Priest of Sarapis known as Julian the Apostate, Cl. 18830 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Franck Raux
Timeline
In Europe, Antiquity is often synonymous with the Greco-Roman era, from the 1st millennium BCE to the fall of the Western Roman Empire. In Gaul, the Celtic world gradually adopted Roman customs following Caesar's conquests in the 1st century. Starting in the 3rd century, the arrival of Germanic peoples, known as "barbarians," disrupted the existing balance of power.
From the 5th to the 11th century, political powers and society underwent a period of reorganization. The former Western Roman Empire fragmented into multiple kingdoms that gradually became Christianized. A unique culture emerged, blending ancient heritage, Germanic traditions, and local practices.
From the 11th to the 13th century, relationships between lords and vassals organized all of society. The King of France gradually strengthened his authority over the territory at the expense of the lords. The period was marked by demographic and urban growth, leading to an increase in commissions and centers of artistic production.
The 14th and 15th centuries were marked by a series of crises (wars, epidemics, religious crises) that destabilized all of Europe. However, the period ended with a strengthening of royal and urban power. Tapestries reflect a new way of life, new forms of devotion developed, and scientific innovations fostered the spread of knowledge.
Priest of Sarapis known as Julian the Apostate, Cl. 18830 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Franck Raux
Ariadne, Cl. 455 © GrandPalaisRmn / Thierry Ollivier
Votive Crown with Cross and inscription, Cl. 2879 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado
Fabric depicting a quadriga, Cl. 13289 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado
Fragment from the Shroud of Saint Lazarus, Cl. 21865 © GrandPalaisRmn / René-Gabriel Ojeda
Altar frontal from Basel cathedral, Cl. 2350 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado
Capital from Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Cl. 18612 © GrandPalaisRmn / Gérard Blot
Illuminated page of the lectionary of Cluny, Cl. 23757 © GrandPalaisRmn / Jean-Gilles Berizzi
Oliphant, Cl. 13065 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado
Queen of Sheba, Cl. 23250 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado
Plaque of the Four Rivers of Paradise, Cl. 1362 © GrandPalaisRmn / Franck Raux
Grandmont altar plaque, the Adoration of the Magi, Cl. 956 b © GrandPalaisRmn / Jean-Gilles Berizzi
Head of the king of Judah No. 6, Notre-Dame de Paris, Cl. 22988 © GrandPalaisRmn / René-Gabriel Ojeda
Stained glass from the Sainte-Chapelle, Samson and the Lion, Cl. 23723 © GrandPalaisRmn / Franck Raux
Angel holding the instruments of the Passion, Cl. 18762 © GrandPalaisRmn / René-Gabriel Ojeda
Casket: Assault on the castle of Love, Cl. 23840 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado
Golden rose from the Basel Cathedral, Cl. 2351 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado
Embroidery with leopards, Cl. 20367 a,b © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado
Stained glass, Chess players, Cl. 23422 © GrandPalaisRmn / Mathieu Rabeau
Hispano-moresque ceramic, basin with eyelets, Cl. 2343 © GrandPalaisRmn / Jean-Luc Mabit
Pietà from the château de Tarascon, Cl. 18509 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado
Saint Mary Magdalene, Cl. 1851 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado
Virgin and Child surrounded by praying angels, Cl. 23926 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado
The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, Taste, Cl. 10831 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado