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ca. 4th–5th century
Afghanistan (Hadda) The naturalism and complexity of this piece is remarkable considering the early date of this sculpture. “Niche with the Seated Bodhisattva Shakyamuni Flanked by Devotees and an Elephant.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/72739. -
This timeline incorporates art from the Medieval period (approximatly 400-1500 A.D.) and covers regions all over the world during that period. Early examples from the timeline by necessity include some pieces that might be considered ornamental since these types of artworks are the primary examples from the period.
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late 4th–early 5th century
Byzantine
This Byzantinian bust is a fine representation of the waning influence of the classical era on European art. The woman displayed is of the elite or upper classes, as indicated by the scroll in her hand and the mantle and tunic she wears. “Marble Portrait Bust of a Woman with a Scroll.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/468716. -
500–550, with modern restoration
Byzantine This fragment s made from marble and glass tesserae, and is typical of Byzantine mosaics from this period. “Fragment of a Floor Mosaic with a Personification of Ktisis.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/469960. -
A.D. 300–800
Chiriquí, Aguas Buenas Phase This warrior figure wears the conical helmet typically seen in representations of elite soldiers of Central American and Colombia. “Warrior with Trophy Head.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/312642. -
5th–7th century
This figure displays elements of a variety of Central and South American artistic styles, leading to the designation of International Style.
“Stylized Figure.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/309422. -
6th–7th century
China
This pottery figure is a rare example of a Chinese tomb figure from eastern Central Asia. The identity of the figure shown on the packboards is unknown. “Camel with Dionysiac Image on Its Bags.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/53630. -
Early 600s
Anglo-Saxon This work from Kent represents a fine example of Anglo Saxon metalwork. “Disk Brooch.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/466157. -
600–650
Vendel Period
This metalworking example predates the Viking age and features the abstract designs that were in fashion at the time. “Disk Brooch.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/468439. -
Mid-600s, Frankish
This brooch is a fine representation of Frankish ornamental art, and displays the exceptional craftsmanship of Frankish metallurgical artists. While an ornamental piece, the metalwork of the Frankish people of this era is generally considered fine art among art historians. “Disk Brooch.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/465810. -
Merovingian, 6th century.
The Gelasian Sacramentary is the second oldest surviving liturgical book in the western tradition. The illuminations featured in the manuscript represent a synthesis of late Roman conventions and Germanic "barbarian" motifs. This work is comparable to the insular art of Great Britain. “Making the Multitemporal Cross.” The Cross, the Gospels, and the Work of Art in the Carolingian Age, by Beatrice E. Kitzinger, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2019, pp. 18–98. -
ca. 750
Han Gan-Chinese Han Gan was one of the leading horse painters of the Tang Dynasty. This piece, his most famous work, is a portrait of one of Emperor Xuanzong's favorite horses. “Night-Shining White.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/39901. -
ca. 764–70
Japan This is one example from the one million pagoda sculptures commisioned by the Empress Shŏtoku (718–770). “One of the ‘One Million Pagodas’ (Hyakumanto).” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/62374. -
Second half 8th century
Egypt
This panel comes from the side of a cenotaph, and incorporates elements from the Late Antique and Sasanian periods. “Panel.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/449211. -
Early 9th century. Carolingian.
TheEvangelist is represented along with his symbol, the eagle. The inscription across the upper border reads, "The word of John soars to heaven like an eagle." This plaque is thought to be one panel from a triptych representing the Gosples. “Plaque with Saint John the Evangelist.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/469837. -
6th–9th century
Wari
The Wari people of the Ayacucho region were the primary inhabitants of the Andes in the first millennium. “Bowl, Mythic Figures.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/312607. -
ca. 850–900
Carolingian This pice represents Christ being revealed to two of his disciples following the Ressurection along the road to Emmaus. “Plaque with Scenes at Emmaus.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/471970. -
10th–11th century
Maya This monumental sculpture is carved from limestone and represents the Rain God of the Mayan people. “Head of a Rain God.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/310480. -
8th–9th century
Nepal, Kathmandu Valley, possibly Deopatan This releif depicts two crouched yakshas, gatekeepers and guardians of the underworld. “Yakshas Relief.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/38307. -
ca. 962–968, Ottonian
“Plaque with Christ Receiving Magdeburg Cathedral from Emperor Otto I.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/467730. -
ca. 1000
China
This Luohan figure is one of sixteen life-sized sculptures representing those who have achieved an advanced spiritual state. “Arhat (Luohan).” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/44799. -
ca. 1100
Nepal
This mandala shows Vajravarahi at the center, with six goddesses on a stylized lotus. The mandala is framed by the eight great burial grounds of India. “Chakrasamvara Mandala.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/38021. -
ca. 1000–1200
Kievan Rus Kievan Rus, a powerful state to the north of the Byzantine Empire, adopted Christianity in 988. In doing this, they began to produce their own version of Byzantine inspired art. This pendant is an example of cloisonné enamel in a varient of the Byzantine style. “Temple Pendant with Two Birds Flanking a Tree of Life.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/464552. -
ca. 1175–1200
Scandinavian This sculpture was carved from a narrow block of poplar wood, and was originally part of a large altarpiece. “Enthroned Virgin.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/464587. -
ca. 1230
British
This image is a portion of the "Fragment of a Compendium of the Genealogy of Christ" written by Peter of Pitiers, which contains beautiful examples of Medieval period line drawings. “Fragment of a Compendium of the Genealogy of Christ.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/474852. -
ca. 1250–1300
Maghreb This folio from the Maghreb, or Islamic west, features calligraphic features from the kufic tradition. “Folio from a Qur'an Manuscript.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/449110. -
dated A.H. 715/A.D. 1315
Farrukh ibn `Abd al-Latif This folio page is an illustration from a treatise on devices invented by al-Jazari. “‘The Elephant Clock’, Folio from a Book of the Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices by Al-Jazari.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/451402. -
Possibly ca. 1320
Giotto di Bondone Italian
This panel is one of seven depicting the life of Christ by Giotto, often considered the founder of Eurpoean painting. “The Adoration of the Magi.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436504. -
ca. 1360
German
This panel is from an altarpiece celebrating the life of Saint Clare made for the convent of Poor Clares in Germany. “The Bishop of Assisi Giving a Palm to Saint Clare.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/469892. -
ca. 1390–95
Bohemian
This clay bust would have been a part of a larger installation piece. This is the only terracotta sculpture knoen to have come from medieval Prague. “Bust of the Virgin.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/476711. -
c. 1400
Bamana People This figure shows a woman of high standing, as evidenced by her amulets and knives, which are generally associtated with male hunters. “Mother and Child.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/312336. -
13th–14th century
Mississippian This figure is a part of a male-female pair discovered in 1895 in Tennessee. “Kneeling Male Figure.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/312686. -
ca. 1455
Lower Niger Bronze Industry
Lower Niger Bronze Industry works show some similarity to works from Benin and Ife, as seen in this figure. “Figure: Male Warrior.” Metmuseum.org, www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/310257.
