Coptic, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic Architecture and Art Lecture Notes PDF

COPTIC, BYZANTINE, ROMANESQUE, AND GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE AND ART Dr. Ola Khayat COPTIC ARCHITECTURE AND ART ▪ Coptic art encompasses all artistic forms related to churches, monasteries, and aspects of Coptic life. ▪ It emerged in the late third century AD, with its distinctive feature...

COPTIC, BYZANTINE, ROMANESQUE, AND GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE AND ART Dr. Ola Khayat COPTIC ARCHITECTURE AND ART ▪ Coptic art encompasses all artistic forms related to churches, monasteries, and aspects of Coptic life. ▪ It emerged in the late third century AD, with its distinctive features crystallizing in the fourth century. ▪ Coptic art was established during the era of the Roman Emperor Nero by Christians, through which Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire. ▪ In its early stages, Coptic art closely resembled Greek art, and the term "Coptic art" was not yet recognized. This similarity arose from the association of the Coptic Church with other Christian churches. However, a significant transformation occurred in the fourth century AD when Emperor Constantine embraced Christianity, leading to its designation as the official religion of the empire. COPTIC ARCHITECTURE AND ART ▪ Coptic art is considered an extension of ancient Egyptian art, despite the many differences between them. However, it was greatly influenced by the creations of the ancient Egyptians on the walls of temples. ▪ This art is characterized by several features, the most important of which is its spontaneity, arising in difficult circumstances marked by oppression and persecution of the Copts by the Romans. Icons are one of the most significant forms of this ancient art. COPTIC ART IS IT EGYPTIAN OR GREEK? ▪ The debate over the nature of Coptic art—whether it is inherently Coptic and belongs to the Egyptians or if it is influenced by Greek art—has persisted for some time. However, the French Egyptologist Gaston Maspero (1846-1916) provided evidence to confirm the independence of Coptic art from other artistic traditions. ▪ In this context, the French scholar Pierre Bergé states, “Coptic art has a clear specificity and undoubtedly occupies a prominent place as an authentic art form. It serves as a cultural witness that represents the Egyptian character, deeply rooted in its connection to the sources of ancient Egyptian civilization. This art illustrates the continuity of Egyptian artistic traditions and their influence throughout the history of Egyptian art to this day. Moreover, it embodies a remarkable affinity with the standards of modern art and has a significant impact on the arts of Islamic Egypt.” COPTIC ARCHITECTURE AND ART ▪ Coptic art originated from everyday life, characterized by its simplicity and spontaneity. ▪ It is distinguished as a popular art form rather than a royal or imperial one, created by the people who funded it with their own resources, independent of any official support. ▪ The artwork reflects the lives of ordinary people, their pets, and scenes depicting simple rural life. ▪ Coptic art is also notable for its use of halos on the heads of saints and martyrs, as well as crowns, and it deliberately avoids imitating and copying nature. COPTIC ARCHITECTURE AND ART ▪ The most important forms of Coptic art include mural painting, which decorates the walls and niches of churches, and illustrations inspired by the stories of prophets and religious events. These works often feature images of the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, angels, apostles, saints, martyrs, and themes from the Torah and the Bible. COPTIC ARCHITECTURE AND ART ▪ During the first centuries of Christianity, various regional architectural cultures and styles developed in Europe and the Middle East, utilizing arch and vault construction techniques. The old St. Peter's Basilica is considered the first and most significant early Christian basilica. ST. PETER'S CHURCH ▪ St. Peter's Basilica, also known simply as St. Peter's or the Vatican Basilica, is regarded as one of the most important groups of religious buildings. Its historical significance stems from the collaborative efforts of numerous architects, artists, and craftsmen over a period of more than 120 years, all under the supervision and guidance of various popes. ▪ The main entrance features 284 columns and spans approximately 190 meters in width. The church's final horizontal plan is based on a Latin cross, with impressive dimensions: an internal length of 183 meters and a width of 137 meters. The total length, including the entrance, is about 208 meters. BYZANTINE STYLE BYZANTINE ARCHITECTURE ▪ Byzantine architecture represents an important historical stage in the evolution of global architectural civilization, closely associated with the rise of Christianity in Europe, when the Byzantine Empire was known as the Eastern Roman Empire. ▪ This architectural style emerged from one of the greatest empires in human history, and its influence remains evident in many areas, particularly in Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. ▪ Emperor Constantine is recognized as the founder of the Byzantine Empire, establishing Constantinople (formerly Byzantium) as its capital in 335 AD. ▪ Although Byzantine architecture was influenced by Greek and Roman heritage, as well as the civilizations of the Levant and Egypt, the Byzantines developed their own distinctive culture and architectural styles, particularly in the construction of churches, palaces, and libraries. THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS AFFECTING BYZANTINE ARCHITECTURE 1) Social and Historical Factors From a social perspective, the city of Byzantium was the seat of political, religious, and military authority due to its central location within the Roman Empire. However, since the populace at that time was of limited intellectual engagement, the transfer of the capital and power to Constantinople had a significant and rapid impact on the decline of the Roman Empire. 2) Geographical Factors Byzantium was situated on seven plateaus and at the intersection of two main trade routes: the Black Sea and Mediterranean routes, and the trade route connecting Europe and Asia. This strategic position allowed Byzantium to control trade effectively. THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS AFFECTING BYZANTINE ARCHITECTURE 3) Climatic Factors The heat and high temperatures of the region influenced the designs and architecture of Byzantium. As a result, architects developed unique methods and styles, such as flat surfaces combined with domes, distinctive eastern flooring, and small, narrow windows placed relatively high above ground level. Additionally, unbroken walls and repeated arches surrounded the inner courtyards. 4) Religious Factors ▪ Christianity was the official religion of the state, and the Byzantine architectural style became the official expression for public buildings, churches, and monasteries. However, disputes arose among church officials, leading some Greek artists and engineers to leave for Italy to continue their work. ▪ Consequently, Byzantine architecture in the East lacks expressive statues and oil paintings, in contrast to the Byzantine style in the West, which featured these expressive elements with vibrant colors. THE MOST IMPORTANT BUILDING MATERIALS USED IN BYZANTINE ARCHITECTURE ▪ The Byzantines were inspired by the Romans in their construction methods and building materials. They utilized common materials of the era, such as bricks and concrete for walls and vaults, and pottery for dome construction. FLOOR PLAN IN THE BYZANTINE ARCHITECTURE ▪ The horizontal plan of churches from that era evolved alongside the use of domes. The layout typically featured a large square courtyard with a central dome above it, flanked by four arms that formed a cross. Each of these arms was capped with a dome or semi-dome, while the corners between the courtyard and the arms contained small dome ceilings. ▪ In some cases, churches were octagonal in shape regarding their horizontal plan. FLOOR PLAN IN THE BYZANTINE ARCHITECTURE THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHURCHES IN THE BYZANTINE ERA ▪ Early Byzantine architecture evolved from late Roman and early Christian styles, becoming distinctive by the 6th century with the construction of the Hagia Sophia. ▪ Built in 537, the Hagia Sophia is one of the most renowned domed buildings in the world. Located in the heart of Istanbul, this architectural masterpiece is over 1,500 years old. HAGIA SOPHIA CHURCH ▪ Justinian tended to combine different types of marble, using their contrasting colors alongside gold, silver, ivory, and precious stones to enhance the grandeur and precision of the building while fulfilling its purpose. Approximately 10,000 workers contributed to the construction, which was completed in just five years. ▪ The horizontal plan of this grand hall consists of a vast square measuring 35 meters on each side, with massive stone columns at each corner supporting the impressive dome. This dome has a diameter of 35 meters and rises about 85 meters above the ground, distinguished by its magnificence. ▪ The walls of the church and the dome were adorned with various types of multi-colored marble, while the floors were covered with vibrant glass mosaics. Later, the church was converted into the Hagia Sophia Mosque, during which the statues were covered and replaced with Quranic verses. The mosque features 107 columns, and minarets were added after the Muslims took control of Constantinople. Today, the Hagia Sophia is regarded as a remarkable masterpiece of Byzantine architecture throughout the ages. HAGIA SOPHIA CHURCH BYZANTINE FURNITURE ▪ Not many pieces of furniture from the Byzantine period have survived. ▪ The materials used in furniture typically included wood, metal, ivory, and precious metals such as gold and silver. Seating often took the form of thrones or chairs. ▪ Textiles were primarily made from silk or velvet, with animal skins being used only rarely. ROMANESQUE STYLE ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE ▪ Romanesque art flourished in Western Europe, particularly in Catholic regions, for three centuries, from the tenth to the twelfth century, following the decline of the Roman Empire. ▪ The term "Romanesque" was first used by art enthusiast Grevel in the early nineteenth century, inspired by the lasting influences of ancient Roman art, especially notable in southern France. ▪ While much of Romanesque art is derived from classical Roman styles, it also exhibits Byzantine influences. ▪ This style was employed in the construction of various local civil buildings, ranging from simple and elegant structures to luxurious palaces, commercial buildings, castles, walls, and bridges. However, religious buildings were of particular significance in this style, with church architecture being the primary focus of Romanesque art. VOCABULARY OF ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE ▪ First: Vaults Vaults were widely used for church roofs as a replacement for wooden roofs, which were susceptible to fire. They were constructed from stone and bound with thick mortar, making them a durable option. ▪ Second: Domes Domes were primarily utilized in southern France, while their use was rare in northern Germany. VOCABULARY OF ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE ▪ Third: External Walls In Roman and Byzantine architecture, walls were typically thick. However, in Romanesque architecture, the walls gradually became thinner. ▪ Fourth: Openings Initially, semicircular arches—borrowed from Roman architecture—were used and became a distinctive feature of semicircular arches Romanesque style. Later, convex arches were also incorporated. VOCABULARY OF ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE ▪ Fifth: Church Towers Towers became a prominent feature of churches in Romanesque architecture. Initially, these towers began as independent structures, such as the one at Saint Mark's in Venice, before becoming integrated with the church itself. The plans for the towers were typically square, octagonal, or circular. ▪ Sixth: Columns Romanesque columns are notable for their capitals, which come in various shapes. The simplest form is the basket-shaped capital, consisting of a cube with its lower corners rounded. EXAMPLES OF THE ROMANESQUE STYLE ▪ The Leaning Tower of Pisa, also known as the Bell Tower, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. ▪ Its horizontal plan is circular, with a diameter of 52 feet. The interior of the tower is a continuous cylinder with no floors. It rises to eight floors, with the bells hung on the eighth floor, which is why it is called the Bell Tower. ▪ The facade is divided into eight levels. The lower level features arches supported by interconnected columns, while the six upper levels have arches resting on separate columns. The eighth level stands out, as its columns are also connected to the outer surface of the facade. ▪ There is a roof above the seventh level, but the eighth level remains open to the elements. ▪ The entire tower is built on a foundation of piles, but the foundation has subsided on one side, causing the tower to lean. The tilt is quite pronounced, with a horizontal distance of 4 meters between the top and bottom of the tower. This stability of subsidence is part of what makes it one of the Seven Wonders of the World. EXAMPLES OF THE ROMANESQUE STYLE EXAMPLES OF THE ROMANESQUE STYLE FURNITURE IN THE ROMANESQUE PERIOD ▪ During the Romanesque era, common people lived very simply, so furniture was primarily designed for churches and the aristocracy. The poorer classes typically had only a rough bed or a straw mattress on the floor, perhaps a couple of storage Storage Boxes boxes, and a board supported by tree trunks that served as a dining table. ▪ Chairs: Throne chairs were made exclusively for rulers and were designed to reflect their status in society. ▪ Storage: Storage options included boxes made of ivory, often Throne Chair decorated with intricate carvings. GOTHIC STYLE GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE ▪ Gothic architecture flourished in Western Europe between the mid-12th and 15th centuries AD. ▪ The term "Gothic" is derived from a word meaning "rejection," reflecting the sentiments of many artists and writers who opposed the complex and irregular designs of the Gothic style, which differed significantly from the harmonious classical style. ▪ A new construction system allowed Gothic architects to design churches with thinner walls and lighter buttresses compared to those of Romanesque churches. ▪ The Gothic style is characterized by its emotional appeal, whether stemming from faith or pride. ▪ Many Gothic churches are considered priceless works of art and have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for this reason. GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE Cologne Cathedral - Germany Notre Dame - Paris GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE MATERIALS USED IN GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE ▪ Materials used in Gothic architecture are stone, wood, and sometimes burnt bricks and iron. THE MOST PROMINENT CHARACTERISTICS OF GOTHIC ARCHITECTURE 1) Large glass windows. 2) Specific arches. 3) Ribbed roofs. 4) Flying buttresses. 1 2 5) Ornate. 3 4 5 GOTHIC FURNITURE ▪ Furniture during this period was crafted not from heavy wood, but from thin boards. This approach allowed for the production of high- quality furniture suitable not only for churches but also for ordinary homes. ▪ The furniture served multiple purposes, including storage for various valuables and providing seating. THANKS! Do you have any question?