BYZANTINE

After the death of Constantine in 337, The Roman Empire split into Eastern and Western Empires The west went into steady decline. The Eastern Empire, however, gained great political strength In 527 Justinian ascended to the throne of the Byzantine Empire: he recaptured most of Southern Italy and established Ravenna as the new center of power Justinians reign began the so-called Golden Age of Byzantine culture and art

BYZANTINE - Characteristics
Paintings and mosaics are characterized by a rich use of color and figures which seem flat and stiff. Mosaics made of glass became the primary means of wall decoration and completely cover the interiors of churches

Byzantine architects favored the central plan covered by a huge dome (churches).

Emperor Justinian and attendants (about 547) Mosaic, nearly life-size figures. San Vitale, Ravenna

Subject matter: What scenes appear to be shown here? What do you notice about the positions of the figures Shape / Form: Are the forms realistic or stylized?

Empress Theodora and Attendants (about 547) Mosaic, nearly life-size figures. San Vitale, Ravenna

Tesserae: Byzantine mosaics were made of brightly coloured glass pressed into wet plaster. The glass reflected light and created a shimmering effect

Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletos, Hagia Sophia,

(532-537), Istanbul (Exterior)

INTERIOR: Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletos,

Hagia Sophia, (532-537), Istanbul (Interior)

DOME: Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletos, Hagia

Sohpia, (532-537). Istanbul.

The structural challenge was to place a huge round dome on square supporting walls

This diagram shows how this problem was solved

Pendentive: a triangular piece of vaulting to support a round dome. Four pendentives spring from the four corners of a crossing to support the dome

Pier: A massive vertical masonry pillar that supports an arch, vault or other kind of roof

The pendentives provide a graceful transition from square base to round dome

Hagia Sophia
Three football fields long, rectangular basilica plan with a huge central dome Four arches support the dome (pendentives) Forty windows encircle the dome, creating an illusion that it rests on a halo of light The church is made of multi coloured stone and marble and of brick

Enthroned Madonna and Child 13th Century, Egg Tempera on panel. National Gallery of Art, Washington DC

Icons - small portraits of saints, Christ and Mary, painted on wood and gilded with gold
Key points: Figures seem to be floating in space, and the clothing looks abstract Meaning and emotion take precedence over the depiction of reality (melancholy of Virgins face)

Other Icons

The oldest icon of Christ, 6th C Mother of God(Affectionate Tenderness) Russia, 15th Century

The Harbaville Triptych (Christ enthroned with Saints) c. 950, Ivory, Louvre, Paris

Triptych: An altarpiece consisting of three pieces joined together, the two outer panels are often hinged to close over the central panel

Subject matter: What is depicted here?

Manuscript Illumination
Book of Hours - a collection of prayers, texts, and psalms along with illustrations and used for Catholic worship and devotion

International Style: merging of French and Italian Gothic painting. It is characterized by bright colours, a courtly elegance, and a naturalistic rendering of detail. It began in the courts of the wealthy and then spread through Europe.

The Limbourg Brothers, January from Trs Riches Heures du Duc de Berry (The Book of Hours), 1416, illuminated manuscript