NOTES: Byzantine Art 8

David Battling Goliath "David Plate"

Made in Constantinople, 629 - 630 CE Silver

Sequential art

process is chased

Seen in three parts, divided by registers

Describes spatial and time zones

Mixture of Judeo subject matter with Classical (Roman heroes) - this mixture was typical of the eclecticism that characterized the Byzantine Empire

Patrons and artists had no conflict with mixing of stories --- thus a Jewish subject, created for a Christian patron in a pagan style was absolutely a-okay.

Stamped similar to sterling today -- showing purity of silver

Displayed in the homes of their wealthy owner, who was also highly educated, having refined taste!

Byzantine Empire --- Constantinople located at the mouth of the Mediterranean and Black Seas - perfect location for water travel.

The term Byzantine refers to the art and architecture broadly of Constantinople - the ancient name of the city before Constantine, who later renamed the city after himself. This area was known as Byzantium.

Byzantium rulers conceived themselves as successors directly from the rulers and emperors of ancient Rome.

Three Golden Ages of Byzantine art

Early Byzantine period - during the reign of Emperor Justinian I (r. 527-565). Begins in the 5th century CE and ends in 726 CE -

Why? During the onset of iconoclast controversy that leads to the destruction of religious images.

The Middle Byzantine Period begins 843 when Empress Theodora (c.810 - 867 CE) reinstates the veneration of icons (continues until 1204 when Christian crusaders from the West EU occupy Constantinople.

The Late Byzantine Period - beings with restoration of Byzantine rule in 1261 and ends with the fall of the empire to the Ottoman Turks in 1453.

Russia then occupies and succeeds Constantinople as the "Third Rome" and the Center of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

GOLDEN AGE OF JUSTINIAN

5 - 6th centuries

Emperor Justinian I and his wife, Empress Theodora (d. 548) were ruling the area. Political power, wealth and culture were at their finger tips.

Hagia Sophia in Constantinople -- Emperor Justinian and Emperors Theodora planned for its construction.

The name itself Hagia Sophia means "Holy Wisdom"

Nika Revolt in 532 in the old church sets it in fire - destroyed by Justinian's foes - killing 30,000 of his army.

Theodora is said to have shamed Justinian into not fleeing the city.

"Purple makes a fine shroud" -- symbolic reference to the imperial color -- and that the Emperors would rather die (blood) than flee and preserve her life.

The new Hagia Sophia was not built until 532 - 537, completed five years later. It is said to have been built by 'angels.'