Floor plan

Time and placeThe 15th century

The 15th century

Text Page, Persian Prose (recto); The Story of Adam peace upon him, his Sons and Progeny (verso), c. 1425
This painting shows a person standing, their head slightly tilted to the left. They have a pale complexion, and short, wavy blonde hair adorned with a thin red crown. They have rosy, pink cheeks, arched eyebrows, a straight nose, and small lips set in a neutral expression. The individual is wearing a long red robe over a black tunic or dress and is holding a long black quill-like object in one hand, and what looks like a thin staff with a red loop at the end in the other. A detailed golden halo surrounds their head, and the background features an ornate gold pattern which is slightly worn and peeling in some places. The painting is bordered by a golden frame.
A work made of pen and brown ink on cream laid paper.
Battle of the Nudes, by Antonio Pollaiuolo, 1470s–80s
This painting shows a person standing, their body turned to us, with their head looking downward to the left. The person has pale skin, round, rosy cheeks, and wavy yellow hair surrounded by a golden halo with intricate patterns. They are wearing a dark robe over a dark red dress or tunic and holding a long, thin red cross in one hand, while the other hand holds a closed red book. At their feet lies a black dog-like animal with wide yellow eyes. The scene is set against a golden textured background within a gilded border.
Madonna and Child with Saint Jerome and Saint Bernardino of Siena, by Benvenuto di Giovanni, c. 1480/1485
The Last Supper, by Lucantonio degli Uberti, c. 1500
Portrait of Alain de Coëtivy (1407–1474), by Jean Fouquet, ca. 1451–55

The works in this room are listed below.

Works in this room

Works made in the 15th century, anywhere in the world.

First room, north wall

  1. Text Page, Persian Prose (recto); The Story of Adam peace upon him, his Sons and Progeny (verso), c. 1425
    Text Page, Persian Prose (recto); The Story of Adam peace upon him, his Sons and Progeny (verso)Unrecorded Persian maker, c. 1425Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  2. This painting shows a person standing, their head slightly tilted to the left. They have a pale complexion, and short, wavy blonde hair adorned with a thin red crown. They have rosy, pink cheeks, arched eyebrows, a straight nose, and small lips set in a neutral expression. The individual is wearing a long red robe over a black tunic or dress and is holding a long black quill-like object in one hand, and what looks like a thin staff with a red loop at the end in the other. A detailed golden halo surrounds their head, and the background features an ornate gold pattern which is slightly worn and peeling in some places. The painting is bordered by a golden frame.
    Saint ApolloniaSassetta, c. 1435Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. A work made of pen and brown ink on cream laid paper.
    Wooded Landscape with Donkeys and Goats, and Castle on Hill in DistancePaul Bril, n.d.Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
  4. Battle of the Nudes, by Antonio Pollaiuolo, 1470s–80s
    Battle of the NudesAntonio Pollaiuolo, 1470s–80sCourtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art

First room, south wall

  1. This painting shows a person standing, their body turned to us, with their head looking downward to the left. The person has pale skin, round, rosy cheeks, and wavy yellow hair surrounded by a golden halo with intricate patterns. They are wearing a dark robe over a dark red dress or tunic and holding a long, thin red cross in one hand, while the other hand holds a closed red book. At their feet lies a black dog-like animal with wide yellow eyes. The scene is set against a golden textured background within a gilded border.
    Saint MargaretSassetta, c. 1435Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  2. Madonna and Child with Saint Jerome and Saint Bernardino of Siena, by Benvenuto di Giovanni, c. 1480/1485
    Madonna and Child with Saint Jerome and Saint Bernardino of SienaBenvenuto di Giovanni, c. 1480/1485Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. The Last Supper, by Lucantonio degli Uberti, c. 1500
    The Last SupperLucantonio degli Uberti, c. 1500Courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  4. Portrait of Alain de Coëtivy (1407–1474), by Jean Fouquet, ca. 1451–55
    Portrait of Alain de Coëtivy (1407–1474)Jean Fouquet, ca. 1451–55Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Second room, south wall

  1. The Annunciation, by Hans Memling, 1480–89
    The AnnunciationHans Memling, 1480–89Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  2. This is a drawing of a group of medieval figures and a tree. The image depicts a dense gathering of figures, all wearing elaborate period costumes, including helmets, robes, and armor. Their expressions vary. At the top, a leafy tree dominates the background alongside swirling clouds. The foreground hints at an interaction among the individuals, possibly a scene of discourse or judgment. Several personal items and tools are on the ground. The attention to detail and the use of line to create intricate patterns and textures are notable features of this work. This is in the style of Albrecht Dürer.
    The Martyrdom of Saint BarbaraLucas Cranach the ElderCourtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington
  3. Windblown bamboo, by Xia Chang, ca. 1460
    Windblown bambooXia Chang, ca. 1460Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Second room, north wall

  1. Christ Carrying the Cross, by Martin Schongauer, ca. 1475–80
    Christ Carrying the CrossMartin Schongauer, ca. 1475–80Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  2. Virgin and Child, by Bernardino Luini, 1500s
    Virgin and ChildBernardino Luini, 1500sCourtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
  3. A work made of tempera on panel, transferred to canvas.
    The NativityPerugino, 1500–05Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Third room, north wall

  1. The Creation of the World and the Expulsion from Paradise, by Giovanni di Paolo, 1445
    The Creation of the World and the Expulsion from ParadiseGiovanni di Paolo, 1445Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  2. Outdoors, distinct groupings of adult men and women, some with halos, gather near a building. The front-facing wall of the building is not depicted, allowing for a view inside, where a woman sits in bed with two women nearby and two other women dress a baby. A bearded man sits near the bed.
    Scenes from the Life of Saint John the BaptistBartolomeo di Giovanni, 1490/95Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago