E., Ivory and Jade, Umayyad
A pyxis are gifts given during important occasions, meant for storing cosmetics. The pyxis of al-Mughira was given to the son of a caliph. The box features human and animals figures, including many royal images. Citation:
https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-islam/islamic-art-medieval/a/pyxis-of-al-mughira
(Image and caption)
