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
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.
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
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, an important monastery that attracted religious pilgrims and royal patronage, is considered a quintessential example of the early Irish church
The Ardagh Chalice
Intricate metalwork dons this medieval Irish chalice made for performing the eucharist
Muiredach Cross
Originally painted, monumental crosses in Ireland like this one are the largest freestanding sculpture from the Middle Ages
Skellig Michael
This dramatic island off the coast of Ireland was once a place for monks to remove themselves from the world
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 continued to shape and influence readers throughout the Middle Ages.
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.
