Early medieval art

Christianity flourished in the early middle ages and this shift dramatically affected the art that was created across Europe.

c. 500–800 C.E.

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Permanence, Portability, and Power in the Northern Seas, c. 700–1200
Permanence, Portability, and Power in the Northern Seas, c. 700–1200

This chapter considers how powerful warrior kings as well as devoted followers of Christ demonstrated their political and holy power with both permanent and portable visual object in the northern seas of Europe.

<em>The Cross of Cong</em>
The Cross of Cong

This luxurious cross supposedly contained a fragment of the True Cross and was commissioned by the High King of Ireland

Saint Patrick’s Bell and Shrine
Saint Patrick’s Bell and Shrine

Associated with the founder of Christianity in Ireland, this medieval bell and its ornate shrine is one of the treasures of medieval Ireland

Clonmacnoise
Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise, an important monastery that attracted religious pilgrims and royal patronage, is considered a quintessential example of the early Irish church

The Ardagh Chalice
The Ardagh Chalice

Intricate metalwork dons this medieval Irish chalice made for performing the eucharist

Muiredach Cross
Muiredach Cross

Originally painted, monumental crosses in Ireland like this one are the largest freestanding sculpture from the Middle Ages

Skellig Michael
Skellig Michael

This dramatic island off the coast of Ireland was once a place for monks to remove themselves from the world

The Book of Kells
The Book of Kells

Snakes, peacocks, lions, hares, mice, and more — in the Book of Kells.

Symbolism in the Book of Kells
Symbolism in the Book of Kells

Dr Rachel Moss explores the hidden meanings behind the illustrations of the Book of Kells.

The classical past
The classical past

The classical past continued to shape and influence readers throughout the Middle Ages.

Mapping the world
Mapping the world

The idea of place in the early Middle Ages transcended space and time.

The Utrecht Psalter and its influence
The Utrecht Psalter and its influence

Expressive, emotional, and energetic, the Utrecht Psalter is not what you expect in a book written 1200 years ago.

Selected Contributors