Ciborium

Nicolaus Ranucius (Ranierius) and His Sons, Johannes and Guittone

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

A ciborium (altar canopy) sheltered and added focus to the high altar of a church. Here the simple but graceful architectural forms are enhanced with colorful mosaic and gold glass inlays. The Ranucius family of marble workers created this and other works for churches north of Rome.

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