Encyclopedia · High Medieval

Famous High Medieval Artists: Ranked List of 96

Giotto Di Bondone (1267–1337) is the most famous High Medieval artist in this list; notable works include Madonna in Maest (Ognissanti Madonna) and Št. 19 Scene iz Kristovega življenja: 3. Krstitev Krista v tempelji. Ranks 2 to 5: Duccio, Cimabue, Zhao Mengfu and Zhu Xi. The list records 96 artists born between 970 (Xu Daoning) and 1269 (Huang Gongwang) in 25 countries.

Method. Scope: artists whose works the encyclopedia records under High Medieval. Ranking: the encyclopedia's fame ranking of artists. Artists born after 1955 without a Wikidata identifier are excluded pending verification. Wikipedia: number of the encyclopedia's 32 languages with an article on the artist.

  1. Madonna in Maest (Ognissanti Madonna) by Giotto Di Bondone1Giotto Di Bondone
  2. Rucellai Madonna by Duccio2Duccio
  3. The Madonna in Majesty (Maestà) by Cimabue3Cimabue

Summary

High Medieval: summary

  • 96Artists
  • 970–1269Years of birth
  • 25Countries of birth
  • 3Women
  • 3Living artists
  • 1.429Works in our catalogue
Cities with most births
Kyoto (12), Hangzhou (5), Siena (4), Kaifeng (3)

Entries

Ranked entries: 96 High Medieval Artists

1of 96

Giotto Di Bondone

Born: Vicchio Wikipedia: 31/32 languages

Giotto Di Bondone

V zelenih gričih blizu Firenc se je okoli leta 1267 rodil Giotto di Bondone, slikar in arhitekt, ki bo za vedno spremenil pot evropske umetnosti. Giotttovo mojstrstvo, ki velja za eno najpomembnejših del v zahodni umetnosti, je cikel fresk, ki krasijo Scrovegnijevo kapelo (znano tudi kot Arena Chapel) v Padovi. Zaključen okoli leta 1305, ta dih jemajoč prikaz življenja Kristusa in Device Marije s revolucionarno stopnjo realizma in čustvene intenzivnosti.

Student of Cimabue #3 · Teacher of Pietro Cavallini #84

Notable works · 100 notable works

2of 96

Duccio

Italijan Born: Siena Sienska šola, Trecento gotika Wikipedia: 31/32 languages

Duccio

Rojen v Sieni v Italiji okoli leta 1255, je Duccio Di Buoninsegna preživeli življenje, ki je bilo globoko prepleten z verskim in mestnim pulsom Toskanije. The Virgin and Child with Saints Dominic and Aurea (1312). Rojen v Sieni v Italiji okoli leta 1255 ali 1256, je Duccio Di Buoninsegna izrazil svojo identitet skozi dediščino, ki je globoko vplivala na njegovo bistvo.

Student of Cimabue #3

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3of 96

Cimabue

Italski Born: Firence Bizantinski & Renesans Wikipedia: 28/32 languages

Cimabue

He was a child of the Florentine streets, growing up in a landscape where the heavy, golden formality of the East met a new, restless desire for something more human.

Collections To follow the path of his brush is to travel across the great cities of Europe and beyond.

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4of 96

Zhao Mengfu

Kitajec Born: Huzhou Literati slikarstvo; Pejzažno slikarstvo Wikipedia: 18/32 languages

Zhao Mengfu

Zhao Mengfu (1254–1322) stoji kot monumentalna figura v umetnosti dinastije Yuan in je morda progenitor moderne kitajske krajinarske slikarstva. Bornjen v plemenit Linejo Song, je bilo Zhaojevo zgodnje življenje zaznamovano s privilegiji, a ga je oblikovalo tudi turbulentno politično obdobje — mongolska osvojitev je globoko spremenila kulturno pokrajino Kitajske.

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5of 96

Zhu Xi

Chinese Wikipedia: 31/32 languages

Zhu Xi

Zhu Xi was a Chinese philosopher, historian, politician, poet, and calligrapher of the Southern Song dynasty. Born in Fujian, he was a leading figure in the development of Neo-Confucianism, seeking to integrate moral self-cultivation, classical interpretation, ritual practice, and cosmological theory into a coherent framework.

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6of 96

Ma Yuan

Chinese Born: Hangzhou Ma-Xia school, Southern Song dynasty Wikipedia: 19/32 languages

Ma Yuan

In works like Scholar Viewing a Waterfall, the ink wash is layered with precision, using subtle tonal gradations to build depth and atmosphere without relying on heavy outlines. Ma Yuan was born into a family where painting was a professional necessity.

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7of 96

Guo Xi

Kitajec Born: Yancheng Pejzražna slikarstvo Song dinastije Wikipedia: 16/32 languages

Guo Xi

Guo Xi (郭熙), rojen okoli leta 1020 v mestu Yancheng v provinci Jiangsu na Kitaji, je izrazil svojo umetnost iz družine, ki je bila globoko vpeta v konfučijansko učenost—tradicijo, ki je močno oblikovala njegovo umetniško občutljivost. Njegovo natančno in prefinjeno črtarjenje ter globoko razumevanje estetike pejzaža sta postala temeljna načela za naslednje slikarje—predvsem Ma Yuana in Xia Guija—ki sta tehniko „floating perspective“ še dodatno izpopolnila.

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8of 96

Emperor Huizong of Song

Chinese Born: Kaifeng Song Dynasty; Slender Gold calligraphy Wikipedia: 19/32 languages

Emperor Huizong of Song

As noted by contemporary artists like Zeng Fanzhi, the profound beauty found in his compositions—such as the serene stillness of Listening to the Qin —continues to resonate, offering a moment of meditative peace that transcends the turbulent history of his life.

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Guido Da Siena

Francoz Born: Italija Srednjevečna arhitektura/zasnova Wikipedia: 17/32 languages

Guido Da Siena

Villard de Honnecourt, osebnost zavita v fascinantno skrivnost, stoji kot eden najpomembnejših, a hkrati najbolj enigmatičnih umetnikov 13. stoletja v Franciji. Njegova dediščina, rojen okoli leta 1230 v Picardiji – regiji, ki je bila takrat znana po svoji umetniški vitalnosti – temelji skoraj izključno na izjemnem "skicirniku", ali albumu, ki je danes shranjen v Nacionalni knjižnici v Parizu.

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11of 96

Bonaventura Berlinghieri

Italijanski Born: Lucca Bizantinski stil Wikipedia: 14/32 languages

Bonaventura Berlinghieri

Bonaventura Berlinghieri, izjemno italijanski slikar iz Luccae v Italiji, je blomečel v 13. stoletju (1210-1287). Njegov oče, Berlinghiero Berlinghieri, in brati, Barone ter Marco Berlinghieri, so bili prav tako vešeri umetniki. Sveti Frančišek iz Asizija (1235), naročilo za cerkev San Francesco v Pesciji v Italiji, je eno najboljših prikazov Svetega Frančiška, ki ga je kanonizirali leta 1228.

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Master Mateo

Spanish Romanesque Sculpture

Master Mateo

His ability to manipulate stone to suggest the softness of a saint's robe or the muscular tension of a biblical figure elevated his craftsmanship to a level of sophistication rarely seen in the Middle Ages.

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Giovanni Pisano

italijanski Born: Piza Združitev gotike in rimskega sloga

Giovanni Pisano

Giovanni Pisano se je leta 1248 pojavil v umetniškem žarku Pize v Italiji. Njegovo zgodnje življenje je bilo tesno prepleteno s tradicijo monumentalnega kroještva, saj je bil sin znamenitega kiparja Nicole Pisana.

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14of 96

Mi Fei

Kitajec Born: Džjangsu Slikarska umetnost dinastije Song Wikipedia: 17/32 languages

Mi Fei

Mi Fei, kitajski slikar, pesnik in kaligraf, se je rodil leta 1051 v Taiyuanju med dinastijo Song. Njegovo zgodnje življenje je bilo zaznamovano z izpostavljenostjo umetnosti in literature ter izjemnimi spominskimi sposobnostmi. Mi Fei je zaslujil z svojim specifičnim slogom slikanja megličnih pejzažev, znanim kot slog "Mi Fu", ki je temeljil na uporabi velikih, mokrih točk mựcu, nanaščenih s ploščim čopičem.

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Li Gonglin

Born: Tongcheng Song Dynasty painting Wikipedia: 9/32 languages

Li Gonglin

Instead, he turned to the works of artists like Zhan Ziqian, known for his precise depictions of horses, and Fan Kuan, celebrated for his monumental landscapes. Li Gonglin, formally known as Longmian Jushi (meaning “Old Man with the Dragon Face”), and bearing the style name Boshi, stands as a towering figure in the landscape of Chinese painting during the Northern Song dynasty.

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Ma Lin

Kitajec Born: Baoding Tehnika slikanja 'brez kostov' Wikipedia: 7/32 languages

Ma Lin

Zhao Mengfu: jahači na belem konju – odkrijte še eno pomembno umetnika iz istega obdobja.

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Yi Kyu-Bo

Korean Confucianism

Yi Kyu-Bo

This dual commitment to tradition and creativity distinguishes Yi Kyu-Bo as a singular voice in Korean literary history—a figure who simultaneously honored the past while forging new paths toward artistic excellence. Rooted in Confucian ethics—emphasizing filial piety, righteousness, benevolence, and ritual propriety—his poetry reflects a deep engagement with moral dilemmas and explores the human condition through the lens of ethical contemplation.

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Gislebertus

French Romanesque Sculpture

Gislebertus

While biographical details remain scarce, scholars believe he was trained at Cluny Abbey, arguably the epicenter of European monastic art and intellectual life at the time. While his roots are firmly planted in the Romanesque tradition of Cluny, his expressive power and narrative complexity hint at the burgeoning naturalism that would later define Gothic art.

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Badīʿ Az-Zaman Abu L-ʿIzz Ibn IsmāʿĪl Ibn Ar-Razāz Al-Jazarī

Muslim Born: Jazirat Ibn Omar Islamic Golden Age Engineering

Badīʿ Az-Zaman Abu L-ʿIzz Ibn IsmāʿĪl Ibn Ar-Razāz Al-Jazarī

He represents a pivotal figure in the Golden Age of Islam, a period characterized by intellectual flourishing and groundbreaking innovation across diverse fields.

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21of 96

Giunta Pisano

Italian Born: Pisa Renaissance style Wikipedia: 10/32 languages

Giunta Pisano

Byzantine Influence: His early works show clear traces of Byzantine iconography, particularly in the composition and rendering of Christ’s figure. Artists like the Master of the Blue Crucifixes, the Master of the Treasury, and Vicino da Pistoia are believed to have been influenced by his work.

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22of 96

Xia Gui

Song dynasty Born: Hangzhou Wikipedia: 16/32 languages

Xia Gui

Notable examples of his work include: His influence extended far beyond his own era, impacting the Japanese master Sesshū Tōyō, who was influenced by Xia's idiom and made studies of his landscape fans. While much of his life remains unknown, he served in the Imperial Painting Academy during the reign of Emperor Ningzong.

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23of 96

Nicola Pisano

italijanski Born: Apulija romanska umetnost

Nicola Pisano

Nicola Pisano (ok. 1220/1225 – ok. 1284) stoji kot monumentalna figura v italijanski vtiskanju, prepoznan ne le zaradi svoje umetniške veščine, temveč fundamentalno kot roditel tistega, kar se bo kasneje imenovalo moderna vtiskanje. Kljub negotovostim glede njegovega datuma rojstva in natančnega izvora – rodil se je v Apuliji, v Italiji – je Pisanov vpliv na umetniško zgodovino neoidemljiv.

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Li Tang

Song dynasty Born: Meng Prefecture Academy-style landscape Wikipedia: 15/32 languages

Li Tang

Through this precision, his approach became the foundation for what is recognized as the academy-style landscape of the Southern Song. Southern Song painters Xia Gui and Ma Yuan studied his compositions and techniques, absorbing his approach to space and form.

Collections The physical remnants of Li Tang's brushwork reside primarily within major institutional collections.

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25of 96

Qian Xuan

Chinese Born: Wuxing District Fur and feathers painting; Song realism blended with archaic Tang style Wikipedia: 12/32 languages

Qian Xuan

The historical significance of Qian Xuan lies in his ability to use art as a vessel for memory and identity.

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Herrad of Landsberg

Wikipedia: 16/32 languages

Herrad of Landsberg

Under the patronage of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, the Hohenburg Abbey flourished, providing Herrad with access to the most comprehensive education available to women of her time. The historical significance of Herrad of Landsberg extends far beyond the cloister walls of Hohenburg.

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Villard De Honnecourt

French Gothic architecture

Villard De Honnecourt

He clearly drew upon the established traditions of medieval architecture, particularly the Cistercian style prevalent in northern France. However, he also incorporated elements from other sources: the writings of classical mathematicians like Euclid, the techniques employed by medieval workshops, and perhaps even contemporary innovations in engineering.

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34of 96

Zhang Zeduan

Chinese Empire Born: Zhucheng shan shui Wikipedia: 15/32 languages

Zhang Zeduan

Zhang Zeduan’s technical precision helped define the early development of shan shui, the foundational Chinese landscape art style. Zhang Zeduan’s influence is measured by the sheer volume of iterations his themes have inspired.

Collections Tracing the physical presence of Zhang Zeduan's output requires looking toward two major institutions in East Asia.

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Gaddo Gaddi

Italian Born: Florence Gothic Art

Gaddo Gaddi

Notable achievements attributed to him include: The Completion of Mosaics: His skilled hand contributed to the magnificent mosaics adorning the facade of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, showcasing a command over light and permanence.

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Huang Gongwang

Yuan dynasty Born: Changzhou Literati painters (wenrenhua) Wikipedia: 12/32 languages

Huang Gongwang

This technical mastery was not merely intuitive; he sought to codify his understanding of the medium in his treatise, Secrets of Landscape Painting (寫山水訣, Xiě Shānshuǐ Jué). His approach moved away from the rigid conventions of the imperial academies, favoring instead a personal, scholarly expression.

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Meliore Of Jacopo

Italian Medieval Italian art

Meliore Of Jacopo

Madonna and Child (Art Institute of Chicago): An early work that demonstrates his foundational skill in capturing the tender, human connection within divine subjects. By integrating the geometric discipline of the Master of the Bigallo Crucifix with the more expressive, proto-Renaissance techniques seen in the works of Cimabue, Meliore helped pave the way for the dramatic innovations that would later define Florentine art.

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Philippe le Bel

French Born: Fontainebleau

Philippe le Bel

The development of institutions like the Musée Baron Gérard and the Musée Maurice Denis, coupled with the emergence of talented artists such as Labrèche de Carpentras, Chagall, Pissarro, Monet, and Bouguereau, demonstrates the enduring legacy of this complex and often misunderstood king.

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Arnolfo Di Cambio

Kitajec Born: Colle Val d'Elsa Slikarstvo dinastije Yuan

Arnolfo Di Cambio

Rodjen v Colle Val D'Elsa okoli leta 1245, je njegovo življenje obseglo obdobje globokih umetniških preobrazb, kar mu je omogočilo, da je v sebe vpremljal veličastnost rimske antike, hkrati pa pionirsko razvijal nove oblike, ki bodo stoletja definirale gotični občutek.

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Muhammad Ibn Ammar

Britanka Born: Silves Botanična ilustracija

Muhammad Ibn Ammar

Muhammad Ibn Ammar, znan tudi kot abū bakr muḥammad ibn ʿammār ibn al-ḥusayn ibn ʿammār al-quḍā'ī, je bil izstopajoč arabski pesnik in slikar iz Silvesa v Portugali, rojen leta 1031. Ibn Ammarov vzpon na položaj vizirja v taifi Seville je predstavljal pomembno preobratnico v njegovi karieri.

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Hemachandra

Born: Dhandhuka Wikipedia: 10/32 languages

Hemachandra

Hemachandra was a prolific scholar and monk of the Śvetāmbara school of Jainism. Born in Dhandhuka, India, he was a man of immense intellect, earning the title kalikālasarvajña, meaning "the knower of all knowledge in his times." His vast contributions spanned numerous disciplines, including mathematics, history, philosophy, poetry, and grammar.

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Bolesław Iv The Curly

Polish Born: Krakow Medieval Art

Bolesław Iv The Curly

In the turbulent landscape of twelfth-century Poland, where the echoes of the Piast dynasty's greatness still resonated, Bolesław IV the Curly emerged not merely as a ruler, but as a transformative force. Following the untimely passing of his elder brothers, Leszek and Casimir, Bolesław ascended to the dukedom of Masovia, stepping into a political arena fraught with tension and the looming shadow of his half-brother, Władysław II the Exile.

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Fujiwara No Koreyuki

Japanese Born: Zama Heian calligraphy & poetry

Fujiwara No Koreyuki

He is best known for his exquisite calligraphy on scrolls featuring poems from the Wakan Roeishu, a renowned anthology of Japanese and Chinese verses compiled in the early eleventh century.

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Adelhog

German Born: Hildesheim Medieval Art

Adelhog

The legacy of Adelhog can be summarized through several key contributions to the medieval landscape: Integration of Iconography: He successfully merged religious symbolism, such as the lily and the cross, with functional objects like coinage. While much of his early education remains shrouded in the mists of time, historical records point toward his training at the Toulouse Cathedral in France.

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Urtu Saqaltu

Khitan Born: Beijing Literati painting, Confucian tradition

Urtu Saqaltu

Chucai’s artistic style is most accurately described as “literati painting,” a genre deeply rooted in Chinese tradition. Recognizing his intelligence, diplomatic skills, and understanding of both Chinese and Khitan cultures, the young Mongol leader brought him into his inner circle in 1218.

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Fernando Martins De Bulhões

Portuguese Born: Lisbon Religious Art

Fernando Martins De Bulhões

He is frequently depicted holding the infant Jesus, a motif stemming from an alleged miraculous vision he experienced in Padua. He was canonized less than a year after his death in 1231 – an astonishingly swift recognition of his sanctity by the Catholic Church.

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Master Of Bigallo

Italian Proto-Renaissance

Master Of Bigallo

A slightly earlier dossal with four scenes featuring Saint Zenobius, preserved at the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo in Florence, provides further insight into his early style – characterized by a robust figural representation, a somewhat schematic approach to drapery, and a clear emphasis on narrative clarity. Despite remaining anonymous, the Master of the Bigallo’s contribution to Italian art is undeniable.

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Master Of Cabestany

Italian Romanesque

Master Of Cabestany

What sets the Master of Cabestany apart is not merely the quality of his work—though that is undeniably exceptional—but also its surprisingly broad geographic distribution. The Master of Cabestany did not emerge from a vacuum.

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Hōgen En’I

Japanese Born: Kyoto Yamato-e & Emakimono

Hōgen En’I

His era was one of profound transition, where the rugged energy of the Kamakura period met the refined aesthetic sensibilities of the Yamato-e tradition. His ability to blend the sacred with the beautiful, and the historical with the poetic, set a standard for the emakimono tradition that few could ever hope to reach.

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Benedetto Antelami

Born: Lombardy Romanesque

Benedetto Antelami

In pieces like the History of Saint Donnino, he integrated the pastoral reality of the world—represented by sturdy oxen and horses—with the spiritual triumphs of saints. Whether carving the intricate Histories of the Virgin or the symbolic History of Borgo, Antelami utilized a multi-layered arrangement to guide the viewer’s eye through sacred timelines, turning architectural surfaces into epic tapestries of stone.

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Qingmao Gulin

Chinese Born: Leying Zen Calligraphy, Wanshi-ha Poetry

Qingmao Gulin

Zen Calligraphy Master: He is widely considered to be the most distinguished Zen calligrapher of his time, elevating calligraphy beyond mere aesthetics into a form of spiritual expression. He not only produced stunning works of art but also contributed significantly to the intellectual and artistic landscape of his time through his involvement in the Wanshi-ha poetry movement.

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Filippo Rusuti

Italian Roman School

Filippo Rusuti

Filippo Rusuti (c. 1255 – c. 1325) stands as a cornerstone figure in the late thirteenth-century Roman school, an artistic movement that irrevocably transformed European painting and cemented Rome’s position as a center for artistic innovation. The career of Filippo Rusuti spanned nearly four decades, a period that witnessed a dramatic shift in artistic styles and techniques within Italy.

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Toba Sōjō

Francoz Born: Toba Realizem Wikipedia: 10/32 languages

Toba Sōjō

Toba Sōjō, znan tudi kot Kakuyū, je bil japonski umetnik-monah, rojen leta 1053, sin Minamoto no Takakunija. Eden izmed potrjenih draguljev njegovega izvajanja je Fudōmyō'ō-ritsuzō v Daigo-ji, pomembna kulturna dediščina Japonske, ki s svojo prisotnostjo razkriva njegovo vrhunsko mojstvo pri uporabi različnih umetniških medijev. Njegova dela so shranjena v stalnih zbirkah Metropolitan Museum of Art in University of Michigan Museum of Art, kar odraža njegov trajen vpliv na svetovno umetnost.

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Yi Yuanji

Chinese Born: Changsha Northern Song Dynasty Wikipedia: 7/32 languages

Yi Yuanji

Born in the scenic region of Changsha, Hunan, around the year 1000, this master painter emerged from a cultural milieu deeply influenced by the contemplative depths of Buddhist philosophy and the organic aesthetics of Daoism. The zenith of Yi Yuanji's career was marked by his summons to the imperial court.

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Nicolas Of Verdun

Flemish [Gothic art](https://www.britannica.com/art/Gothic-art)[Romanesque art](https://www.britannica.com/art/Romanesque-art)[Mosan school](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mosan-school)

Nicolas Of Verdun

The shrine’s general design and the figures of the prophets are widely attributed to Nicolas, showcasing his mastery of metal sculpture and his growing interest in classical forms. While documentary evidence regarding his life remains scarce, the enduring beauty and historical significance of his works ensure that Nicolas of Verdun will continue to be celebrated as a master goldsmith, an innovator, and a pivotal figure in the transition from Romanesque to Gothic art.

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Wuxue Zuyuan

Chinese Born: Hangzhou Zen Buddhist ink art and calligraphy

Wuxue Zuyuan

His posthumous title, Bukko Kokushi, or the "National Preceptor of the Buddha's Radiance," serves as a testament to the immense respect and spiritual authority he commanded.

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Liu Songnian

Chinese Born: Hangzhou Southern Song Dynasty Wikipedia: 7/32 languages

Liu Songnian

This style, originating in Japan and gaining traction within China during this period, sought to emulate the spirit and aesthetics of Japanese landscape painting – yamato-e – while depicting Chinese subjects and scenes.

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Master of Taüll

Born: Roda de Isábena Wikipedia: 7/32 languages

Master of Taüll

The name of the person who painted the walls of Sant Climent remains lost to time, leaving only the title of the Master of Taüll to mark their presence. The focus remained on the central figure, a Christ in Majesty, seated upon a throne and surrounded by the symbols of the four Evangelists.

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Fujiwara Nobuzane

Japanese Born: Kyoto Nise-e, Yamato-e, Kamakura period Wikipedia: 8/32 languages

Fujiwara Nobuzane

In his approach to painting, Nobuzane utilized a technique that favored clarity and psychological depth over mere decoration. Portrait of Emperor Go-Toba: An example of his engagement with the highest levels of Japanese leadership.

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Pietro Cavallini

italijanec Born: Rim Ronski naturalizem

Pietro Cavallini

Pietro Cavallini stoji kot ključna figura v prehodu iz bizantinskih umetnostnih konvencij v razvijajoči se naturalizem, ki bo značil early renesančno Italijo. Rod okoli leta 1240 v Rimu, njegovo življenje ostaja zavito v relativno nejasnost—zapisi kažejo, da se je podpisal kot pictor romanus, kar nakazuje na globoko povezavo z baziliko sv. Pavla zunaj obzidov med letoma 1277 in 1285.

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Naumburg Master

French High Gothic Wikipedia: 10/32 languages

Naumburg Master

He was active in the towns of Noyon, Amiens, and Reims around 1225, absorbing the High Gothic style that defined the era. In these portraits, such as those of Margrave Eckard II of Meissen and his consort Uta von Ballenstedt, the stone takes on a human quality.

Collections Tracing the physical remains of his hand requires traveling across several locations.

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Li Jie

Chinese Born: Xinzheng Tribal Art Wikipedia: 9/32 languages

Li Jie

However, these symbols transcend mere decoration; they serve as vehicles for conveying spiritual truths—a hallmark of Daoist art alongside Buddhist principles. Pulleyblank and Alexander Vovin arguing for a profound connection between Jie’s name ("jie") and Proto-Yeniseian (qeˀt/s), “stone.” This hypothesis posits that the root qeˀt/s underlies the ethnonym itself—a daring proposition that suggests Jie's art reflects an awareness of linguistic structures predating Chinese civilization.

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Margaritone d'Arezzo

Italian Born: Arezzo Byzantine influence Wikipedia: 8/32 languages

Margaritone d'Arezzo

Born around 1240 in Arezzo, Tuscany, his life is shrouded in mystery, known primarily from a single documentary mention dating back to 1262. His work was largely forgotten until its rediscovery by Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century.

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Su Hanchen

Song dynasty Born: Kaifeng Wikipedia: 7/32 languages

Su Hanchen

Su Hanchen lived during the Song dynasty, a period of significant change in China. Born in Kaifeng, he spent much of his life in Zhejiang. His talent was recognized early by the imperial court, where he served as a Painter-in-Attendance for Emperor Huizong.

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Xu Daoning

Chinese Born: Xi'an Northern Song Dynasty Wikipedia: 7/32 languages

Xu Daoning

His early works, such as “ Snow-covered Mountains ” (雪山), demonstrate this clear influence; the composition is characterized by broad washes of ink, suggesting vast distances and an ethereal quality. Daoning deeply admired Li Cheng's masterful use of atmospheric perspective – the subtle gradations of color and tone that create a sense of depth and distance – and meticulously emulated his techniques.

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Zhao Boju

Chinese Blue-and-green landscape painting Wikipedia: 6/32 languages

Zhao Boju

Rather than relying solely on color, he integrated ink wash techniques into this established Tang dynasty tradition.

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Ren Renfa

Born: China Tang dynasty style Wikipedia: 6/32 languages

Ren Renfa

Ren Renfa was an expert of irrigation works, artist, and a government official of the Yuan dynasty. Born in Qinglong Town, Songjiang, he also served as a hydrological engineer, where his work included dredging an area in what is now Beijing to improve the water supply and leading a team to build embankments after the Yellow River burst its banks.

Notable works · 100 notable works

Notable works

Notable High Medieval works

  1. Madonna in Maest (Ognissanti Madonna) by Giotto Di Bondone

    Madonna in Maest (Ognissanti Madonna)

    Giotto Di Bondone

    1310

  2. Rucellai Madonna by Duccio

    Rucellai Madonna

    Duccio

    1285 · Galleria degli Uffizi, Firene

  3. The Madonna in Majesty (Maestà) by Cimabue

    The Madonna in Majesty (Maestà)

    Cimabue

    1285 · Galleria degli Uffizi, Firene

  4. Eight Horses by Zhao Mengfu

    Eight Horses

    Zhao Mengfu

    Metropolitanski muzej umetnosti, New York

  5. Thatched Hut Hand Scroll by Zhu Xi

    Thatched Hut Hand Scroll

    Zhu Xi

  6. The Football Players by Ma Yuan

    The Football Players

    Ma Yuan

    1207 · Cleveland Museum of Art

  7. Early Spring by Guo Xi

    Early Spring

    Guo Xi

    1072 · National Palace Museum, Taipei

  8. Five-colored parakeet on a blossoming apricot tree by Emperor Huizong of Song

    Five-colored parakeet on a blossoming apricot tree

    Emperor Huizong of Song

    1110 · Muzej fine arts, Boston

Chronology

Chronology of notable works

  1. 1055
  2. 1072
  3. 1085
  4. 1110
  5. 1124
  6. 1180
  7. 1201
  8. 1205
  9. 1207
  10. 1235
  11. 1235
  12. 1240
  13. 1250
  14. 1265

Statistics

Statistics

Index

List of 96 High Medieval artists

  1. 1Giotto Di BondoneGiotto Di Bondone1267–1337
  2. 2DuccioDuccioItalijan · 1255–1319
  3. 3CimabueCimabueItalski · 1240–1302
  4. 4Zhao MengfuZhao MengfuKitajec · 1254–1322
  5. 5Zhu XiZhu XiChinese · 1130–1200
  6. 6Ma YuanMa YuanChinese · 1160–1225
  7. 7Guo XiGuo XiKitajec · 1020–1090
  8. 8Emperor Huizong of SongEmperor Huizong of SongChinese · 1082–1135
  9. 9MuqiMuqiChinese · 1210–1269
  10. 10Guido Da SienaGuido Da SienaFrancoz · 1230–1290
  11. 11Bonaventura BerlinghieriBonaventura BerlinghieriItalijanski · 1210–1287
  12. 12Master MateoMaster MateoSpanish · 1161–1217
  13. 13Giovanni PisanoGiovanni Pisanoitalijanski · 1248–1318
  14. 14Mi FeiMi FeiKitajec · 1051–1107
  15. 15Lorenzo MaitaniLorenzo MaitaniItalian · 1255–1330
  16. 16Li GonglinLi Gonglin1049–1106
  17. 17Ma LinMa LinKitajec · 1180–1256
  18. 18Yi Kyu-BoYi Kyu-BoKorean · 1168–1241
  19. 19GislebertusGislebertusFrench · 1120–1135
  20. 20Badīʿ Az-Zaman Abu L-ʿIzz Ibn IsmāʿĪl Ibn Ar-Razāz Al-JazarīBadīʿ Az-Zaman Abu L-ʿIzz Ibn IsmāʿĪl Ibn Ar-Razāz Al-JazarīMuslim · 1136–1206
  21. 21Giunta PisanoGiunta PisanoItalian · 1190–1260
  22. 22Xia GuiXia GuiSong dynasty · 1195–1224
  23. 23Nicola PisanoNicola Pisanoitalijanski · 1230–1284
  24. 24Li TangLi TangSong dynasty · 1050–1130
  25. 25Qian XuanQian XuanChinese · 1235–1305
  26. 26Matthew ParisMatthew ParisEnglish · 1200–1259
  27. 27Jingdezhen Ceramic KilnJingdezhen Ceramic KilnChinese · born 1004
  28. 28Herrad of LandsbergHerrad of Landsberg1130–1196
  29. 29Fujiwara No Teika, Fujiwara No SadaieFujiwara No Teika, Fujiwara No SadaieJapanese · 1162–1241
  30. 30Joannes KoulixJoannes KoulixByzantine · born 1101
  31. 31Břetislav IBřetislav ICzech · 1002–1055
  32. 32Villard De HonnecourtVillard De HonnecourtFrench · 1200–1266
  33. 33Fujiwara No SadanagaFujiwara No SadanagaJapanese · 1139–1202
  34. 34Zhang ZeduanZhang ZeduanChinese Empire · 1085–1145
  35. 35Sū HànchénSū HànchénChinese · 1094–1172
  36. 36Saigyō HōshiSaigyō HōshiJapanese · 1118–1190
  37. 37Gaddo GaddiGaddo GaddiItalian · 1240–1312
  38. 38Huang GongwangHuang GongwangYuan dynasty · 1269–1354
  39. 39Rai KuniyukiRai KuniyukiJapanese · 1219–1298
  40. 40Meliore Of JacopoMeliore Of JacopoItalian · 1255–1285
  41. 41Guan DaoshengGuan DaoshengChinese · 1262–1319
  42. 42Philippe le BelPhilippe le BelFrench · 1268–1314
  43. 43Coppo di MarcovaldoCoppo di MarcovaldoItalian · 1225–1276
  44. 44Fujiwara No Tadaie(Teika)Fujiwara No Tadaie(Teika)Japanese · 1033–1091
  45. 45Kuo, RiverKuo, RiverChinese · 1031–1095
  46. 46Arnolfo Di CambioArnolfo Di CambioKitajec · 1245–1310
  47. 47Muhammad Ibn AmmarMuhammad Ibn AmmarBritanka · 1031–1086
  48. 48Zheng YuanZheng Yuan1056–1093
  49. 49Sakyō No Daibu AkisukeSakyō No Daibu AkisukeAmerican · 1090–1155
  50. 50Magnus Sigurdsson Or Sigurd HaraldssonMagnus Sigurdsson Or Sigurd HaraldssonNorwegian · 1115–1155
  51. 51Kamo No ShigeyasuKamo No ShigeyasuJapanese · 1119–1191
  52. 52Fujiwara no TameyoriFujiwara no TameyoriJapanese · 1128–1201
  53. 53HemachandraHemachandra1088–1172
  54. 54Bolesław Iv The CurlyBolesław Iv The CurlyPolish · 1138–1173
  55. 55Fujiwara No KoreyukiFujiwara No KoreyukiJapanese · 1139–1175
  56. 56AdelhogAdelhogGerman · 1170–1190
  57. 57Urtu SaqaltuUrtu SaqaltuKhitan · 1190–1244
  58. 58Fernando Martins De BulhõesFernando Martins De BulhõesPortuguese · 1195–1231
  59. 59Lanxi DaolongLanxi DaolongChinese · 1213–1278
  60. 60Master Of BigalloMaster Of BigalloItalian · born 1218
  61. 61Master Of CabestanyMaster Of CabestanyItalian · 1130–1180
  62. 62Hōgen En’IHōgen En’IJapanese · 1240–1300
  63. 63Issan IchineiIssan IchineiChinese · 1247–1317
  64. 64Xianyu ShuXianyu ShuChinese · 1256–1301
  65. 65Benedetto AntelamiBenedetto Antelami1150–1230
  66. 66Saionji KinhiraSaionji KinhiraJapanese · 1264–1315
  67. 67Qingmao GulinQingmao GulinChinese · 1262–1329
  68. 68Hildegard von BingenHildegard von BingenGerman · 1098–1179
  69. 69FachangFachangChinese · 1210–1269
  70. 70Filippo RusutiFilippo RusutiItalian · 1255–1325
  71. 71Toba SōjōToba SōjōFrancoz · 1053–1140
  72. 72Memmo di FilippuccioMemmo di FilippuccioItalian · 1263–1326
  73. 73Su DongpoSu DongpoChinese · 1037–1101
  74. 74Yi YuanjiYi YuanjiChinese · 1000–1064
  75. 75Nicolas Of VerdunNicolas Of VerdunFlemish · 1130–1205
  76. 76Wuxue ZuyuanWuxue ZuyuanChinese · 1226–1286
  77. 77Buonamico BuffalmaccoBuonamico Buffalmacco1262–1340
  78. 78Lombard MasterLombard MasterItalian · 1096–1160
  79. 79Liu SongnianLiu SongnianChinese · 1174–1224
  80. 80Master of TaüllMaster of Taüll1100–1199
  81. 81Wen TongWen TongSong dynasty · 1018–1079
  82. 82Wang XiWang XiChinese · 1096–1119
  83. 83Fujiwara NobuzaneFujiwara NobuzaneJapanese · 1176–1266
  84. 84Pietro CavalliniPietro Cavalliniitalijanec · 1240–1330
  85. 85Naumburg MasterNaumburg MasterFrench · 1200–1300
  86. 86Li JieLi JieChinese · 1035–1110
  87. 87Dietisalvi di SpemeDietisalvi di Speme1201–1291
  88. 88Margaritone d'ArezzoMargaritone d'ArezzoItalian · 1240–1290
  89. 89Gao KegongGao KegongChinese · 1248–1310
  90. 90Cui BaiCui BaiChinese · 1000–1074
  91. 91Su HanchenSu HanchenSong dynasty · 1101–1161
  92. 92Xu DaoningXu DaoningChinese · 970–1052
  93. 93Zhao BojuZhao BojuChinese · 1120–1182
  94. 94Fujiwara no TakanobuFujiwara no TakanobuJapanese · 1142–1205
  95. 95Ren RenfaRen Renfa1254–1327
  96. 96KōkeiKōkei

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

  • Who is the most famous High Medieval artist?

    Giotto Di Bondone (#1) is first in this ranking, followed by Duccio (#2) and Cimabue (#3).

  • Which five High Medieval artists should everyone know?

    Giotto Di Bondone (#1), Duccio (#2), Cimabue (#3), Zhao Mengfu (#4) and Zhu Xi (#5).

  • Which High Medieval artists were masters and pupils?

  • Who are the most famous living High Medieval artists?

    The highest-ranked living artists in this list are Jingdezhen Ceramic Kiln (#27), Joannes Koulix (#30) and Master Of Bigallo (#60).

  • Where are the great works of High Medieval art today?

    The museums holding the most key works of this list are Metropolitanski muzej umetnosti (12), Cleveland Museum of Art (8) and National Palace Museum (7).

  • Which techniques define High Medieval art?

    “Here, he learned to command the delicate medium of egg tempera and the demanding art of mosaic design, skills that would define his long career as both a painter and a designer of mosaics.” — from our biography of Cimabue (#3).

  • Who are the great High Medieval artists of People's Republic of China?

    The highest-ranked artists born in People's Republic of China are Ma Yuan (#6), Emperor Huizong of Song (#8), Muqi (#9), Li Gonglin (#16) and Xia Gui (#22).

  • Which women High Medieval artists are the most famous?

    3 women are in this ranking: Herrad of Landsberg (#28), Guan Daosheng (#41) and Hildegard von Bingen (#68).

  • Who was the earliest High Medieval artist?

    The earliest-born artist in this list is Xu Daoning (#92), born in 970.

  • Which city produced the most High Medieval artists?

    Kyoto: 12 of the artists in this list were born there.

  • When were most High Medieval artists born?

    Most artists in this list were born in the 13th century (39 of 96), between 970 and 1269 overall.

  • How many works by these artists does the encyclopedia record?

    The encyclopedia records 1,429 works by these artists.

See also

Artists of other movements

See also

Artists of other periods

See also

Related lists