Hebrew Bible

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Jews in medieval Spain referred to the Bible as the Sanctuary of God, a sacred surrogate for the lost-- and longed-for--Temple of Jerusalem. As a result, Hebrew Bibles came to be splendidly adorned, in a manner worthy of that holiest of places. This manuscript comprises the full text of the Bible, with complete vocalization, accentuation, and critical apparatus (or masoreh), with the most impressive decoration marking the beginning and end of each book and four special biblical songs. Decorative elements found in both Islamic and Christian manuscripts have been embraced, clear evidence of shared artistic taste that transcended cultural and religious prejudices. The manuscript bears the signature of an early owner, David ha-Kohen Coutinh[o], who penned his name in its pages on Rosh Hashanah, 1366.

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