Art and Architecture in the 4th Century

• The 4th century marks an important period for the emergence of art and architecture dedicated to Christianity.

• Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire by 380 CE.

Roman Empire Divisions

• In the 3rd century, the Roman Empire was divided into two separate empires:

  • Western Empire:

    • Seat in Rome.

    • Official language was Latin.

  • Eastern Empire (Byzantine Empire):

    • Seat in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).

    • Official language was Greek.

Fall of the Western Empire

• By the 5th century, the Western Empire weakened significantly and eventually fell to Germanic tribes.

• The Byzantine Empire thrived for another 1000 years, gaining power and wealth.

• Important dates and events:

  • 313 CE: The Edict of Milan legalized Christianity under Emperor Constantine.

  • 380 CE: Christianity recognized as the state religion of both the Western and Eastern Empires.

Byzantine Art and Architecture

• Byzantine art is considered the earliest form of Christian art from the Eastern Roman Empire, spanning the 4th to the 15th century.

• This period overlaps with the medieval period of Western history.

• The term "Byzantine" derives from Byzantium, the earlier name of Constantinople.

• Key features of Byzantine works:

  • Mosaics

  • Painted icons

  • Centrally planned churches

Example of Byzantine Icons

• Crucifixion Icon:

  • Depicts Christ dead on the cross; a commonly represented scene in Christian art.

  • Uses standardized, stylized figures differing from ancient Roman and Greek art, which showcased more idealized forms.

Identifying Christ in Byzantine Art

• Christ is typically represented with:

  • Facial characteristics that are standardized and stylized.

  • A front-facing posture looking towards the viewer.

  • Holding the "Book of Life."

  • A raised hand signifying a blessing.

  • A halo symbolizing sanctity.

Standardization in Iconography

• Icons serve as important images representing Christian figures and sacred events, aiding uniformity across Christian communities.

• Techniques used in icon painting:

  • Encaustic Technique: Paint mixed with wax, providing durability and richness to colors.

• Icons are copies of an original or miraculous image, believed to stem from images linked to holy figures such as the apostles.

• Significant subjects include the Virgin and Child, also known as Madonna and Child.

Specific Icon Example: Christ as Pentokrator

• Found at the Monastery of Saint Catherine in Egypt, dated to the 6th century.

• Size: 84 by 45 centimeters, painted on a wool wood panel using encaustic techniques.

Consistency in Icon Representation

• An emphasis on consistency means icons aimed for uniform representation rather than showcasing artistic skill, leading to familiar images of religious figures.

• Iconography focused on recognizable representations, facilitating identification across different contexts within Christianity.

• Icons typically smaller in size, stressing standardization.

Comparison with Renaissance Art

• Byzantine art favored conventionalism over individual artistic skill, resulting in a consistency across images relevant to Christ and biblical narratives.

• Comparative Works:

  • Top images demonstrate Byzantine characteristics:

    • Icon-style figures with gold backgrounds and frontal views.

  • Bottom images from the Renaissance display:

    • Varied poses and three-dimensionality.

    • Use of oil paint, revealing diversity in styles and techniques.

• Renaissance artists experimented with breaking free of earlier conventions, moving towards more naturalistic representations.