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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One of the oldest surviving bibles was made in England but has clear visual ties to traditions from the ancient Mediterranean.

Excavated in 1939, this 7th-century grave once held a hoard of metalwork, all buried within a 27-meter long ship!

Rendered in gold and garnet, the enigmatic animals on this purse lid stand out above white bone.

Restored, dismantled, and restored again, this helmet was a pile of rusted iron and tinned bronze when first discovered.

Masks and scrolls adorn the square head of this silver-gilt brooch. Extravagant but functional, it fastened clothes.

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