Byzantine Art Byzantine Art Overview and Close Reading

Terms for Close ReadingTerms for Close Reading

Abstraction

Illusionism Medium Symbolism

Stasis/Dynamism

Realism

Greco-Roman (or Classical) ArtGreco-Roman (or Classical) Art

Discus-Thrower, Greece C. 450 B.C.E.

Greco-RomanGreco-RomanArt Art

Column of Marcus Aurelius 193 C.E.

Details of Barbarian Women from Column of Marcus Aurelius

Transition to Byzantine ArtTransition to Byzantine Art

Diocletian Reform: Tetrarchy (315 C.E.)

Justinian and His Men, c. 546 CE

Christ from Hagia Sofia

By 5th Century, 3 dimensional sculpture no longer produced.

Byzantine art is interested in 2-D surfaces

Expresses spirituality, de-emphasizes the body

Iconoclasm ControversyIconoclasm ControversyIcon – 2-dimensional image of

holy figureChurch permits starting 3rd

CenturyIconoclasts: images =

idolatry. 730 Emperor Leo III calls for

destruction of all icons. Islam’s victories motivate

iconoclastsConflict in Byzantine Empire for

100+ years. Strain between Rome and East

Great Schism of 1054

The Iconoclastic Transition 726-843 CEThe Iconoclastic Transition 726-843 CE

The VirginThe VirginHodegetriaHodegetria

• “Wayshower”

• Mary’s hand indicates path to salvation

• Jesus’ gesture is one of blessing; thumb over forefingers symbolic of Trinity

• An icon form duplicated endlessly

• Gold-fringed purple mantle indicates imperial status

Hagia Sophia – Church of Divine Hagia Sophia – Church of Divine WisdomWisdom

Hagia SophiaHagia SophiaBuilt 532-537 CELargest cathedral in

the world for 700 years

Justinian: “Solomon, I have surpassed thee.”

Later a mosque (minarets), now museum

MetalworkMetalwork

Double sided pendant

Mary (opposite side, Jesus)

12th CenturyMaterials reflect

wealth of society