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The Arts of Medieval Europe: 800-1050 (Online)
Year course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
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Chart Carolingian, Ottonian and Anglo-Saxon patronage during this formative period of European history, from Emperor Charlemagne’s Palatine Chapel in Aachen to King Alfred’s Jewel.
On this online medieval studies course, you can learn from our world-class experts wherever you are, whenever suits you: watch lectures live or view the recording later in your own time. You can experience the full breadth and depth of the V&A's collections with more than 30 hours of study over 10 weeks. Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for up to 10 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.
Prefer to attend the course in-person at V&A South Kensington? Book now for The Arts of Medieval Europe: 800-1050 (In Person Plus Gallery Talks) .
To browse our full range of courses click here!
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
On this online medieval studies course, you can learn from our world-class experts wherever you are, whenever suits you: watch lectures live or view the recording later in your own time. You can experience the full breadth and depth of the V&A's collections with more than 30 hours of study over 10 weeks. Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for up to 10 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.
Prefer to attend the course in-person at V&A South Kensington? Book now for The Arts of Medieval Europe: 800-1050 (In Person Plus Gallery Talks) .
To browse our full range of courses click here!
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
Course Director
Dr Sally Dormer
Dr Sally Dormer is a specialist medieval art historian and lecturer, with an M.A. in Medieval Art History and a Ph.D. on Medieval manuscript illumination from the Courtauld Institute, University of London. Sally has taught for ARTscapades, the Arts Society, Art Pursuits Abroad, London Art History Society, Cox & Kings and Gresham College.
Another excellent course, I love the format-if you can't watch live you can still catch up. Content was fascinating! Previous V&A Academy Online Attendee
V&A Academy Online. A learning environment you can trust.
Our courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live or catch up on demand. Join discussions and continue your learning with downloadable handouts and presentations. Find out more >>
Course overview
In 800, Charlemagne became Emperor of the Romans. He, and the subsequent dynasty of emperors, sought to revive Christian Antiquity, instigating what has been termed a renaissance. The Saxon Ottonian Emperors assumed the imperial title in 962; they too revered Antiquity and sought, for political ends, to emulate the aesthetics of the Byzantine Empire. Many Carolingian and Ottonian commissions were linked to imperial court patronage, frequently through the intermediary of monasteries. In England the visual arts flourished with monasteries playing a vital role in craftsmanship. By the 960s Iconoclasm’s influence had waned in Western Europe; monumental, three-dimensional sculpture became acceptable once more.
The year 1000 was greeted with anxiety, and its passing with relief. The new millennium’s confident mood witnessed the emergence of a centralized Western church, the most powerful organization of the high Middle Ages, dominated by the monastic orders. Unprecedented investment was placed in church buildings, many inspired by aspects of surviving Roman monuments. The mighty Romanesque style will be explored, with case studies to highlight regional stylistic variations.
Enrol now
Year course: The Arts of Medieval Europe: 800-1050 (Online)
20 January 2026 - 24 March 2026
£300.00
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
