Byzantine Column
The Byzantine period was tremendously culturally productive, in
painting, sculpture, architecture and
illuminated manuscripts. Artists emphasized transcendent time
and place; the only worldly concern was with how one must behave in
order to get into heaven. Thus the figures in Byzantine art tend to
"hover" in space without weight and solidness, without inhabiting a
three-dimensional space. With the triumph of Christianity,
Byzantine artists aspired to reawaken the divine spirit of holy figures
rather than depict their physical qualities. Their luminous paintings
captured the spirit of the Bible and helped to popularize Christianity.
Not until the thirteenth century, in the works of Florentine master
Cimabue, is a
change perceptible. He looked to nature for inspiration rather than
intuition or mysticism. The Christ-child becomes more childish and
tender; and a soft inclination of the head of the
Madonna
shows that she hears the prayers of men and can bring help and gracious
forgiveness. The hard, sullen features are animated by softness and
charm, by human sentiment; and it is in this sense that
Vasari wrote
that through Cimabue more love had come into art. Byzantine style represented early
Christian culture and values as well as courtly splendor. The paintings
are complex; fraught with religious fervor and symbolism. Most
prominently featured are the holy symbols of the Christian faith--Christ,
The Apostles,
Saints,
The Cross,
Virgin Mary,
Chalice,
Keys,
The Anchor,
Wheat ,
The Good
Shepherd,
Animals, Fish,
Angels,
Birds,
Insects and
Satan
☼☼☼☼☼
Their unique style is a combination of depicting frontal simplicity,
sacred images, harmonious unity, together with precision in details. The
use of costly materials such as gold, precious stones and ivory
indicates the degree of wealth that was common during this period, and
attests to the sophistication of the Byzantine Society.
☼☼☼☼☼
Require more information about Byzantine Painting? Search Here If you have comment or would like to share an insight regarding The Effect of Black Death on Art and Artists in the Middle Ages, please submit your comment to the editor, via e-mail and if possible site the source. Thank you!
© HistoryofPainters.com If you like this page and wish to share it, you are welcome to link to it, with our thanks.
If you feel you have worthwhile information you would like to contribute we would love to hear from you. We collect essential biographical information and artist quotes from folks all over the globe and appreciate your participation. When submitting please, if possible, site the source and provide English translation. Email to millardmulch@gmail.com
copyright 2003 - historyofpainters