Best Early Medieval Art

The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, houses an extensive collection of over three million works of art and artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the present day.

Stalker is a 1979 Soviet film following a guide, known as the Stalker, who leads two clients through a dangerous, restricted area called the Zone. The expedition’s goal is to reach a site rumored to fulfill personal wishes. The narrative explores science fiction and fantasy alongside philosophical a...

The film Rashomon presents a complex narrative centered around the murder of a samurai within a forest. Multiple individuals—including a samurai, his wife, and a bandit—offer conflicting accounts of the event, each shaped by personal motivations and deception. Based on Akutagawa’s short story, the f...

Dante Alighieri's *The Divine Comedy*, written in the early 14th century, is an epic poem chronicling a journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, exploring themes of sin, redemption, and divine justice within a medieval Christian worldview.

Three Colours: Red is a 1994 psychological drama film from Krzysztof Kieślowski, concluding the “Three Colours” trilogy. The film explores themes related to French Revolutionary ideals, following a narrative that builds upon the preceding films "Blue" and "White." It’s a mystery-driven story within...

Sátántangó is a lengthy 1994 Hungarian drama directed by Béla Tarr, adapting László Krasznahorkai’s novel. The film, shot in black and white over seven hours, was conceived of since 1985 but delayed due to political restrictions within Hungary. It represents Tarr's continuation of adaptations from h...

The Moscow Kremlin is a fortified complex in the heart of Moscow, Russia, serving as the historic seat of power and currently housing government offices, museums, and cathedrals.

The Louvre Museum in Paris houses approximately 38,000 artworks, including the Mona Lisa, spanning from ancient civilizations to the mid-19th century and attracting millions of visitors annually.

Rome is a television drama depicting Ancient Rome’s shift from Republic to Empire in the 1st century BC. The series centers on the interwoven stories of soldiers Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, alongside other figures drawn from historical records. It presents a large cast navigating significant eve...

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is the largest art museum in the Western Hemisphere, boasting over two million works spanning 5,000 years of global culture and history.

Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings is a real-time strategy game released in 1999. It features 13 medieval civilizations competing for resources and control through town building and army creation. The game includes five historical campaigns alongside various single-player modes and multiplayer supp...

Diary of a Country Priest is a 1951 drama directed by Robert Bresson, based on Georges Bernanos’ novel. The film depicts a young priest’s assignment to a rural French parish, exploring themes of declining religious faith and conflict within the church hierarchy. It portrays the challenges faced by c...

Robin of Loxley is a skilled outlaw who fights against the tyranny of Prince John and his forces. The film depicts his daring adventures and battles alongside his loyal companions in Sherwood Forest. “The Adventures of Robin Hood” showcases a classic tale of heroism, loyalty, and rebellion set in me...

Solaris, directed by Andrei Tarkovsky, is a 1972 Soviet science fiction film adapted from Stanisław Lem’s novel. The story unfolds on a space station orbiting Solaris, where a research team experiences psychological distress and encounters unexplained phenomena. Psychologist Kris Kelvin investigates...

Despite its controversial ending, 'Game of Thrones' remains the gold standard for fantasy television. Its intricate political maneuvering, morally ambiguous characters, and breathtaking scope redefined the genre. The shows meticulous world-building, grounded in a pseudo-historical setting, created a...

Ali: Fear Eats the Soul, directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, is a 1974 West German melodrama starring Brigitte Mira and El Hedi ben Salem. The film received accolades at the 1974 Cannes Film Festival, including the International Federation of Film Critics award and the Ecumenical Jury Prize. It’s...

David Lynch’s *Mulholland Drive* explores fractured memories and identity within the Los Angeles landscape. This 2001 film weaves together a mystery surrounding an aspiring actress, a woman suffering from amnesia, and a filmmaker entangled in criminal activity. Its unconventional narrative structure...

This 1945 Italian drama, *Rome, Open City*, depicts the city's experience under Nazi occupation in 1944. The film centers on a Resistance movement’s struggle for survival and freedom within Rome, following the city’s status as an “open city.” It is considered a landmark work of Italian Neorealism an...

The Ascent is a 1977 Soviet drama produced by Mosfilm and directed by Larisa Shepitko. Based on Vasil Bykaŭ’s 1970 novel, the film depicts a challenging expedition undertaken in January 1974 near Murom, Russia, under difficult winter conditions. It was shot in black-and-white as part of a screenplay...

Robert Bresson’s 1966 film, *Au hasard Balthazar*, centers on a donkey passed among several individuals who exhibit unkind treatment. The narrative adapts elements from Dostoyevsky's *The Idiot*, depicting the animal’s experiences with various owners. It is a tragic story exploring themes of isolati...

Procreate is the definitive digital painting and illustration app for iPad, harnessing the device's touch interface and Apple Pencil to create an unparalleled natural drawing experience. It is a powerhouse for artists, illustrators, and lettering artists, offering an astonishing array of customizabl...

Sakura Gelly Roll White gel pens feature water-based pigment ink in a smooth-writing, archival-quality formula dispensed through a fine tip for precise lines and detailed work on various surfaces.

Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors is a 1965 Soviet-Ukrainian film directed by Sergei Parajanov. The narrative adapts Kotsiubynsky’s novel, depicting a tragic romance between young Hutsul individuals embroiled in a longstanding family conflict within the Carpathian Mountains. It explores themes of love...

The State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow houses an extensive collection of Russian art from the 11th century to the early 20th century, including iconic religious icons and realist paintings.

Hook Head Lighthouse, located at the easternmost point of Ireland, is a historic granite tower built in 1793 to warn ships of the dangerous rocks and currents surrounding Dublin Bay, operating continuously until 1947.

Ordet is a 1955 Danish drama by Carl Theodor Dreyer. Adapted from Kaj Munk’s play, it explores intense family dynamics and religious conflict within a remote rural community. The film's stark black-and-white cinematography and psychological depth garnered international acclaim, including a Golden Li...

Mont Saint-Michel is an iconic tidal island in Normandy, France. The site features a fortified medieval town and a spectacular abbey built over centuries. It’s notable for its unique architecture representing Romanesque and Gothic periods alongside its strategic importance as a pilgrimage destinatio...

Persona follows a nurse, Alma, as she develops an increasingly complex relationship with a mute actress, Elisabet Vogler, while residing together in a remote cottage. The film explores themes of identity and duality through their interactions and Alma's struggle to differentiate herself from her cou...

Andrei Rublev is a 1966 Soviet biographical drama chronicling the life of 15th-century Russian icon painter Andrei Rublev. The film originated from a censored earlier version, “The Passion According to Andrei,” and features a cast including several prominent Soviet actors. Savva Yamshchikov served a...