Divine Light to Human Drama: Early Europe & Colonial Americas (200–1750 CE)

Edict of Milan

Issued in 313 CE, it legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire.

Catacomb of Priscilla

An underground burial site in Rome from c. 200-400 CE, known for early Christian frescoes.

The Good Shepherd

A fresco depicting Christ as a youthful protector, adapted from Roman art.

Santa Sabina

An early Christian basilica in Rome, known for its axial plan and significance in church architecture.

Hagia Sophia

A monumental cathedral in Constantinople, later a mosque, known for its large dome and innovative pendentives.

San Vitale

A church in Ravenna, Italy, known for its central plan and stunning mosaics of Justinian and Theodora.

Encaustic

A painting medium using pigment mixed with hot wax.

Iconoclastic Controversy

A conflict over the use of religious images in Christianity from 726-843 CE.

Merovingian Looped Fibulae

Brooches from the Mid-6th century used to fasten garments, known for their cloisonné technique.

Lindisfarne Gospels

An illuminated manuscript from c. 700 CE known for its intricate designs and influences from Roman styles.

Church of Sainte-Foy

A pilgrimage church in France known for its cruciform plan and the reliquary of Sainte-Foy.

Bayeux Tapestry

An embroidered work depicting the Battle of Hastings made between 1066-1080.

Chartres Cathedral

A French Gothic cathedral famous for its stained glass and the Sancta Camisa relic.

Röttgen Pietà

A Late Gothic sculpture depicting a mournful Virgin Mary with a crucified Christ.

Bible Moralisée

A luxury illuminated manuscript designed for royalty, featuring moralized texts.

Golden Haggadah

A Jewish art piece created in the Gothic style, illustrating the Passover story.

Humanism

A Renaissance intellectual movement that emphasized human potential and reason.

Proto-Renaissance

An art period leading to the Renaissance characterized by a revival of naturalism in art.

Annunciation Triptych

A painting by Robert Campin that depicts the Annunciation in a modern setting.

Arnolfini Portrait

A 1434 oil painting by Jan van Eyck, rich in symbolism and detail.

Pazzi Chapel

A chapel designed by Brunelleschi, known for its Roman dome revival and geometric focus.

David (Donatello)

The first freestanding male nude sculpture since antiquity, symbolizing Florence.

Birth of Venus

A painting by Botticelli depicting the goddess Venus, embodying Neoplatonism.

The Last Supper

A mural by Leonardo da Vinci that depicts Christ's final meal before his crucifixion.

Sistine Chapel Ceiling

A ceiling painted by Michelangelo featuring scenes from the Book of Genesis.

School of Athens

A fresco by Raphael that embodies Renaissance ideals of philosophy and knowledge.

Venus of Urbino

A reclining female nude painted by Titian, exemplifying Venetian color.

Mannerism

An artistic style following the High Renaissance characterized by chaotic compositions and distorted forms.

Allegory of Law and Grace

A woodcut by Lucas Cranach the Elder depicting the contrast between Catholicism and Protestantism.

Hunters in the Snow

A genre painting by Pieter Bruegel that illustrates scenes of everyday life and winter.

Characteristics of Baroque

Art style marked by drama, clarity, and awe-inspiring features to appeal to viewers.

Calling of Saint Matthew

A painting by Caravaggio illustrating the moment Christ calls Matthew to follow him.

Ecstasy of Saint Teresa

A Baroque sculpture by Bernini, combining architecture and light to evoke a spiritual experience.

San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane

A Baroque church designed by Borromini, known for its undulating facade.

Las Meninas

A famous painting by Velázquez that explores the concepts of perspective and representation.

Henry IV Receives the Portrait of Marie de’ Medici

A work by Rubens that combines drama with detailed Northern art styles.

Self-Portrait with Saskia

An intimate etching by Rembrandt reflecting personal and psychological depth.

Woman Holding a Balance

A painting by Vermeer that juxtaposes material wealth and spiritual considerations.

Fruit and Insects

A still life by Rachel Ruysch that expresses the theme of Vanitas.

Frontispiece of the Codex Mendoza

A visual narrative commissioned to showcase the history of Tenochtitlan.

Angel with Arquebus, Asiel Timor Dei

A painting representing a Christian angel with elements of Spanish aristocracy.

Screen with the Siege of Belgrade

A folding screen combining eclectic styles for political entertaining and domestic privacy.

The Virgin of Guadalupe

An iconic image representing Mary and the identity of Mexico.

Spaniard and Indian Produce Mestizo

A Casta painting depicting the racial mixing in colonial societies.

Portrait of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

A portrait representing the first feminist of the Americas, emphasizing her scholarly persona.