Until next June Allen’s Nord Gallery will be devoted to a collection of Late Medieval and Renaissance artworks titled Sacred and Noble Patronage. The collection follows the shift from religious to noble patronage in the art world between the Late Medieval and Renaissance periods as well as the coinciding changes in artistic style and medium.

The gallery is full of Spanish, Flemish, German and Italian paintings from the 15th through the 17th centuries. The majority of these paintings have a religious subject, especially the earlier works. There are a few later paintings, including two portraits, which depict people of the time. Yet even in these more secular paintings there are religious motifs and icons, such as the apple held by Catherine in her portrait from the late 17th century, possibly meant to symbolize man’s fall from grace.

The earlier paintings are almost exclusively religious in subject. The collection includes a Spanish rendition of the Last Supper, an unusual Italian depiction of the Madonna giving milk to mankind and many works that feature the Madonna and Child either alone or within other scenes. Perhaps the most notable of these pieces is the Madonna and Child, which is often attributed to Andrea del Sarto because of the skilled nature of the craftsmanship. Although many of the pieces have not been linked to specific artists, critics believe that most are originals by comparatively well-known painters of the time.

The use of color in all the paintings is striking. Many of the earlier religious works have gold leaf details, and one painting – an altar wing depicting five saints standing together – has gold leaf covering the entire back paneling. The contrast between the gold leaf and the other bright colors of the altar wing draw immediate attention. The importance of religion in the lives of ordinary people during this period is clear in all of the pieces.

The collection also includes tapestry work, sculpture and woodwork. The oldest piece in the collection is a wooden crucifix (c. 1325-35) that features gold detailing and other religious icons besides the figure of the crucified Christ. The tapestries, two depicting scenes of country life and one depicting the crucifixion, are also among the oldest pieces, dating from the early 15th century.

One of the most striking pieces at the front of the gallery is the wooden statue of Saint Sebastian that occupies one of the four free-standing display places. The statue is most likely of Umbrian (Italian) origin. One of its most interesting features is the holes from the removed arrows that once pierced it. Other exhibits occupying free-standing displays include a relinquary chasse, a bust of Saint Urban and a jewel-covered portable altar depicting Christ on the Mount of Olives.

This is an exhibit that no one should miss. The permeation of religious icons throughout the period gives one an idea of how important religion was in everyday life, while the depictions of contemporary people show other interesting aspects of life.

The Allen Memorial Art Museum is free and open to students and the public Tuesday-Saturday. Further information about the exhibit may also be found on the museum’s website at www.oberlin.edu/allenart.