Early Christian, Byzantine, Islamic, Medieval, and Asian Art Key Concepts

Interior of the synagogue

Dura-Europos, Syria (8.1), Jewish synagogue with narrative wall paintings; rare figural art in Judaism showing biblical scenes.

The Good Shepherd

Jonah, orants, Seasons (8.6), Early Christian catacomb imagery; symbolism of salvation, resurrection, and eternal life.

Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus

Italy, ca. 359 (8.8), Early Christian relief sculpture; blends Roman style with Christian themes like salvation.

Old Saint Peter's

Rome (8.9-8.10), Early Christian basilica plan; longitudinal design for pilgrimage and worship.

Christ as Good Shepherd

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (8.24), Mosaic; Christ as youthful shepherd symbolizing care and salvation.

Hagia Sophia

Constantinople (9.6-9.8), Byzantine church by Justinian; massive dome on pendentives, symbol of divine light.

Justinian

Bishop Maximianus, attendants (9.13), Mosaic from San Vitale; shows emperor's power and church-state unity.

Vladimir Virgin (9.31)

Byzantine icon; emotional connection between Mary and Christ, devotional object.

Dome of the Rock

Jerusalem, 687-692 (10.2), Early Islamic shrine; centralized plan, calligraphy, no figural imagery.

Great Mosque

Córdoba, Spain (10.1), Hypostyle mosque; horseshoe arches and striped voussoirs.

Prayer Hall & Maqsura

Córdoba (10.11), Emphasis on repetition, Islamic space for prayer.

Friday Mosque

Isfahan, Iran (10.15), Four-iwan mosque plan; key Islamic architectural development.

Koran page (10.20)

Islamic manuscript; calligraphy as sacred art form.

Muqarnas dome

Alhambra (10.22), Decorative vaulting creating honeycomb effect.

Mihrab

Isfahan (10.28), Indicates direction of Mecca; highly decorated.

Mosque lamp (10.32)

Symbolic lighting referencing divine presence.

Chi-Rho-Iota page

Book of Kells (11.1), Hiberno-Saxon manuscript; intricate interlacing and abstraction.

Purse cover

Sutton Hoo (11.3), Animal-style metalwork; status and wealth symbol.

Oseberg ship burial (11.4)

Viking funerary practice; belief in afterlife.

High Cross of Muiredach (11.9)

Christian monument with biblical carvings.

Equestrian portrait of Charlemagne (11.12)

Revival of Roman imperial imagery.

Saint Matthew

Ebbo Gospels (11.14), Expressive Carolingian manuscript style.

Lindau Gospels cover (11.16)

Precious materials; fusion of classical and medieval styles.

Palatine Chapel

Aachen (11.17-11.19), Charlemagne's chapel; centralized plan inspired by Byzantium.

Westwork

Saint Cyriakus (11.22), Monumental church entrance.

Saint Michael's

Hildesheim (11.24), Ottonian architecture; modular planning.

Doors

Hildesheim (11.26), Bronze reliefs; biblical narratives.

Last Judgment

Autun (12.1), Romanesque tympanum; dramatic warning of salvation vs damnation.

Reliquary statue of Sainte Foy (12.2)

Pilgrimage object; relic veneration.

Saint-Étienne

Vignory (12.3), Romanesque church interior; heavy masonry.

Saint-Sernin (12.6-12.7)

Pilgrimage church; ambulatory and radiating chapels.

Speyer Cathedral (12.21)

Romanesque imperial church; groin vaults.

Pisa Cathedral complex (12.29)

Includes baptistery and campanile; regional style.

Saint-Étienne

Caen (12.33), Norman Romanesque church.

Bayeux Tapestry (12.40)

Narrative embroidery of Norman Conquest.

Chartres Cathedral (13.4)

Gothic cathedral; height, light, stained glass.

Royal Portal

Chartres (13.5), Sculpted figures; elongated, spiritual style.

Notre-Dame

Paris (13.10), Gothic cathedral; flying buttresses.

Chartres Interior & Plan (13.13)

Emphasis on verticality and light.

Rose Window

Chartres (13.18), Stained glass; lux nova concept.

Amiens Cathedral (13.20)

High Gothic; tallest interior in France.

Blanche of Castile & Louis IX (13.32)

Illuminated manuscript; royal patronage.

Röttgen Pietà (13.52)

Emotional Gothic sculpture; human suffering.

Great Stupa

Sanchi (15.1), Buddhist monument; circumambulation and relic worship.

Seated Buddha

Sarnath (15.15), Teaching pose; idealized calm and enlightenment.

Angkor Wat (15.36)

Hindu temple complex; cosmic mountain symbolism.

Army of Qin Shi Huang (16.1)

Terracotta warriors; imperial power and afterlife belief.

Yungang Grottoes Buddha (16.14)

Buddhist cave sculpture; spread of Buddhism in China.

Fan Kuan

Travelers Among Mountains and Streams (16.23), Chinese landscape; nature's dominance over humans.