Byzantine Art
Overview and Close Reading
Terms for Close Reading
Abstraction
Illusionism
Medium
Symbolism
Stasis/Dynamism
Realism
Greco-Roman (or Classical) Art
Discus-Thrower, Greece C. 450 B.C.E.
Greco-Roman
Art
Column of Marcus Aurelius 193 C.E.
Details of Barbarian Women from Column of Marcus Aurelius
Transition to Byzantine Art
Diocletian Reform: Tetrarchy (315 C.E.)
Justinian and His Men, c. 546 CE
By 5th Century, 3
dimensional sculpture
no longer produced.
Byzantine art is
interested in 2-D
surfaces
Expresses spirituality,
de-emphasizes the
body
Christ from Hagia Sofia
Iconoclasm Controversy
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Icon – 2-dimensional image of
holy figure
Church permits starting 3rd
Century
Iconoclasts: images =
idolatry.
730 Emperor Leo III calls for
destruction of all icons.
Islam’s victories motivate
iconoclasts
Conflict in Byzantine Empire for
100+ years.
Strain between Rome and East
Great Schism of 1054
The Iconoclastic Transition 726-843 CE
The Virgin
Hodegetria
• “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
Wisdom
Hagia Sophia
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Built 532-537 CE
Largest cathedral in
the world for 700
years
Justinian: “Solomon,
I have surpassed
thee.”
Later a mosque
(minarets), now
museum
Metalwork
Double sided
pendant
 Mary (opposite
side, Jesus)
 12th Century
 Materials reflect
wealth of society
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