A splendid showcase of High Gothic art and iconography.

Despite its provenance as a derogatory term, the word “gothic” is now understood to describe a distinct style of buildings and objects between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries. The Gothic period saw an increased emphasis on the power of images as vision became a primary force for activating emotion and inspiring contemplation. The great cathedrals constructed in this period—with their thin walls and high vaults filled with statuary and stained-glass windows—were designed to evoke awe among its visitors. The exquisite Gothic objects featured in the McCarthy Collection represent a broad spectrum of workshops and styles across Europe. High Gothic: Christian Art and Iconography of the 13th–14th Century showcases classic examples of statuary, stained glass, diptychs, textiles, and caskets that were part of the splendor we now associate with the High Gothic aesthetic.