European Medieval Art

Chasse: The Crucifixion and Christ in Majesty, ca. 1180–90 French; Made in Limoges Copper: engraved, chiseled, stippled, and gilt; champlevé enamel: dark, medium, and light blue; turquoise, dark and light green, yellow, red, and white; wood core, painted red on exterior; 10 5/16 x 11 7/8 x 4 9/16 in. (26.2 x 30.2 x 11.6 cm) Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917 (17.190.514) www.metmuseum.org

I define European medieval art as beginning with the Romanesque style in 1000 and concluding with the end of Gothic art in the mid-15th century. The study of medieval art is structured around the twin pillars of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Medieval art served a number of important functions: it told stories, prompted mediation or prayer, displayed social status, helped cement individual or corporate identities, etc. When I think of medieval art, I see Gothic spires on cathedrals,richly-colored stained glass windows, illuminated manuscripts and the Duc de Berry's Le Très Riches Heures.

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