Byzantine art, characterized by its rich colors, gold backgrounds, and iconic imagery, was the dominant artistic style in Europe during the early Middle Ages.

Medieval art was primarily created to decorate and enhance the interiors of churches and cathedrals, serving as a visual representation of religious beliefs and stories.

Pointed arches, which allow for greater height and light, are a defining characteristic of Gothic cathedrals, contributing to their distinctive appearance.

The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth that tells the story of the Norman conquest of England in 1066.

Theophilus Presbyter was a medieval artist and writer known for his treatise on various artistic techniques, including manuscript illumination.

Linear perspective, which involves the use of converging lines to create the illusion of depth, was a significant development in medieval painting.

Jan van Eyck was a Flemish artist known for his innovative use of oil paints and his realistic style, which is evident in his famous painting 'The Arnolfini Portrait'.

The Danse Macabre, a medieval allegory on the universality of death, is often depicted as a procession of people from all walks of life, led by Death.

Michelangelo is renowned for his frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, including the famous 'Creation of Adam' and 'The Last Judgment'.

The Renaissance, which began in Italy in the 14th century, marked a shift towards a more humanistic and naturalistic approach to art, drawing inspiration from classical antiquity.

Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' is a prime example of his mastery of chiaroscuro, using light and shadow to create a dramatic and emotionally charged composition.

Niello is a technique that involves engraving designs into metal and filling them with a black or dark-colored compound, creating a decorative effect.

Albrecht Dürer's 'Apocalypse' series, consisting of 15 woodcuts, is a powerful and dramatic depiction of the events described in the Book of Revelation.

Gothic art, which flourished in Europe from the 12th to the 16th centuries, is known for its emotional intensity, naturalism, and focus on light and color.

Jan van Eyck's 'The Arnolfini Portrait' is a highly detailed and realistic depiction of a married couple in their home, capturing the essence of everyday life in the 15th century.