Early Medieval/ Byzantine Art, Art of China, Art of Americas

Iconoclasm

The destruction of religious images, often motivated by belief that images angered God (e.g., Chludov Psalter, 9th c. CE).

Animal style

Decorative art style using intertwined animals, common in early medieval metalwork and manuscripts.

Lindau Gospel

A luxurious Carolingian gospel book with ornate gold and jeweled covers.

Cross of Lothair

A jeweled processional cross from the Carolingian era, richly decorated with gems and enamel.

Charles the Bald

Grandson of Charlemagne, Carolingian emperor (Western Europe).

Charlemagne

King of the Franks, Holy Roman Emperor; promoted Carolingian Renaissance and imperial art.

Constantine the Great

Roman emperor who established Constantinople (Nova Roma) and was the first Christian emperor.

Palace Cathedral, Aachen

Charlemagne's cathedral complex in Aachen; center of Carolingian religious and political life.

Bernward Doors, Hildesheim

Ottonian bronze doors with biblical reliefs, showing narrative storytelling.

Gero Crucifix

Early large-scale sculpture of Christ on the cross, Ottonian period.

Illumination Otto III

Luxurious illuminated manuscripts made during Emperor Otto III's reign, featuring courtly figures and gold leaf.

Justinian and Theodora

Emperor and empress of Byzantium; mosaics at San Vitale show their wealth, devotion, and imperial power.

San Vitale, Ravenna

Centrally planned Byzantine church (547 CE) with mosaics of Justinian and Theodora; known for gold tesserae, dark interiors, and symbolic decoration.

Ebbo Gospel

Early Carolingian gospel (c. 816-835), produced at Abbey of St. Pierre d'Hautvillers; notable for energetic, expressive illustrations.

Coronation Bible

Important Carolingian Bible used in imperial coronation ceremonies.

Sutton Hoo purse

Anglo-Saxon decorative object from burial site, shows interlace designs and animal motifs.

Sutton Hoo helmet

Ceremonial Anglo-Saxon helmet from burial, highly decorated.

Renovati imperii Romanorum

Latin for 'renewal of the Roman Empire,' associated with Charlemagne's imperial ideology.

Han Dynasty

Early imperial Chinese dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE), known for funerary art, bronze vessels, and silk.

Qin Dynasty

Chinese dynasty (221-206 BCE), famous for unifying China and the Terracotta Warriors.

Shang Dynasty

Early Chinese dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE), known for bronze ritual vessels and oracle bones.

Yangshao Vases

Painted pottery from the Neolithic Yangshao culture.

Guang

Ritual bronze vessel used in ancient China.

Bi disk

Circular jade disc used in burial rituals.

Zhou Dynasty

Chinese dynasty following the Shang, 1046-256 BCE.

Lady Feng

Historical figure depicted in Chinese art.

Foguang Pagoda

Wooden pagoda, one of the oldest in China, showing architectural innovation.

Meiping Vase

Chinese vase with elegant shape, often for wine or flowers.

Ma Yuan

Chinese landscape painter of the Song dynasty.

Silla Crown

Gold crown from Korea's Silla kingdom, used in royal burials.

Qin Terracotta Warriors

Life-sized clay soldiers buried with Qin Shi Huang to protect him in the afterlife.

Olmec, Olmec heads

Colossal stone heads from Olmec culture, representing rulers.

Maya

Mesoamerican civilization known for temples, stelae, murals, and codices.

Inka

South American civilization with architectural and artistic achievements in Peru.

Temple of the Giant Jaguar, Tikal, 732 CE

Mayan temple in Guatemala, example of monumental architecture.

Stele D (18 Rabbit)

Mayan carved stone monument depicting rulers and historical events.

Lady Xoc and bloodletting

Mayan ritual scene showing royal woman performing bloodletting, depicted in lintels and murals.

Mayan Ball player

Representation of ritualized Mesoamerican ballgame.

Bonampak mural

Maya murals depicting courtly life, rituals, and warfare.

Colossal Atlantids

Monumental human male sculptures used as columns, often from Mesoamerican architecture.

Teotihuacan

Ancient Mesoamerican city in Mexico, known for pyramids and urban planning.

Raimondi Stele, Chavín de Huantar

Carved stone from Chavín culture, depicting complex religious iconography.

Paracas

Andean civilization known for elaborate textiles and mummification practices.

Moche

Andean culture known for ceramics, metalwork, and monumental architecture.

Sipan ear spool

Gold or metal ear ornament from Moche culture, often found in elite burials.