Early Christian & Byzantine Art History: Styles & Influences

Early Christian art used Roman forms, styles, pagan symbols and they created new symbols Artistic Media were used the same as the surrounding pagan culture. These media included frescoes, mosaics, sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts Jesus Healing a Bleeding Woman: A typical depiction of Jesus...

Early Christian art used Roman forms, styles, pagan symbols and they created new symbols Artistic Media were used the same as the surrounding pagan culture. These media included frescoes, mosaics, sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts Jesus Healing a Bleeding Woman: A typical depiction of Jesus for its time. This fresco shows a clean-shaven man with short hair. Initially, Jesus was represented by symbols such as the peacock, the Lamb of God, and Later, by other symbols. However, the representation of Jesus was well-developed by the end of the pre-Constantinian period. The Dura-Europos Church: This house church, discovered in modern-day Syria, dates back to the 3rd century and is considered one of the earliest known Christian churches. It had a simple rectangular plan with a central nave and aisles, and its walls were decorated with frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Architectural formulas for temples were unsuitable, so the Christians used the model of the basilica, which had a central nave with one aisle at each side and an apse at one end. The transept was added to give the building a cruciform shape. Model of the Basilica: Nave: The central hall Aisles: Lower hallways on either side of the nave Apse: A semicircular or polygonal space at the end of the nave Transept: In some basilicas, a wing crosses the nave at right angles, creating a cruciform plan. Clerestory: A row of windows above the roofs of the aisles, allowing light to enter the nave. Narthex: An entrance porch or vestibule 3- Sculpture: 1- Limited Large-Scale Sculpture:Early Christians faced persecution and restrictions, resulting in a scarcity of monumental sculptures associated with their faith 2- Focus on Smaller Reliefs and Sarcophagi: Sarcophagus reliefs :depicting biblical scenes, symbols, and portraits of the deceased. Diptychs: Small, two-panel ivory carving  Gems and amulets: Smaller carvings worn for protection 3- Stylistic Influences: Early Christian sculptures often borrowed heavily from existing Roman artistic styles, including: Portrait busts: Symbolic motifs: Employing familiar symbolic imagery like the shepherd, fish, and vine from early Christian communities Classical forms Despite early opposition to monumental sculpture, artists for the early Christian church in the West eventually began producing life-sized sculptures, they continued the ancient Roman sculptural traditions. The Spread of Christianity Rome Becomes Christian and Constantine Builds Churches. the Emperor Constantine most notably the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, and he built churches in his newly-constructed capital of Constantinople Early Byzantine (c. 330–750) Generally speaking, Byzantine art differs from the art of the Romans in that it is interested in depicting that which we cannot see the world of Heaven and the spiritual. Thus, the Greco-Roman interest in depth and naturalism is replaced by an interest in flatness and mystery Byzantine architecture: Architecture characteristics: was a unique blend of Roman, Greek, and Eastern influences. Domed Roofs Greek-Cross Plan: This layout features a square central mass with four arms of equal length, creating symmetrical symbolic space Rich Decoration: Evolution from Roman Architecture : Early Byzantine architecture drew heavily on Roman traditions, particularly in terms of materials and techniques. developed their own distinct style, characterized by a greater emphasis on light, color, and symbolism Architecture: San Vitale (Ravenna, Italy) The church of San Vitale is highly significant in Byzantine art, as it is the only major church from the period of the Eastern Emperor Justinian combines Roman elements (the dome, shape of doorways, and stepped towers) with Byzantine elements (a polygonal apse, capitals, and narrow bricks).. The church is most famous for its wealth of Byzantine mosaics —they are the largest and best-preserved mosaics outside of Constantinople. A series of mosaics depict sacrifices from the Old Testament. On the side walls, are mosaics of the Four Evangelists, who are dressed in white under their symbols (angel, lion, ox, and eagle). Architecture: Hagia Sophia the famed Hagia Sophia, which was built in the sixth century under Emperor Justinian Icons, such as the Virgin (Theotokos) and Child between Saints Theodore and George the Hagia Sophia is centrally planned, with the dome serving as its focal point The nave is covered by a central dome that at its maximum is over 180 feet (55 meters)from floor level and rests on an arcade of 40 arched windows. the plan of the Hagia Sophia would significantly influence the construction and design of the Süleymaniye Mosque Early Byzantine (c. 330–750) :Painting: The Early Byzantine period established strict guidelines for the production of icons. In contrast, earlier Christian art had relied more on symbolism Icons show unique presence of the figure depicted where figures have consistent facial appearances with use a few conventional poses. there were cases of direct veneration of the icons themselves, as opposed to the figures represented on them, due to continued claims of icon-associated miracles and this led to the destruction of icons in the eighth century. Early Byzantine (c. 330–750) : Mosaic Art: Mosaic art flourished in the Byzantine Empire from the sixth to the fifteenth centuries. Mosaics were not a Byzantine invention. In fact, some of the most famous surviving mosaics are from ancient Greece and Rome Unlike traditional wall paintings, however, mosaics could create a glittering, shimmering. Byzantine Painting (Mosaics): Religious Subject Matter: They depict scenes from the Bible, the lives of saints, and figures of Christ, Virgin Mary, and various religious figures. Flattened and Stylized Figures: Byzantine mosaics generally feature flattened and stylized figures with elongated proportions and large, expressive eyes. This style, contrasting with the classical Roman emphasis on realism, aimed to convey a sense of spirituality and otherworldliness rather than naturalism. Rich Use of Materials: Byzantine mosaics employed a wide variety of materials, including tesserae (small, colored tiles) made from glass, stone, and even precious metals like gold. This allowed for vibrant colors, intricate details, and a shimmering, almost jewel-like effect and Golden Backgrounds Hierarchical Scale: with the most important figures (such as Christ or Virgin Mary) depicted larger than others Early Byzantine (c. 330– 750) : Sculpture: Ivory carving is manual or mechanical carving wherein very fine detail can be achieved, Late Byzantine (1261–1453) Byzantium continually dealt with threats from the Ottoman Turks to the east and the Latin Empire to the west Art during this period began to change from the standards and styles seen in the Early and Middle periods of Byzantium rule. A renewed interest in landscapes mosaics, and frescoes, this development eventually led to dismiss of the gold background. Late Byzantine (1261–1453): Architecture: The Chora Church the shape was changed from small to symmetrical church , asymmetrical square that consists of three main areas: An inner and outer narthex or entrance hall. The main chapel. The side chapel. The domes are pumpkin-shaped, and richly decorated with frescoes and mosaics that depict images of Christ and the Virgin at the center, with angels or ancestors surrounding them. Late Byzantine (1261–1453): Painting & Mosaics: The rendering of the figures also began to change less on sharp. Furthermore, the bodies appear to have mass and weight. The figures no longer float or hover on their toes but stand on their feet. This allows for the addition of movement and energy in the painted figures and an overall increase in drama and emotion The depictions of Christ in the Chora Church differ greatly Christ often appears clean-shaven and youthful, sometimes cast as the Good Shepherd who tends and rescues his flock from danger. Christianity was no longer new faith; it was a state religion. bearded man who occupies the role of both savior and judge Late Byzantine (1261–1453): Painting During the Late Byzantine period, the icons was fully developed painted on both sides. Icons were painted this way since they were used in processions, and therefore seen from two directions for the viewing of both sides. Early and Late Byzantine art characterized by some differences: Style and Form: Early Byzantine (330-843 AD): Strong influence from classical Roman art, with elements like naturalism and three-dimensionality. Emphasis on ideality and spiritual transcendence. Figures are often elongated and hieratic (formal and rigid), with a focus on symbolic representation rather than realistic portrayal. Examples: Hagia Sophia mosaics, icons like the Virgin and Child between Saints Theodore and George. Late Byzantine (1261-1453 AD): Less concerned with classical influence and more focused on emotional expression and narrative details. Figures become more lifelike with proportional bodies and increased emotional range. Incorporation of landscapes and architectural elements into religious scenes. Reintroduction of perspective in some works. Examples: Chora Church frescoes, Palaiologan Renaissance paintings Themes and Contexts: Early Byzantine: Primarily concerned with religious themes, particularly the Virgin Mary and saints. Art served as a tool for prayer and contemplation. Influenced by the Iconoclasm controversy (726-843 AD), which resulted in the destruction of many religious images. Late Byzantine: While still predominantly religious, art also depicts secular themes like historical figures and everyday life. Increased emotional intensity in religious scenes, reflecting a renewed focus on human suffering and the pathos (suffering) of Christ. Greater stylistic diversity due to regional variations and external influences, particularly from Western European art. Coptic art: (4th-7th century) Coptic art is the Christian art of Byzantine-Greco-Roman Egypt Coptic art is best known for its wall paintings, textiles, illuminated manuscripts, and metalwork, much of which survives in monasteries and churches. The artwork is often functional, craftsmanship, and includes tunics and tombstones as well as portraits of saints. Egyptian and Hellenistic influences. Subjects and symbols were taken from both Greek and Egyptian mythology, Coptic art: (4th-7th century): painting: influences from ancient Egyptian art, particularly the use of geometry, floral, birds, animal figures, as well as activities like fishing and farming vine leaves and grapes Copts used to decorate their buildings. widely seen in ancient Egyptian mythology and art, symbolizing rebirth and the ancient Egyptian God Osiris Palm leaf found in ancient Egyptian art and symbolizes “victory” in Coptic art differ from Christian paintings in the West, as they depict Jesus Christ as both human and divine Egyptian monarchs are portrayed with a more serious face, the face of Christ shown in a ‘glorified aspect’ that does not show much suffering to spotlight this ‘divine’ nature The faces of El Fayum are examples of the Coptic art in the 2nd century AD showing the Greek and Roman local Coptic art to influence Egypt's then Islamic art and architecture with many features that are now integral in many Egyptian buildings The figures of saints display eyes and ears larger in proportion to the rest of the face and a smaller mouth, as well as enlarged heads, signifying a spiritual relationship with God and devotion to prayer. The faces were peaceful The main Characteristics of Coptic Painting in Egypt Style: Flatness and lack of naturalism Limited color palette (red, blue, yellow, green, black, and white being the most common). Subject matter: Religious themes Iconography: Hierarchical scale, Symbolic elements: Text incorporation Continuity and adaptations: Influence from various styles: While maintaining its distinct characteristics, Coptic painting shows influences from earlier Egyptian, Hellenistic, and Byzantine styles Coptic art: Architecture ancient Egyptian temples, such as the triple division design of their churches some ancient Egyptian temples that were transformed into churches, such as the ancient temples of Luxor, Karnak, and Edfu where Coptic Graffiti and symbols can be seen on the walls. They usually have heavy walls and columns, architraves and barrel-vaulted roofs, and end in a tripartite apse, but many variant plans exist. Domes are small compared to Byzantine churches, Coptic art: Architecture: Characteristics: Plan and Structure: Basilica Influence: basic basilica plan This layout was inherited from Greco-Roman architectural styles.. Heavy Walls and Columns: Barrel Vaults and Arches Tripartite Apse Distinctive Elements: Smaller Domes: Compared to Byzantine churches, Iconostasis: Symbolism: Coptic architecture is a fascinating fusion of: Early Christian architectural traditions (basilica plan) Local building materials (mudbrick) Symbolic elements (geometric patterns) Adaptation to Islamic restrictions (less emphasis on mosaics after the 7th century) Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Azbakeya, Cairo. Saint Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral is a Coptic church in Alexandria, Egypt. The White Monastery and Red Monastery, near Souhag "The Hanging Church" and Saint Mary Church (Haret Elroum) Al-Mu'allaqa (Hanging Church): Coptic Museum: Coptic Applied Art: textile: The textiles are commonly linen or wool and use the colors red, blue, yellow, green, purple, black, and brown. produced pictures and decorations incorporating Egyptian and Greek motifs, form of Egyptian civilization. Later Coptic textiles showed the influence of Byzantium and later, Islamic art Coptic Applied Art: Wood: such as making furniture, coffins and delicate fillings. luxurious and beautiful doors, veils of structures, cornices and upper thresholds. Islamic Art (7th - 18Th century): Islamic Art describes all of the arts that were produced in the lands where Islam was the dominant religion or the religion of those who ruled is organized into three chronological periods: Early, Medieval, and Late. Middle East (including Arabia, Persia, Mesopotamia, and Syria): the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem and the Great Mosque of Damascus. North Africa (including Egypt and Morocco): Muhammad Ali Mosque in Cairo and Salah EL- din citadel, while Morocco is famous for the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain. Anatolia (Turkey): Hagia Sophia, and Sulimanyya mosque. Central Asia (including Iran and Afghanistan): The turquoise dome of the Shah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran, South Asia (including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh): The Taj Mahal in Agra, India, Southeast Asia (including Indonesia and Malaysia): Indonesia's Borobudur temple Sub-Saharan Africa (including Mali and Senegal): The Great Mosque of Djenné in Mali The Alhambra palace in Granada is a prime example. Islamic Art :Early period (c. 640–900 C.E.) the Umayyad Dynasty Damascus in modern-day Syria. Responsible for the first great monuments of Islamic art and architecture, Umayyad rulers built the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, the Great Mosque of Damascus, The Abbasids Baghdad Islamic Art :Early period (c. 640–900 C.E.): Architecture: the Great Mosque of Damascus Minarets, Domes, Muqarnas Vaulting, Arches. The Great Mosque of Damascus, built by the Umayyad caliph, seven years The mosque’s location and organization were directly influenced by the temples and the church that preceded it. The complex is composed of a prayer hall and a large open courtyard with a fountain for ablutions (washing) before prayer. There are tower-like minarets Islamic Art :Early period (c. 640–900 C.E.): Architecture: the Great Mosque of Damascus: The prayer hall takes its form from Christian basilicas (which are in turn derived from ancient Roman law courts). The prayers facing the qibla wall. The qibla wall has a niche (mihrab), which focuses the faithful in their prayers. The face of the courtyard is decorated on the exterior with rich mosaics. The architecture and the plants depicted in the mosaics have clear origins in the artistic traditions of the Mediterranean, similar motifs can be seen in the sculpture of the ancient Romans. Islamic Art : Medieval period (c. 900–1517 C.E.): Architecture: The Salah El-Din Citadel in Cairo: Built by Sultan Salah ad-Din (Saladin) Remained the center of power in Egypt for nearly 700 years Walls and towers: The citadel is surrounded by a thick outer wall with around 12 towers. Gates: Strategically placed gates Stone is the primary construction material Vaulted constructions: Decorative elements: the citadel might have some decorative features like inscriptions or geometric patterns on gateways or towers. The Muhammad Ali Mosque in Salah El-Din Citadel in Cairo: Architectural Style: Ottoman architecture, with inspiration drawn from the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul: Exterior: Ottoman Grandeur: The overall style leans towards Ottoman architecture, with a focus on symmetry, monumentality, and a sense of awe, presence mosque commands attention with its large central dome, the tallest minarets in Egypt, and a rectangular base. This creates a sense of power and importance. Alabaster Adornment (Once Upon a Time): The mosque's nickname, the Alabaster Mosque, comes from the alabaster panels that once graced the lower exterior walls. The walls are adorned with intricate calligraphy, verses from the Quran, and geometric patterns. This reflects Islamic artistic traditions and adds a layer of visual complexity. Islamic Art : Medieval period (c. 900–1517 C.E.): Architecture: The Alhambra palace : The Alhambra palace was built by the Nasrid in Spain The palace buildings' features are gardens and water fountains, canals, pools, shaded patios, and covered walkways, the sunny gardens are full of reflections of water and carved decorations (1 mile) of walls four main gates. , a residence for the ruler and close family, the citadel, Alcazaba barracks for the elite guard an area called medina (or city), where court officials lived and worked Islamic Art :Late (c. 1517–1924 C.E.): Architecture: The Ottoman Empire Anatolia The Ottomans conquered Constantinople They dominated much of Anatolia, the Balkans, the Near East and North Africa The Ottomans are famous for their domed architecture and pencil minarets, many of which were built by the great architect, Sinan (1539–1588) for Sultan Süleyman (r. 1520–66). Safavids, iran their rule saw the beginning of modernity in Iran Mughals northern Indian and Pakistan, the emperors of the Mughal dynasty generated of some of the greatest works of Islamic art, such as illuminated manuscripts and painting, and architecture, including the Taj Mahal Islamic Art :Late (c. 1517–1924 C.E.): Architecture: Taj Mahal Shah Jahan was the fifth ruler of the Mughal dynasty. During his third ruling year, his favorite wife, known as Mumtaz Mahal, died due to complications arising from the birth of their fourteenth child. stunning gardens, lavish ornamentation, and its overt use of white marble. The marble structure is topped by a bulbous dome and surrounded by four minarets of equal height. Quranic verses are inscribed into the walls of the building and designs are inlaid with semi- precious stones—coral, onyx, carnelian, and amethyst. The dominant theme of the carved imagery is floral.