Saints and kings. History and myths. These are some of the subjects you will encounter in the Davis W. Moore Galleries, which are dedicated to European art before 1800. During this time, artists used the visual power of images to inspire devotion, convey their ideas of strength and beauty, or reinforce morals and values. Explore the complex and distinctive aspects of over four centuries of European art—the golden surfaces of Christian altarpieces of the 1300s and 1400s, the grand and dramatic portraits of the 1600s, and the idealized landscapes of the late 1700s.

These galleries feature approximately 65 works drawn from the DAM’s collection of paintings and decorative arts. The installation traces the development of stylistic themes as they evolved over time, from the Gothic style to the humanism of the Renaissance, from Baroque grandeur to the decorative forms of the Rococo. Designed to be an accessible entry point to European art for visitors of all backgrounds, the galleries introduce historical contexts and provide audiences with the necessary background to understand and appreciate the objects on display.

In the Bernadette Berger Discovery Library, visitors of all ages can dive into the world of European artists and their materials. Discover some of the methods artists used to create their own do-it-yourself drawing and painting materials, learn about traditional methods of making egg tempera and oil paints, peek inside a book for artists from 1400, and more.