Early Christian and Early Medieval Art in Europe

Early Christian, Byzantine and Medieval Art in Europe

Period: 100 to Jan 1, 1100

The Good Shepherd

250

This marble sculpture stands at 19 1/4" tall. It comes from the Eastern Mediterranean, most likely Anatolia (Turkey). Christian sculptures before the time of Constantine are very rare. This one was probably kept in a Christian home. It was discovered with another sculpture of Jonah.

Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus

359

This is a marble sarcophagus made in a Roman-like manner by early Christians, The man whom this sarcophagus belongs to is Junius Bassus, a Roman official, who was "newly baptized" as the inscription tells us. He died on August 25, 359 AD at the age of 42. Each column on this piece depicts a scene from Biblical allegories. The Old Testament themes shoreshadow events in the New Testament.

Gummersmark Brooch

500

This silver gilt brooch from Denmark is a wonderful example of Scandanavian (or Norse) artistry. It depicts abstract patterns of humans, animals and geometric shapes. The artists meticulously crafted their molds in order to create a glittering surface with the cast metal.This type of mold casting was supposed to speed up the process, but their refined craftsmanship was more important.

Archangel Michael

525

This is the panel of a diptych made from ivory. A diptych is made of two panels that are hinged togehter. This one was probably made at the court workshop of Constantinople. The angel is portrayed as a divine messenger. He holds a staff of authority in his left hand and a sphere of his worldly power in his right, There is a Greek inscription across the top which reads, "Receieve these gifts, and having learned the cause..." The second panel would have finished the inscription.

The Ascension, The Rabbula Gospels

586

The Rabbula Gospels are an illuminated Gospel book. They were signed by a monk named Rabbula, who finished the book in February 586 AD at the Monestary of Saint John the Evangelist in Beth Zagba, Syria. This illustration depicts the Ascension of Christ into Heaven, from the New Testament. Rabbula was very skilled at using complex symbolism to present these Christian stories.

Purse Cover, from the Sutton Hoo Burial Ship

Jan 1, 625

This purse was recovered in Suffolk, England at an Anglo-Saxon burial sight called Sutton Hoo. This purse has cloisonne plaques of garnet, gold and checked millefiore glass. Cloisonne is a technique where the artists uses gold wire to form cells that hold the jewels in place. The purse was found filled with coins, confirming that this particular person was wealthy. It is believed that the man buried here was the ruler, Redwald, who died around 625.

Cross

Jan 1, 675

This is the Cross from the Church of Saint Giulia, in Brescia, Italy. It is made from gilded silver, wood, jewels, glass, cameos, and a gold-glass medalion from the 3rd century. A group of Hungarians, called Lombards, traveled to Italy, becoming a threat to Rome. This group of people excelled in metalwork, as one can see. The shape of the cross is in a Byzantine style with equal sized arms and a jeweled mandorla with Christ relief figure in the center, indicating divine light.

Page with Mark the Evangelist, Godescalc Gospel Lectionary

Jan 1, 781

This page belongs to the Gospel of Mark in the Godescalc Gospel Lectionary. It was created using ink, gold, and other colors on vellum. Illustrated books were valuable to Carolingian rulers who promoted learning, Christianity, and Church law and practice. Every monastic scriptorium had its own dinstinctive styles and local traditions. This example of Mark the Evangelist demonstrates the ranges and styles that the Carolingians developed.

Chi Rho Iota Page from the Book of Kells

Jan 1, 800

This page from the Book of Kells consists of oxgall inks and pigments on vellum, probably in Iona, Scotland. This Gospel was made by four scribes and three illuminators. Each page took about a month to complete. In order to make the vellum for the entire Gospel, 185 calves were slaughtered. The pigments came from as far away as Afghanistan. Monestaries were the centers for the arts during the Middle Ages, and their artworks were called "cloister crafts."

Page with Psalm 23, Utrecht Psalter

Jan 1, 825

This is the most famous Carolingian manuscript, made from ink on vellum or parchment. This page depicts the famous Psalm 23 from the Old Testament. Psalms are not easily illustrateed, so the artists decided to interpret each word individually and depict the images literally.

Queen's Ship

Jan 1, 834

This ship was found in Oseberg, Norway. It contained two bodies- one of a queen and the other was her servent. They were set out to a sea burial in 834 in this wodden ship. Among these bodies were also twelves horses, an ox, and several dogs to accompany these women into the afterlife. Everything was carved with beautiful ornamentation, including wooden chests that were no doubt emptied of other treasures .

Crucifixion with Angels and Mourning Figures, Lindau Gospels

Jan 1, 870

This is the cover to the Carolingian manuscript, the Lindau Gospels. It was probably made at one of the monastic workshops belonging to Charles the Bald, Charlemagne's grandson. It is made of gold, pearls, garnets, emeralds, and sapphires. The Cross and the Crucifixion theme is very common for medieval book covers. The repousse technique was used to create the low relief of the Crucifixion.

Reliquary Statue of Saint Faith

Jan 1, 900

This is a reliquary statue made of silver gilt over a wooden core, decorated with gems and cameos. It holds a relic (the skull) of Saint Faith, who was a child martyr. In Byzantine churches, icons were favored as a way to get closer to God. Christians of the West wanted something more tangible, so they started collecting the remains of saints and divided them among the churches. Christians believed that praying to the saints would give their prayers leverage, to intercede with Christ for them.

Otto I Presenting Magdeburg Cathedral to Christ

Jan 1, 962

This is one of a series of seventeen ivory plaques known as the Magdeburg Ivories, which were probably carved in Milan. This plaque represents the unity between the church and state. These were probably used as decor on an altar or pulpit in the Magdeburg Cathedral. Otto I was one of the three principal rulers during the Ottonian dynasty. On this plaque, he is represented as a small figure holding a basilica. He is presenting it to Christ among other saints and angels.

Gero Crucifix

Jan 1, 970

This crucifix is made of a painted, gilded wood, from Cologne Cathedral in Germany. This is one of the last large pieces of carved wood that has survived the Middle Ages. The Christ figure alone is over 6 feet tall. Jesus' suffering is the main focus and is seen as a tortured martyr. This was used as an altar piece and a reliquary. There is a hole in the back where priests could put the Host (the communion bread representing the body of Christ).

Battle of the Bird and the Serpent

Jan 1, 975

This is a page from a copy of Beatus's Commentary, made from tempera on parchment. It was made for Abbot Dominicus by a scribe identified as Senior, and two illustrators, Emerterius and Ende. Ende is the first woman artist who is identified in the West having a specific work of art that has survived. This particular page illustrates a metaphor of Christ triumpheting over Satan.

Page with Otto III Enthroned, Luithar Gospels

Jan 1, 996

This manuscript was made during the Ottonian period, and is called the Luithar Gospels. This particular page contains ink, gold and other colors on vellum. The illustration depicts Otto III as being a divine being himself, establishing authority in this type of propaganda.

Archangel Michael

Jan 1, 1000

This icon of Michael the Archangel is made from silver gilt with enamel. Objects such as these were believed to have a direct link to God, and so were believed to be miracle workers. Michael is known to be the Protector of the Chosen, and defends people from Satan.

Virgin of Vladimir

Jan 1, 1000

This is an icon most likely from Constantinople, made by Kieven Rus artists. It is made with tempera on a wood panel. Its existence of being a dinstinctly humanized image shows that there was a growing desire for personal religion. This particular image is a mock representation of a painting made by Saint Luke after he had a vision of the Nativity. The Virgin of Vladimir was believed to be a protection for the people in the city. Even today, this icon inspires prayers.

Harbaville Triptych

Jan 1, 1050

This is an ivory triptych (meaning three panels hinged together) that was considered to be a luxary item of veneration and devotion. During the second Byzantine golden age, artists produced these personal items for members of the court and of the church. These artists were highly skilled and had great talent for aesthetic sensibility. The Harbaville Triptych depicts Jesus with Mary and Saint John the Baptist. On the outer panels stands martyrs and military saints.