Byzantine Empire’s Art, Sacred Art

Flashcards about Byzantine and Sacred Art

What are the origins of Byzantine art?

Byzantine art emerged from the Eastern Roman Empire, blending Roman, Greek, and Eastern influences into a unique spiritual style.

According to Merriam-Webster, what does 'sacred' mean?

Dedicated or set apart for worship, worthy of reverence and respect, relating to religion, not secular or profane.

What does sacred art apply to?

Paintings, sculptures, stained glass windows, and the environment that houses them.

In the context of a church, what should sacred art be?

To offer a holistic experience to visually meditate on the Sacred Mysteries.

What is an icon?

A religious work of art, most commonly a painting, in the cultures of the Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and Catholic churches.

What was the initial purpose of paintings in the Roman Rite?

To glorify God and visualize the Sacred Scriptures to people without literacy.

What makes 'The Adoration of the Shepherds' by Gerard Van Honthorst an especially interesting work of sacred art?

The people are smiling, and the light source radiates from the Christ Child.

What are the characteristics of 'The Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci?

Realistic depiction, perspective and naturalistic gestures, emphasis on human emotions.

Where is 'The Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci located?

It is a mural that measures 15 × 29 feet inside the Dominican convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie in Milan, Italy.

What are the characteristics of Michelangelo's Pietà?

A three-dimensional sculpture depicting Mary holding the dead Christ, emphasizing realism and anatomy, showcasing suffering and humanity.

What are the characteristics of 'The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa' by Gian Lorenzo Bernini?

Highly emotional, with dramatic movement, light and shadow creating a theatrical, divine experience, aimed to inspire religious devotion.

What are the characteristics of 'Christ Pantocrator' in Hagia Sophia?

A flat, frontal image of Christ as the 'All-Powerful Ruler,' with a gold background representing divine light, meant to evoke spiritual presence.

What are the characteristics of 'Theotokos of Vladimir'?

A famous icon of the Virgin and Child, highly stylized, emphasizing tenderness and spiritual connection, used in Orthodox worship.

What are the characteristics of 'The Holy Trinity' by Andrei Rublev?

Represents the Trinity as three angels, uses symbolism and harmony, meant to evoke contemplation and divine mystery.

What are the key features of Western Christian Art?

Emphasis on Christ’s humanity, suffering, and realism, religious paintings exist but are not venerated, frescoes, stained glass, statues, focuses on artistic individuality and evolution.

What are the key features of Eastern Christian Art?

Emphasis on Christ’s divinity, mystical experience, icons are sacred, mosaics, frescoes, and iconostasis, adheres to strict traditional iconographic rules.

Summarize Western Christian art.

Evolved dynamically, embracing naturalism, individualism, and innovation.

Summarize Eastern Christian art.

Symbolic, mystical, and unchanging, focusing on spiritual continuity

What are the characteristics of Western Christian Art?

Realistic, emotional, naturalistic.

What are the characteristics of Eastern Christian Art?

Symbolic, mystical, unchanging.