Famous Medieval Paintings

The Medieval Period saw the rise of small kingdoms across Europe particularly in areas once ruled by the Roman Emperor. The Medieval era lasted until 1500 AD, During this time artists mostly focused on religious artworks most of them about Christianity.

Lamentation (The Mourning of Christ) Giotto Di Bondone

Italian artist and architect Giotto Di Bondone was among the notable artists from the Medieval Period. He mostly created religious artworks focusing on the life of Christ and his twelve apostles. This painting is his most recognized artwork. It depicts the moments right after the death of Christ before he was laid to rest in a tomb. The painting is from 1306 and is featured on the north wall of the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Italy. In the artwork, one sees the deceased Christ after being removed from the cross. Among the women present is his mother Mary and Mary Magdalene. The apostles are shown with halos about their heads and angels weep.

The Wilton Diptych

This is a Medieval Period artwork whose artist is unknown. It is believed to have been created by an English or French artist. This artwork was completed in 1399 as the Medieval Period was coming to an end. It was created for King Richard II of England who is depicted in the painting as kneeling before the Virgin Mary and infant Jesus. Both of them are surrounded by angels in blue robes, a symbol of righteousness in medieval times. King Richard II is surrounded by three prominent figures from Christian theology and English royalty as John the Baptist, Edward the Confessor, and Edmund the Martyr standing over him. The diptych is made of Baltic oak. It can be viewed at the National Gallery in London, England.

The Ghent Altarpiece Hubert and Jan van Eyck

Dutch artists Hubert Eyck and his brother Jan van Eyck created one of the best-known medieval paintings. This is a compilation of polyptych panels that each feature a notable figure or event from the Christian New Testament Bible as well as the Old Testament. The panels are arranged so they can be folded outward. Both brothers were known for their religious-themed artwork. The artwork was created in 1432. The upper register of panels features a scene focused on heavenly redemption while the second features a collection of clergy, angels, and two sculptures of John the Baptist and John the Evangelist.

The Presentation in the Temple Ambrogio Lorenzetti

Italian artist Ambrogio Lorenzetti was among the artists who influenced Renaissance artists to follow him over a century later. This artwork was completed in 1342 and includes Saint Ansanus, Saint Sabinus of Spoleto, Saint Victor, and Saint Crescentius. The painting depicts the presentation of an infant child, customarily done forty days after birth and the mother and child are purified in a cleansing ritual with prayer. The woman holding the cloth that was wrapped around the child is depicted as the Virgin Mary and the child as the infant Jesus.

Rest During the Flight into Egypt Gentile da Fabriano

Italian artist Gentile da Fabriano created this famous painting in the 15th century. This artwork was painted on a long rectangular wood surface. It depicts a rarely painted scene from the Bible where the Virgin Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus travel to Egypt to escape King Herod. Herod had given orders to kill every newborn child in the birthplace of Christ. In the painting, the young family is seen leaving the lush open lands of their home and heading to a vast city represented as Egypt. It was created in 1423.

Paradiesgartleins Upper Rhenish Master

This painting was done by an unknown artist and is believed to be created in 1410. The title of the painting means Garden of Paradise. It depicts the Virgin Mary in the upper left corner with an array of female saints working and enjoying their time in the garden. The infant Jesus is seen playing the harp.

Christ Rescuing Peter from Drowning Lorenzo Veneziano

Italian artist Lorenzo Veneziano created this painting which features a famous scene from the New Testament. It was painted in 1370 and is among the most recognized paintings from that period. The artwork depicts Jesus’ disciples in a fishing boat traveling across the Sea of Galilee. A violent storm strikes when the disciples notice their leader, Jesus walking calmly toward them upon the water. Peter leaves the boat to join Jesus. He briefly walks on the water but then falls and begins to sink and is rescued by Jesus.