Crucifixion flanked by Saints

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

English embroidery, or opus anglicanum (English work), was present across Europe. This small but fine panel, which likely decorated the front of a private altar, presents the Crucifixion of Jesus witnessed by Saint John, the Virgin, and saints James the Greater (with a satchel), Peter (with a key), Paul (with a sword), and Andrew (with an X-shaped cross). Reading from left to right, the coats of arms are those of Hastings, Fitz-Alan, England, Castile-Léon, DeClare, and DeVere. The placement of the arms of King Edward I (r. 1272–1307) and his queen, Eleanor of Castile, date the embroidery to between Edward’s ascension in 1272 and Eleanor’s death in 1290.

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