Head of an Apostle

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

With its curly hair and furrowed brow, this arresting head bears comparison with the prophets on the central portal of the west facade of Strasbourg Cathedral, which was carved a generation after the Virgin (47.101.11) displayed in this gallery. The red sandstone is typical for that region. Although the head certainly belonged to a column figure, it is unknown whether it was part of the sculptural program of Strasbourg Cathedral or of another church in that city.

Medieval Art and The Cloisters

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world. Displayed in both The Met Fifth Avenue and in the Museum's branch in northern Manhattan, The Met Cloisters, the collection encompasses the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome in the fourth century to the beginning of the Renaissance in the early sixteenth century. It also includes pre-medieval European works of art created during the Bronze Age and early Iron Age.

Metropolitan Museum of Art