10 characteristics of BYZANTINE art
He byzantine art was at the service of the political and religious power of the Byzantine Empire. It is characterized by the frontality, hieraticism and stylization of the figures, in addition to the use of the color gold as ways of giving majesty to the works. An artistic style that represents more the spiritual than the real, with the mosaic technique acquiring great relevance. At Unprofesor.com we talk to you in detail about this medieval art.
Byzantine art is the product of a most significant historical moment in the history of Europe: the emergence and consolidation of Christianity as a religion and the flowering of the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantium thanks to emperors like Constantine (c.272-337 AD. C). Byzantine art was in force for centuries and spread through present-day Turkey, Italy and Spain, remaining until the fall of Constantinople (Istanbul) in the hands of the Ottoman Empire in the fifteenth century.
In this lesson of unPROFESOR.com we review with you what are the main characteristics of Byzantine art.
In order to appreciate these characteristics of Byzantine art, we recommend you take a look at its most outstanding works. In the list of main works of Byzantine art we met with:
Hagia Sophia in Istanbul (Türkiye)
This is one of the most iconic monuments of Byzantine art and was built in the 6th century. This church is a large building located on the west bank of the Bosphorus, with a large dome, not replicated until the construction of St. Peter's Basilica.
The building is majestic, especially inside, with the most sumptuous decoration, especially the spectacular mosaics that decorate its walls.
mosaics of ravenna
In Ravenna, Italy, we can enjoy some impressive mosaics that decorate buildings such as the Basilica of San Vitale and the Neoniano Baptistery.
illuminated manuscripts
The gospels and other religious texts were decorated with designs and illuminated miniatures, such as the “Codex Sinaiticus” and the “Codex Alexandrinus”.
ivory art
Ivory carving was very popular, being a material used for the elaboration of liturgical objects and ornate boxes.
icons
The icons are paintings made on wooden panels and in which sacred images were represented for their worship.
