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The Middle Ages

The Medieval period, also known as the Middle Ages, is roughly considered to be the millennium spanning the fall of the Roman empire in 476 CE to the Renaissance. Most of the surviving artwork from this period is religious in nature, commissioned by the Catholic Church or donors to facilitate worship and devotion.

The majority of the works in this gallery decorated Christian churches in Europe between 1000-1400. Stone architectural sculpture surrounded doorways to greet the faithful with images from the life of Jesus and the final judgment, when he would return to judge all mankind. Stained glass enlivened wall surfaces and created interiors that shimmered with an otherworldly light. Interior sculptures elaborated on the lives of saints and provided exemplars of faith and obedience.

With the purchase of the Brummer Collection of medieval art in 1966, Duke University established its first art museum. This acquisition signaled the university’s recognition of the cultural importance of actual works of art in the education of students.

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