3 works of BYZANTINE art and their authors

The main works of byzantine art are the Church of Saint Sophiato (Istanbul), the Ravenna mosaics (Italy) and a large collection of religious icons such as, for example, the icon of the Vladimir Virgin. Many of the Byzantine artists They were anonymous, especially the authors of mosaics and icons. Among the well-known are Saint Luke the Evangelist, Eulalios, Akotantos or Rubliov, among others. At unPROFESOR.com we tell you more about he Byzantine art, its works and authors

Byzantine art is the set of artistic manifestations developed during the Eastern Roman Empire or Byzantine Empire. An art with Greek roots, specifically Hellenistic, a continuator of early Christian art and with strong oriental influences.

In this lesson from unPROFESOR.com we tell you What are the most representative works of Byzantine art and who are the most notable authors.

Byzantine art is characterized by being a religious art, far from the naturalism of the classical tradition, two-dimensional and with a beautiful and sumptuous decoration

in which gold abounds embody theological values ​​colors. This art had notable manifestations in architecture, painting and, to a lesser extent, sculpture, with its production of icons and mosaics being very characteristic.

Between the most notable works of byzantine art We find the following.

The Church of Saint Sophia or Hagia Sophia. First Golden Age.

This church is located in Istanbul and was built by Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. It is an icon of Byzantine art. It is a temple with a central plan with several naves and a large central dome. A distribution that generates an open space in which a feeling of weightlessness and spirituality is experienced.

The Saint Sophia Cathedral was consecrated in the year 537 and was devised by the mathematician Anthemius of Trales and the physicist Isidore of Miletus. It is a building of great architectural solidity and combines a basilica plan with three naves with another central one covered with a large dome. The temple was preceded by a large atrium and, inside, the decoration was truly lavish.

After the entry of the Turks into Constantinople, the cathedral was transformed into a mosque, changing part of the interior and exterior decoration.

Mosaics of Ravenna (Italy)

The mosaics of Ravenna are also works of Byzantine art of the First Golden Age and are an example of the mastery of the mosaic technique. In this work the emperor Justinian is represented carrying the offerings dedicated to the consecration of the temple.

The work with the tiles shows a very refined and careful technique. The figures appear idealized, showing a penetrating gaze on their faces and a hieraticism in their bearing that reflects the majesty of the emperor and his entourage.

Isocephaly, frontality, lack of depth and horror of emptiness are some of the characteristic features of this famous Ravenna mosaic. The best known are located in the Basilica of San Vitale and the Gala Placidia chapel.

Byzantine icons

Religious icons are most important works of byzantine art. They are paintings on panel and in them the Virgin, Christ or the Saints are represented, creating and perpetuating a rich traditional religious iconography.

Among the most famous are the Virgin of Vladimir, the Icon of the Trinity by Andrea Rubliov and the Icon of the Pantocrator of Saint Catherine. Icons are more than an image and were believed to be the fruit of divine inspiration and deeply meditated works. Something that made them worthy of veneration.

Between the most notable authors of byzantine art We find the following.

Saint Luke the Evangelist

He considers himself the creator of the first icons, being very influential in the development of Byzantine art. He was the first portraitist of the Virgin Mary.

The anonymous artists of Ravenna

The artists who created the Ravenna mosaics arouse enormous admiration for their great technical skill and his mastery in transmitting religious narratives through mosaics.

Eulalios (12th century)

Eulalios is another of the most prominent authors of Byzantine art. He was one of the most famous painters when the majority of artistic works were still made anonymously. His most famous work is the dome of the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople (disappeared) and the pictorial representation of a Christ Pantocrator.

Angelos Akotantos (15th century)

Byzantine painter and Cretan hagiographer. He was one of the most important Byzantine painters of the period of decline of the Empire. Among his works, an icon of Saint Phanaurios stands out.

Andrei Rublev (1360?–Moscow, January 29, 1430)

Rubliov is another of the authors of Byzantine art. He was a Russian religious and icon painter greatly influenced by the Byzantine tradition, in addition to being considered one of the greatest Russian iconographers.

Here we leave you a overview of the byzantine empire.