Rise of the Rise of the Byzantine Era Byzantine Era Christianity goes mainstream Christianity goes mainstream
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Rise of the Rise of the Byzantine EraByzantine Era
Rise of the Rise of the Byzantine EraByzantine Era
Christianity goes mainstreamChristianity goes mainstreamChristianity goes mainstreamChristianity goes mainstream
We need a church! What to use?We need a church! What to use?We need a church! What to use?We need a church! What to use?
Roman Basilicas fit the requirements of the growing Christian followers
were suited for Christian worship as congregation could sit and listen to the deacon
Roman Basilicas fit the requirements of the growing Christian followers
were suited for Christian worship as congregation could sit and listen to the deacon
Apse
Nave
The parts of a Roman BasilicaThe parts of a Roman BasilicaThe parts of a Roman BasilicaThe parts of a Roman Basilica
CampanileSide Aisle
Apse
Altar
ColumnsTransept
Nave
AtriumCovered Walkway
St. Paul Outside the Walls, Interior View
(Begun 368, reconstructed 1823)
Nave
Apse
Altar
Example of a Roman Basilica ChurchExample of a Roman Basilica ChurchExample of a Roman Basilica ChurchExample of a Roman Basilica Church
a triumphal arch separates the nave from the apse (symbol of Christ’s victory over eternal death)
this plan became the basis for European Cathedrals in later years
a triumphal arch separates the nave from the apse (symbol of Christ’s victory over eternal death)
this plan became the basis for European Cathedrals in later years
• mosaics of coloured glass and gold cover the walls and triumphal arch
• 80 granite columns in four
rows
• floor is decorated with inlaid marble
designs
• frescos also used in Basilicas but few remain (minature
murals that illustrated,
enhanced and clarified the written word of the bible)
“St. Apollinare in Classe” 470, Ravenna“St. Apollinare in Classe” 470, Ravenna
• exteriors were very conservative in appearance (simple red brick)
Outside View of Roman Basilica Outside View of Roman Basilica ChurchChurch
Outside View of Roman Basilica Outside View of Roman Basilica ChurchChurch
Fighting...back and forth and back Fighting...back and forth and back and forth...and forth...
Fighting...back and forth and back Fighting...back and forth and back and forth...and forth...
Constantine dies and the Roman Empire soon becomes split into Eastern and Western Empires
Constantine dies and the Roman Empire soon becomes split into Eastern and Western Empires
EasternEmpire
WesternEmpire
Barbarian InvasionsBarbarian Invasions!!Barbarian InvasionsBarbarian Invasions!!
In the first half of the 5th Century Rome is attacked by the Visigoths, Huns, and Vandals leaving the once proud city in ruins
the Empire is now focused around Constantinople
MonasteriesMonasteriesMonasteriesMonasteries
Monasteries are established as a refuge from worldly disorder
e.g. The Benedictine order was established by St. Benedict and was charged with the responsibility of copying and preserving important religious manuscripts and papers
Monasteries are established as a refuge from worldly disorder
e.g. The Benedictine order was established by St. Benedict and was charged with the responsibility of copying and preserving important religious manuscripts and papers
Mosaics: Roman vs. Mosaics: Roman vs. ByzantineByzantine
Mosaics: Roman vs. Mosaics: Roman vs. ByzantineByzantine
Roman mosaics used polished, coloured natural stone
Roman mosaics used polished, coloured natural stone
Byzantine MosaicByzantine MosaicByzantine MosaicByzantine MosaicByzantine mosaics used brightly coloured glass (tessarae) pressed into wet plaster
Byzantine mosaics used brightly coloured glass (tessarae) pressed into wet plaster
*this uneven texture causes the mosaic to glitter
Mosaic from St. Paul Outside the Walls
Early Christian SculptureEarly Christian SculptureEarly Christian SculptureEarly Christian Sculpturevery little sculpture was made in the early Christian church, most of which has been destroyed
stone sarcophagi were carved in relief (Roman development) but subject matter was Christian
very little sculpture was made in the early Christian church, most of which has been destroyed
stone sarcophagi were carved in relief (Roman development) but subject matter was Christian
The Good Shepherd, 3rd Century, Marble, Half life
size
Roman Pastoral God,Aristaeus
early Christian work still has Roman influence (natural rather than symbolic form)
Christ is a beardless Roman-looking youth
early Christian work still has Roman influence (natural rather than symbolic form)
Christ is a beardless Roman-looking youth
Chalice of AntiochChalice of Antioch350-500 CE, Silver and Gilt, 19 cm high 350-500 CE, Silver and Gilt, 19 cm high
Chalice of AntiochChalice of Antioch350-500 CE, Silver and Gilt, 19 cm high 350-500 CE, Silver and Gilt, 19 cm high
Inner plain silver cup sits in outer ornate shell
When first re-discovered after WWI, it was thought to be the “Holy Grail” (the cup that Christ drank from at the last supper)
Two figures of Christ on each side (one youthful, one mature)
Apostles, animals and birds are woven into vines, branches, leaves and grapes -- all symbolic of Christ’s work
Eagle is a symbol of immortality
Inner plain silver cup sits in outer ornate shell
When first re-discovered after WWI, it was thought to be the “Holy Grail” (the cup that Christ drank from at the last supper)
Two figures of Christ on each side (one youthful, one mature)
Apostles, animals and birds are woven into vines, branches, leaves and grapes -- all symbolic of Christ’s work
Eagle is a symbol of immortality
Chalice of Antioch, Chalice of Antioch, detaildetail
Chalice of Antioch, Chalice of Antioch, detaildetail
DaDa. . DaDa Da!!!! Justinian saves the day!! Da!!!! Justinian saves the day!!DaDa. . DaDa Da!!!! Justinian saves the day!! Da!!!! Justinian saves the day!!in 527 Justinian ascends the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire), recaptures most of southern Italy and establishes Ravenna on the east coast as the new center of power
his reign begins the Golden Age of Byzantine culture and art and during this time an amazing number of churches are constructed in Ravenna
in 527 Justinian ascends the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire), recaptures most of southern Italy and establishes Ravenna on the east coast as the new center of power
his reign begins the Golden Age of Byzantine culture and art and during this time an amazing number of churches are constructed in Ravenna
Roman Empire at Justinian’s rise to power (527)
Roman Empire at Justinian’s Death (527)
Ravenna
San Vitale, Exterior, 525-547, Ravenna
large Octagonal Church with Dome over center
mosaics under arches illustrate biblical and contemporary events
large Octagonal Church with Dome over center
mosaics under arches illustrate biblical and contemporary events
San Vitale - Interior, 525-547, Ravenna
Look at that mosaic madness!!! All out of tiny pieces of glass!Look at that mosaic madness!!! All out of tiny pieces of glass!
Semicircle depicts two stories from the life of Abraham
Look at how clear the images are, easy to read and interpret.
With only a select few in the population able to read, these images were key in telling the story of the Bible.
Emperor Justinian and Attendants, mosaic, San Vitale
How would you describe how these figures look? ___________________
Where do you see Christian symbols in this piece? (if you look closely and you know what to look for, there are at least 6)
Emperor Justinian and Attendants, mosaic, San Vitale
How would you describe how these figures look? ___________________
Where do you see Christian symbols in this piece? (if you look closely and you know what to look for, there are at least 6)
halo informs us that Justinian is God’s holy representativestylized, tall figures but faces are somewhat natural (most likely portraits)costumes hide figure beneath, and are very stylizedlarge eyes stare from almond shaped facesfigures seem to float and pose for the viewermonogram of Christ on shieldgold background symbolizes the holiness and perfection of heaven
halo informs us that Justinian is God’s holy representativestylized, tall figures but faces are somewhat natural (most likely portraits)costumes hide figure beneath, and are very stylizedlarge eyes stare from almond shaped facesfigures seem to float and pose for the viewermonogram of Christ on shieldgold background symbolizes the holiness and perfection of heaven
following a revolt in 532, Justinian rebuilds Constantinople including the large Basilica Hagia Sophia (Church of Holy Wisdom)
**minarets were added in 1453 when the Moslems conquered Constantinople and changed the church into a Mosque
following a revolt in 532, Justinian rebuilds Constantinople including the large Basilica Hagia Sophia (Church of Holy Wisdom)
**minarets were added in 1453 when the Moslems conquered Constantinople and changed the church into a Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Future Architects take note: The Future Architects take note: The Design of Hagia SophiaDesign of Hagia Sophia
Future Architects take note: The Future Architects take note: The Design of Hagia SophiaDesign of Hagia Sophia
One of the most celebrated architectural masterpieces OF ALL TIME!!!
Incredible dome seems to float thanks to the pendentives that hold it up (no obvious big pillars
Known for its “mystical” light quality
designed by architects Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletos (don’t worry, you don’t have to memorize those names :) )
structural challenge of placing a dome on a square structure in an aesthetically pleasing way
four concave triangles (pendentives) solve the problem and provide a graceful transition to the piers below...this had NEVER been tried on any other building before!!
One of the most celebrated architectural masterpieces OF ALL TIME!!!
Incredible dome seems to float thanks to the pendentives that hold it up (no obvious big pillars
Known for its “mystical” light quality
designed by architects Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletos (don’t worry, you don’t have to memorize those names :) )
structural challenge of placing a dome on a square structure in an aesthetically pleasing way
four concave triangles (pendentives) solve the problem and provide a graceful transition to the piers below...this had NEVER been tried on any other building before!!
The marvel of The marvel of pendentives...pendentives...The marvel of The marvel of pendentives...pendentives...
See how the pendentives seem to disguise how the massive weight of the dome is held up? Very light and
airy as a result....
Pier Pendentive
Floor plan of Hagia SophiaFloor plan of Hagia SophiaFloor plan of Hagia SophiaFloor plan of Hagia Sophia
Enormous piers that hold up the dome allow walls to have windows which let in light
Enormous piers that hold up the dome allow walls to have windows which let in light
Pier Pendentive
Floor plan of Hagia SophiaFloor plan of Hagia SophiaFloor plan of Hagia SophiaFloor plan of Hagia Sophia
Enormous piers that hold up the dome allow walls to have windows which let in light
Enormous piers that hold up the dome allow walls to have windows which let in light
80 m long, 40 m wide, dome is 60 m high (50 on the inside...that is the length of two basketball courts, end to end)
largest interior space in the world at the time
originally walls were covered with Byzantine mosaics
completed in less than 6 years
80 m long, 40 m wide, dome is 60 m high (50 on the inside...that is the length of two basketball courts, end to end)
largest interior space in the world at the time
originally walls were covered with Byzantine mosaics
completed in less than 6 years
Christ between the Virgin and Saint John the Baptist, mosaic, 1261
mosaics either scraped off or covered over by Muslims after conversion to Islam
today Hagia Sophia is a museum of Byzantine art
Christ appears compassionate and loving, face is realistic, robes and book are stylized and unnatural (restored in 1933)
mosaics either scraped off or covered over by Muslims after conversion to Islam
today Hagia Sophia is a museum of Byzantine art
Christ appears compassionate and loving, face is realistic, robes and book are stylized and unnatural (restored in 1933)
Hagia Sophia MosaicsHagia Sophia MosaicsHagia Sophia MosaicsHagia Sophia Mosaics
Enthroned Madonna and Child, 13th Century, Egg Tempera on panel, 122 x 77
cm
Enthroned Madonna and Child, 13th Century, Egg Tempera on panel, 122 x 77
cmsome mural painting was done near the end of the Byzantine Empire (iconostasis)
egg tempera was combined with gold to produce brilliant backgrounds
realistic gentle face and hands
poses are symbolic
robes appear flat, and use oriental-styled sunbursts
perspective and foreshortening is wrong
child is out of proportion—like a miniature adult
some mural painting was done near the end of the Byzantine Empire (iconostasis)
egg tempera was combined with gold to produce brilliant backgrounds
realistic gentle face and hands
poses are symbolic
robes appear flat, and use oriental-styled sunbursts
perspective and foreshortening is wrong
child is out of proportion—like a miniature adult
The Fall of the Roman The Fall of the Roman EmpireEmpire
The Fall of the Roman The Fall of the Roman EmpireEmpire
7th Century – Islam is on the rise and soon Africa and the Near East are overrun by Arab armies
11th Century – the Turks occupy a large part of Asia Minor, and the remaining elements in Southern Italy fall to the Normans
in 1453 the Turks conquer Constantinople itself
7th Century – Islam is on the rise and soon Africa and the Near East are overrun by Arab armies
11th Century – the Turks occupy a large part of Asia Minor, and the remaining elements in Southern Italy fall to the Normans
in 1453 the Turks conquer Constantinople itself
To sum up...To sum up...To sum up...To sum up...
Roman Basilica plan used for churches
Barbarian tribes drive Roman Empire out of Rome
Justinian re-conquers area and makes Ravenna the new capital
Roman Mosaics - natural stone / Byzantine Mosaics - pieces of glass
Hagia Sophia in Constantinople an architectural marvel
Byzantine mosaics develop a very distinctive style. Used to illustrate biblical stories
Roman Basilica plan used for churches
Barbarian tribes drive Roman Empire out of Rome
Justinian re-conquers area and makes Ravenna the new capital
Roman Mosaics - natural stone / Byzantine Mosaics - pieces of glass
Hagia Sophia in Constantinople an architectural marvel
Byzantine mosaics develop a very distinctive style. Used to illustrate biblical stories
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