Index of Medieval Art, 1917–present
The Index of Christian Art is a thematic and iconographic index of early Christian and medieval art objects to 1400 begun at Princeton University by Charles Rufus Morey in 1917. The Index of Christian Art was continued by the Index of Christian Art database in 1991, which changed title in 2017 to Index of Medieval Art. ICFA holds one of only five copies of the original card file, which contains some materials not represented in the online database. This Index records works of art depicting a Christian theme or context, in seventeen different media, including manuscripts, metalwork, sculpture, painting, and glass. Works are from around the world, with an emphasis on Western art. Records include information such as artist's name, title of work, medium, and provenance. In addition, Index records provide bibliographic citations and location of reproductions. Bibliographic citations cover art history, archaeology, religious and classical studies.
The index is arranged in two separate file formats: subject cards and photographs. The Subject Files are a thematic index to the photographs. The cards are filed alphabetically on an iconographical basis starting with Alpha and Omega and ending with Zwentibold of Lorraine (a saintly bishop of the tenth century). There are over 28,000 subject terms which deal predominantly with Christian iconography but which also cover the entire range of medieval art. Each work of art has a primary subject, which relates to the first scene described. Other subjects on the work are found under secondary terms (cross-references) on separate cards. The subject cards refer users to the photographs which comprise some 200,000 images, each with brief accompanying data on the work of art. Also listed on the photograph is a reference to the secondary subject terms. The black and white photographs are filed according to medium and current location (city or town).
Access and Rights
Access to the collection is by appointment only. Schedule an appointment.
Dumbarton Oaks does not hold any of the rights to materials in this collection. Materials are available for study purposes. Request images.