Romanesque

325
Romanesque, Early Gothic
(12th-13th c.)

Romanesque craftmanship - mostly in metal, wood, ivory - proves that small, "treasury" items may have the same expressive strength as those of monumental art. The architectonics of their forms and the rhythmic repetition of pattern are determined by a pronounced sense of geometry and horror vacui (fear of empty space).

The metal pieces exhibited in this room originate from Cologne and Limoges which were two strong centres of such craftmanship.