Dr. Nancy Ross

About Dr. Nancy Ross

Dr. Nancy Ross is Contributing Editor for Medieval Art. She received her Ph.D. in the History of Art from Cambridge University in 2007. She specializes in medieval illuminated manuscripts and teaches art history at Dixie State College of Utah.

St. Mark from the Godescalc Gospel Lectionary, folio 1v., c. 781-83
Thanks to Charlemagne, religious reform and cultural revival swept 9th-century Europe. We call this period “Carolingian.”

Carolingian art, an introduction

The Harrowing of Hell, c. 1440-70, carved painted and gilt alabaster, 58.3 x 31.5 cm (Victoria and Albert Museum)
Straight from the monster’s mouth! Christ leads the way as Adam and Eve escape the jaws of Hell.

The Harrowing of Hell

Lindau Gospels cover (detail)
Few medieval book covers survive. This bejeweled example depicts the crucified Christ and comes from Charlemagne’s workshop.

Lindau Gospels cover