What was the main inspiration for Byzantine art?
Religious iconography Due to its origins, Byzantine art almost exclusively depicted religious subjects, such as the Virgin Mary, Jesus, and scenes from the Bible. This subject matter was also encouraged by the church, which held a vast amount of wealth and influence in Byzantine society.
What was the purpose of the religious image in Byzantine art?
For instance, images of Christ and the saints were placed on cameos, glyptic objects, and fragments of clothing to garner protection from unknown forces. These images were sometimes augmented with texts that were used for protective or healing purposes.
What is the Byzantine style known for?
Art produced during the Middle Ages by the Byzantine Empire, or Eastern Roman Empire, spanning the fourth to the fifteenth century. The style is defined by devotional, Christian subjects depicted in angular forms with sharp contours, flattened colour and gold decoration.
What is the Byzantine art characteristics by?
General Characteristics Byzantine medieval art began with mosaics decorating the walls and domes of churches, as well fresco wall-paintings. So beautiful was the effect of these mosaics that the form was taken up in Italy, especially in Rome and Ravenna.
How is Byzantine art different from Roman art?
Generally speaking, Byzantine art differs from the art of the Romans in that it is interested in depicting that which we cannot see—the intangible world of Heaven and the spiritual. Thus, the Greco-Roman interest in depth and naturalism is replaced by an interest in flatness and mystery.
When did Byzantine art start?
Byzantine art and architecture is usually divided into three historical periods: the Early Byzantine from c. 330-730, the Middle Byzantine from c. 843-1204, and Late Byzantine from c. 1261-1453.
How is Byzantine art different from others?
Due to its complex history with the inclusion of icons, Byzantine art depicted various religious subjects almost entirely. These subjects were typically in the form of Jesus or the Virgin Mary, with different scenes from the Bible being incorporated as well.
How was Byzantine art constructed?
Byzantine structures featured soaring spaces and sumptuous decoration: marble columns and inlay, mosaics on the vaults, inlaid-stone pavements, and sometimes gold coffered ceilings.
Why is Byzantine architecture important?
Byzantine Architecture is one of the most influential building styles of the past 1500 years. Byzantine buildings pushed the possibilities of construction, engineering, and art.
What is the principles of Byzantine?
A central feature of Byzantine culture was Orthodox Christianity. Byzantine society was very religious, and it held certain values in high esteem, including a respect for order and traditional hierarchies. Family was at the center of society, and marriage, chastity, and celibacy were celebrated and respected.
What were the contributions of Byzantine art and architecture?
Byzantine is also used to designate an ornate artistic and architectural style which developed in the Byzantine Empire and spread to Italy, Russia, and elsewhere. The art is generally rich and stylized (as in religious icons) and the architecture is typified by many-domed, highly decorated churches.
What form did Byzantine artists?
Answer. Byzantine mosaics are mosaics produced from the 4th to 15th centuries in and under the influence of the Byzantine Empire. Mosaics were some of the most popular and historically significant art forms produced in the empire, and they are still studied extensively by art historians.
What was the purpose of icons in the Byzantine belief system?
The Byzantines accorded icons extraordinary, even miraculous powers to answer prayers, heal the sick, and provide protection. They were venerated at home and in church, and were carried in public processions along streets and into battle.
What symbolism was evident in the Byzantine art?
One of the most important genres of Byzantine art was the icon, an image of Christ, the Virgin, or a saint, used as an object of veneration in Orthodox churches and private homes alike.
How are spiritual ideas expressed in Byzantine art?
Byzantine art contributed to the spiritual ideas by creating the Christ image, saints, and the Virgin. These religious arts were essential in monumental church decorations and used in private homes and veneration of objects.
What is the Byzantine religion?
Christianity was the official religion of the Byzantines. The first Roman emperor to convert to Christianity was Constantine. At the Council of Chalcedon the bishop in Constantinople was made secondary in the Christian Church to the pope in Rome.
What is Byzantine art?
Byzantine art (4th - 15th century CE) is generally characterised by a move away from the naturalism of the Classical tradition towards the more abstract and universal, there is a definite preference for two-dimensional representations, and those artworks which contain a religious message predominate.
How did the Byzantine Empire influence art?
The Byzantine Empire was continuously expanding and shrinking over the centuries, and this geography influenced art as new ideas became more readily accessible over time. Ideas and art objects were continuously spread between cultures through the medium of royal gifts to fellow rulers, diplomatic embassies, religious missions, and souvenir-buying wealthy travellers, not to mention the movement of artists themselves. From the early 13th century CE, for example, Byzantium was influenced by much greater contact with western Europe, just as it had been when the Byzantines were more present in Italy during the 9th century CE. The influence went in the other direction, too, of course, so that Byzantine artistic ideas spread, notably outwards from such outposts as Sicily and Crete from where Byzantine iconography would go on to influence Italian Renaissance art. So, too, in the north-east, Byzantine art influenced such places as Armenia, Georgia, and Russia. Finally, Byzantine art is still very much alive as a strong tradition within Orthodox art.
What were the jobs of artists in the Byzantine Empire?
In addition, many artists, notably those who created illustrated manuscripts, were priests or monks . There is no evidence that artists were not women, although it is likely they specialised in textiles and printed silks. Sculptors, ivory workers, and enamelists were specialists who had acquired years of training, but in other art forms, it was common for the same artist to produce manuscripts, icons, mosaics, and wall paintings.
What was the influence of Byzantine art?
As Byzantium was the eastern branch of the Roman Empire in its earliest phase, it is not surprising that a strong Roman, or more precisely, Classical influence predominates Byzantine output. The Roman tradition of collecting, appreciating, and privately displaying antique art also continued amongst the wealthier classes of Byzantium. Byzantine art is at once both unchanging and evolutionary, themes such as the Classical traditions and conventional religious scenes were reworked for century after century, but at the same time, a closer examination of individual works reveals the details of an ever-changing approach to art. As with modern cinema that regularly remakes a familiar story with the same settings and the same characters, Byzantine artists worked within the limits of the practical end function of their work to make choices on how best to present a subject, what to add and omit from those new influences which came along, and, by the end of the period, to personalize their work as never before.
What did Byzantine artists use to decorate churches?
Using bright stones, gold mosaics, lively wall paintings, intricately carved ivory, and precious metals in general, Byzantine artists beautified everything from buildings to books, and their greatest and most lasting legacy is undoubtedly the icons which continue to decorate Christian churches around the world.
What was the Byzantine art style like in the 12th century?
However, by the 12th century CE Byzantine art has become much more expressive and imaginative, and although many subjects are endlessly recycled, there are differences in details throughout the period.
Where are the icons of the Byzantine Empire?
Some of the oldest surviving Byzantine icons are to be found in the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai. Dating to the 6th century CE and saved from the wave of iconoclasm which spread through the Byzantine Empire during the 8th and 9th century CE, the finest show Christ Pantokrator and the Virgin and Child.
What was Byzantine art?
Byzantine art was traditionally comprised of Christian Greek artworks that came from the Eastern Roman Empire, as well as other nations that were culturally influenced by it. States that were impacted by the style of artworks developing within the Roman Empire were part of the Byzantine Commonwealth, which encapsulated many nations demonstrating the characteristics of Byzantine art. Some states that used these characteristics but remained separate from the Byzantine Empire were the Republic of Venice and the Kingdom of Sicily.
Where did Byzantine art originate?
The term “Byzantine art” originated from the Byzantine Empire, which was said to have initially developed from the Roman Empire. In 330 A.D., in what is now known as Turkey, the Roman Emperor Constantine formed the city of Byzantion as the new capital city of the Roman Empire. Originally an ancient Greek colony, Byzantion was Latinized by the Romans to be called Byzantium, until its name was changed to Constantinople.
What was the influence of Christianity on the Byzantine Empire?
The practice of Christianity, which developed in the 4 th century, spread throughout the entire Byzantine Empire and was an important influence on the art created. Throughout the Early Byzantine period, Constantine devoted a great effort to the adornment of Constantinople and decorated various public spaces with ancient statues. The following ruler, Emperor Justinian, saw to this and oversaw the building of iconic Constantinopolitan churches, with the most famous example being the original foundations of the patriarchal cathedral, the Hagia Sophia.
What was the Byzantine Empire known for?
Byzantine Empire art was known for its lavish mosaics and excessive use of gold, as the artworks made were said to be in response to the rise of Christianity in Europe.
Why is the monastery of Constantinople considered an exceptional example of Early Byzantine art?
Due to its geographic isolation, this monastery in Egypt was a great distance away from Constantinople, which enabled it to evade the widespread devastation that happened to art because of the Iconoclastic Controversy. Because of this, it is often considered an exceptional example of Early Byzantine art as it makes up one of the few remaining pieces from that period of artistic production.
What happened to the artworks in the Byzantine period?
Due to this, many notable and sacred artworks and objects created during the Middle Byzantine period were destroyed and lost, while others were transported elsewhere.
What was the first golden age of the Byzantine Empire?
Considered to be the first golden age of the new Empire, the Early Byzantine art period extended well into the 700s while Christianity’s culture and religion diversified the state.
What is Byzantine art?
Spanning the time between antiquity and the Middle Ages, Byzantine art encompassed an array of regional styles and influences and developed long-lasting Christian iconography that is familiar to practitioners today.
What is the significance of the Byzantine reliefs?
Created during the reign of the Emperor Justinian, the work also exemplified the Early Byzantine style, which still drew upon classical influences, as the figure of the emperor and his horse, the lance, and the winged victory are carved in such high relief that they seem fully three dimensional. The surrounding panels are carved in shallower relief, visually emphasizing the emperor as the source of energy and power. The message of the work was also innovative as it combined the military victory of the emperor with the victory of Christianity, employing two angels carrying an image of Christ rather than the Roman era's use of a pair of winged Victories. As art historian Ernst Kitzinger wrote, "Christ makes his appearance in heaven at the moment in which the emperor stages his triumphal adventus on earth. It is a graphic depiction of the harmony between heavenly and earthly rule."
What are some icons that were created during the Byzantine era?
Many of the now-standard iconographic types, such as Christ Pantocrator and the Virgin and Child enthroned, were created and evolved during the Byzantine era. This new-found power of images, however, was not without controversy and sparked a heated and, at times, violent debate over the place of images in the church.
What does the horse symbolize in the Emperor's hand?
As the muscular and dynamic horse rears on its hind legs, the emperor looks forward as he grasps the shaft of a lance in his right hand and with his left grasps the horse's reins. Around him, three smaller figures symbolize his power and dominance.
Why is Hagia Sophia a museum?
Today the Hagia Sophia is a national museum, in order to remove it from the religious controversies that are still associated with the site today.
Where did the Byzantine Empire come from?
Overview of Byzantine Art and Architecture. The term Byzantine is derived from the Byzantine Empire, which developed from the Roman Empire. In 330 the Roman Emperor Constantine established the city of Byzantion in modern day Turkey as the new capital of the Roman empire and renamed it Constantinople. Byzantion was originally an ancient Greek ...
What is the name of the ivory relief that depicts Justinian?
Barberini Diptych (c. 527-565) This ivory relief was originally a diptych, hinged to another panel that was subsequently lost. Two smaller panels - the right one also lost - frame the central depiction of an energetic emperor, likely Justinian, on horseback.
What was the Byzantine art?
The Byzantine age began when Constantine, the first king to adopt Christianity as his (and the state’s) religion, moved the capital of the Roman Empire to the city of Byzantion on the far eastern edge of Europe. This situated the seat of the empire on the best trade routes.
What was the Byzantine art movement?
Byzantine art-focused heavily on religious themes, particularly applied in mosaics, Icon paintings (paintings of the saints on wood panel), and fresco wall paintings. This art movement ’s influence on later periods is seen in the Illuminations of Anglo Saxon monastic illustrations. The domed structures of Byzantine architecture still influence ...
Why did the statues of the early Christians fall by the wayside?
The statues and figures of prior cultures fell by the wayside as the early Christians had a distrust of such sculpture.
What were the religious art forms of the early church?
Other religious art forms were present early in the period in the form of elaborate mosaics and frescoes upon the walls of churches. The images formed a scene in which it started at the top of the dome with The Creator, The Coronation of the Virgin Mary possibly in one of the half domes, and the angels surrounding the circumference above the congregation below.
When did Byzantium end?
The Age of Byzantium ended when the city was taken by the Turks in 1453, but its style and characteristics survived into the 18th century in Eastern Europe and especially in the governmental and religious architecture of Russia.
What were illuminated manuscripts?
Illuminated manuscripts were carefully decorated and illustrated copies of the Christian Bible and religious texts. Other religious art forms were present early in the period in the form of elaborate mosaics and frescoes upon the walls of churches.
Why was Greek art pushed aside?
Greek and Roman art was pushed aside as Christianity spread across Europe. The tendency for Greek and Roman art to glorify the person was abandoned as Christian beliefs determined that people were not be glorified above God.
What was the name of the city that Constantine moved to?
In about 300 AD, the emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire to Byzantium and renamed it Constantinople in his honour. The modern name is now Istanbul. In Constantinople, walls, ceilings, vaults and domes were covered in glittering mosaics and frescos, often showing people how to behave to get to heaven. With the support of Constantine, Christianity quickly spread to new places including Eastern Europe and Russia.
What is Byzantine art?
Photo via Wikimedia Commons. “Byzantine art is a combination of Eastern and classical Western art.”. It is inspired by the classical art of Greece and Rome, but also the art of the Near East. As the Empire expanded and formed relationships (be it through trade or otherwise) across the globe, not only did the influence of Byzantium spread ...
What did Byzantine artists want to show?
This is no accident; Byzantine artists wanted to show these saints and deities not belonging to a time and place, but existing in a higher realm. Byzantine art, as mentioned above, did not seek to depict a physical perfection (like Greek or Roman art) but to evoke the spirit of holy figures.
What did Byzantine art lack in creativity?
What Byzantine art lacked in creativity, it more than made up for in splendor. Gold, ivory, and precious stones were used in the mosaics of great churches, like the Hagia Sophia , representing not only the wealth of the Empire but the importance and value they put on religion and the Church. Hagia Sophia interior.
What does wheat represent in Byzantine art?
Wheat represents not only harvest and fertility, but the bread of the sacrament at the Last Supper. Color was also an important symbol in Byzantine art. Gold, which was commonly used as a background in mosaics, represents the divine light and glory of God. It is also “ ] associated with wealth, royalty and heavenly rewards and riches.”.
What are some examples of Christian symbols?
Christian symbols are a staple of Byzantine art. Prominently featured are symbols such as the Cross, keys, wheat, keys, chalices, animals, etc., each having a special meaning to faith . A man holding a key [s], for example, would be depicting St. Peter holding the key [s] to heaven. Wheat represents not only harvest and fertility, but the bread of the sacrament at the Last Supper.
When was the Byzantine mosaic painted over?
There was a brief time, though, when this religious influence was nearly erased. During the Period of Iconoclasm (726-843) the beautiful early Byzantine mosaics were painted over and sculptures destroyed. Iconoclasts were against depictions of religious figures and believed that the grandiose art itself was worshiped instead of the figure it depicted.
Did the Byzantine Church approve of sculpture in the round?
It is interesting to note that “ [t]he Byzantine Church did not approve of sculpture in the round–sculpture that can be seen from all sides. The Church feared that it would recall the idols of the Greek and Roman religions. However, small carvings in relief (raised from a flat surface), especially in ivory, were allowed as church decoration.”
Influences
Artists
- In the Byzantine Empire, there was little or no distinction between artist and craftsperson, both created beautiful objects for a specific purpose, whether it be a box to keep a precious belonging or an icon to stir feelings of piety and reverence. Some job titles we know are zographos and historiographos(painter), maistor (master) andktistes (creator). In addition, many artists, notabl…
Frescos & Paintings
- Byzantine Christian art had the triple purpose of beautifying a building, instructing the illiterate on matters vital for the welfare of their soul, and encouraging the faithful that they were on the correct path to salvation. For this reason, the interiors of Byzantine churches were covered with paintings and mosaics. The large Christian basilica ...
Icons
- Icons - representations of holy figures - were created for veneration by Byzantine Christians from the 3rd century CE. They are most often seen in mosaics, wall paintings, and as small artworks made from wood, metal, gemstones, enamel, or ivory. The most common form was small painted wooden panels which could be carried or hung on walls. Such panels were made using the enca…
Mosaics
- The majority of surviving wall and ceiling mosaics depict religious subjects and are to be found in many Byzantine churches. One of their characteristics is the use of gold tiles to create a shimmering background to the figures of Christ, the Virgin Mary and saints. As with icons and paintings, the portraiture follows certain conventions such as a full frontal view, halo, and genera…
Sculpture
- Realistic portrait sculpture was a characteristic of later Roman art, and the trend continues in early Byzantium. The Hippodrome of Constantinople was known to have bronzeand marble sculptures of emperors and popular charioteers, for example. Ivory was used for figure sculpture, too, although only a single free-standing example survives, the Virgin and Child, now in the Victoria a…
Minor Arts
- Byzantine artists were accomplished metalsmiths, while enamelling was another area of high technical expertise. A superb example of the use of both skills combined is the c. 1070 CE chalice in the Treasury of Saint Mark's, Venice. Made with a semi-precious stone body and gold stem, the cup is decorated with enamel plaques. Cloisonné enamels (objects with multiple metal-bordere…
What Is Byzantine Art?
A History of Byzantine Art
Periods Within The Byzantine Era
Byzantine Iconoclasm
Characteristics of Byzantine Art
Types of Byzantine Art
Famous Byzantine Artwork
Legacy of The Byzantine Era
- The Byzantine art era was an incredibly important period of historical and artistic development, as it went on to influence the development of early Western art history. The art movements that developed in its aftermath, while great in their own rights, were said to be merely attempted recreations of the type of artthat was produced in the Byzantin...