From ancient Greece and Rome to the medieval world, Western art focused on myth, religion, and civic life through sculpture, architecture, and symbolic imagery.

Romanesque

c. 1000–1150

Romanesque art is solid and symbolic. Architecture features thick walls and rounded arches. Sculpture served religious storytelling. The style reflects stability and spiritual focus.

The Shrine of the Three Kings

Nicholas of Verdun and workshop

c. 1190–1225

A gilded reliquary in Cologne Cathedral, believed to hold the remains of the Magi.

Winchester Bible

Commissioned by Bishop Henry of Blois, executed by anonymous artists

c. 1150–1175

A richly decorated illuminated Bible, one of the greatest works of English Romanesque art.

Temptation of Christ Fresco, San Baudelio de Berlanga

Unknown

early 12th century

A Romanesque wall painting showing Christ’s temptation in the wilderness.

Modena Cathedral

Wiligelmo (sculptor)

c. 1099–1184

A Romanesque cathedral in Italy, with sculpted reliefs by Wiligelmo.

Temptation of Adam and Eve (Modena Cathedral)

Wiligelmo (sculptor)

c. 1110

A relief sculpture on Modena Cathedral showing Adam and Eve tempted by the serpent.

Durham Cathedral

Bishop William de St Calais and Norman masons

1093–1133

A Romanesque cathedral in England, notable for its massive stone vaults and towers.

Christ in Majesty (Tympanum, St Foy)

Unknown

c. 1100

A Romanesque tympanum sculpture showing Christ as judge of the world.

Autun Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Lazare)

Gislebertus (sculptor)

c. 1120–1146

A Romanesque cathedral famous for its sculpted tympanum by Gislebertus.

Bayeux Tapestry

Unknown (possibly Anglo-Norman artists)

c. 1066–1077

An embroidered cloth nearly 70 meters long, telling the story of the Norman conquest.

Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy, Conques

Unknown

c. 1050–1130

A Romanesque pilgrimage church in France, housing the relics of St Foy.

St Michael’s Church, Hildesheim

Bishop Bernward (patron), Architect unknown

1010–1031

An Ottonian church with double apses and bronze doors commissioned by Bishop Bernward.