byzantine art and architecture
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Byzantine Art and Architecture
Objectives• The student will
demonstrate knowledge of the Byzantine Empire and Russia from about 300 to 1000 C.E. by:– Characterizing Byzantine
art and architecture, and the preservation of Greek and Roman traditions
• Essential Questions– What were the
contributions of Byzantine art and architecture?
– How did Greek and Roman culture survive within the Byzantine Empire?
Justinian’s Rule
• Under Emperor Justinian, the Byzantine empire experienced the first artistic and literary flowering of its own independent culture– Inspiration provided by
Christian religion and imperial power
• Justinian invested the enormous state budget in buildings of extraordinary magnitude
The Hagia Sophia
• Means “holy wisdom”• Built by Justinian.
– Greek Orthodox Church
• Largest dome in world at time.– Showed glory of God.
• Built with government money.
• Lots of light and open space– Colors reflect light,
produce “warmth”
• Hagia Sophia convinced Vladimir (Kiev) to convert to Christianity.– Vladimir thought
Byzantine God must be powerful!
Hippodrome• Held 60,000 spectators• Wild chariot races and
circus acts– Site of the Nika revolt in
532 C.E.
• Hippodrome comes from Greek words meaning “horse” and “racecourse”
Mosaics• Designs made by pieces
of stone, glass, etc.– Covered floors, walls,
ceilings.
• Usually religious or natural themes.
• Figures appear stiff (not real).
• Calm faces try to inspire reverence.
Justinian Theodora
Icons
• Best symbol of Byzantine Art
• Small religious picture used to help focus prayer.– Thought to have
sacred powers
• Depict Jesus, Mary, Saints, Angels
Achievements in Art and Architecture
Inspiration came from Christianity and to honor the power of the Byzantine Emperor
Icons were popular in Byzantine Art
Use of mosaics (glass collages) in both public and religious buildings
Most famous building “Hagia Sophia”
Characteristics of Byzantine Culture
Greco-Roman culture continues to flourish and Greek and Roman knowledge is preserved in Byzantine libraries
Greek is primary language
Form of Christianity practiced in Byzantine Empire is known as Greek Orthodox Christianity or Eastern Orthodox Christianity
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