Jewish, Early Christian, and Byzantine Art

Chi Rho

• X and P (symbol for Messiah)

Manuscript

• “written by hand” (owned by important wealthy people and churches)

Icon

• Byzantine painted wood (Greek for “image”)

Iconoclasm

image breaking (no more icon imagery and previous icons destroyed)

Cloisonne

 gold separating clustered shapes of colo

Interlace

• lines that twist together (sometimes intertwining creatures)

Monastery

Buildings occupied by monks/nuns (major center of learning and art - manuscripts / literacy)

Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus, Church of Hagia Sophia

1. Innovative Design: The use of pendentives allowed for a large dome to sit on a square base, creating an open interior without traditional columns.

2. Symbol of Power: The grandeur of the Hagia Sophia showcases Emperor Justinian's wealth and ambition, highlighting the strength of the Byzantine Empire.

3. Cultural Growth: The blend of architectural styles represents a period of creativity and innovation in the Byzantine Empire.

Emperor Justinian and His Attendants

1. Imperial Authority and Divinity: Justinian is depicted at the center with a halo, crown, and purple robes, emphasizing his divine right to rule and imperial status.

2. Representation of Power: The mosaic features soldiers, statesmen, and churchmen, symbolizing the unity of military, political, and religious authority under Justinian’s reign.

3. Abstract Style: The artwork lacks naturalism and movement, with stylized facial features and a focus on symbolic elements, reflecting the Byzantine artistic tradition.

Vienna Genesis

1. Luxury Materials and Craftsmanship: The use of tempera, gold, and silver on purple-dyed parchment highlights the manuscript's high value, showcasing the wealth of its owners and the intricate craftsmanship involved.

2. Transition to Book Format: The codex format, with pages folded like a brochure, represents a significant advancement from scrolls, marking a shift in how texts were produced and read.

3. Cultural Significance: As a hand-written Latin manuscript owned by wealthy individuals and churches, the "Vienna Genesis" reflects the importance of literacy, religion, and art in early medieval society.

Rebekah Well Scene - Vienna Genesis

1. Symbolism of Water: The half-nude woman personifies water, linking her to themes of life and fertility, while also drawing parallels to figures from Ancient Greece and Rome.

2. Character Actions: Rebekka’s act of giving water emphasizes her kindness and suitability as a wife for Isaac, reinforcing the narrative of her role in the biblical story.

3. Altered Proportions: The intentional changes in size and proportion of figures highlight their importance in the narrative, guiding the viewer's focus on key actions and characters in the scene.

Virgin of Vladimir

1. Divine Protection: Created likely in Constantinople, this icon was sent to Moscow as a symbol of divine protection for the city, emphasizing the connection between power and communication with God.

2. Intimate Imagery: The depiction of Mary cradling Christ conveys a sense of intimacy and maternal care, inviting viewers to engage with the emotional bond between them.

3. Artistic Characteristics: The consistent features of the Virgin Mary, along with the geometric and decorative drapery on Jesus, reflect the stylistic conventions of Byzantine art, enhancing the icon's spiritual significance.

Purse cover from Sutton Hoo

1. Cultural Importance: Made from gold, garnet, and millefiori glass, the purse cover reflects the Insular art style and symbolizes wealth, meant as a gift for the afterlife.

2. Craftsmanship: The cloisonné technique and intricate interlace patterns showcase advanced artistry and the decorative style typical of the period.

3. Symbolic Design: The image of a bird of prey attacking a duck suggests themes of power and nature, highlighting cultural values around wealth and life.

Book of Durrow

1. Religious Function: The "Book of Durrow" is a Gospel book used for missionary work, containing the texts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to help spread Christianity.

2. Symbolic Images: Each Evangelist is represented by stylized portraits and symbols—Matthew as a man, Mark as a lion, and John as an eagle—highlighting their traditional roles.

3. Distinctive Style: The use of abstract imagery and patterned borders reflects a unique artistic style meant to connect with local audiences and support their conversion to Christianity.