Middle and Late Byzantine Art

Middle Byzantine Era

• Dating: 843 - 1204
  • Starts with the renunciation of iconoclasm in August 843.
  • Ends with the Western Crusaders' occupation of Constantinople in 1204.
• Renunciation of Iconoclasm:
  • Victory for the iconophiles (those who wanted images).
  • Marks the beginning of a second golden age in Byzantine history.
• Macedonian Dynasty:
  • Powerful dynasty instrumental in the "Great Renovation."
  • Emperor Basil I (reigned 867-886) spearheaded the restoration of images.
• Revival of Classical Learning and Literature:
  • Classical motifs and ideologies reappear in artworks alongside religious stories.
• Luxurious Works:
  • Middle Byzantine is known for luxurious works in various media.
• Stability and Prosperity:
  • Historical moment defined by relative stability and economic prosperity

Virgin and Child Enthroned

• Context: Revitalization of images during the Middle Byzantine era.
• Theotokos: Mary is presented as Theotokos, meaning "Mother of God" or "Bearer of God."
• Inscription: Mosaic had an inscription stating that the pious emperors (Basil I and the Macedonians) commissioned it to replace one destroyed by "impostors" (iconoclasts).
• Art Historical Perspective: Historians believe that it is unlikely that there was an earlier mosaic in that location.

Christ as Pantocrator

• Location: Church of the Dormition, dedicated to the Virgin Mary and her Dormition (ascension to heaven at the moment of her death).
• Representation of Jesus: Represented as Pantocrator (Greek for "ruler of the universe"), the judge of humankind.
• Iconography:
  • Holding the Gospel, stern expression.
  • Halo inscribed with a cross.
  • Letters IC and XC, abbreviations from Greek words for Jesus Christ, with a bar indicating sacredness.
• Vantage Point: The image is in the dome of the church and is meant to be seen from the vantage point of the worshiper.
• Dome: Evokes the Hagia Sophia dome, appearing suspended from the heavens due to windows.
• Function:
  • Inspire reverence within worshippers.
  • Connect worshippers with the heavens through Christ.
  • Visual symbolism reinforces Christ as the link between worshippers on earth and God in heaven.

Church Pictorial Programs

• Churches feature a pictorial program to:
  • Inspire reference.
  • Edify believers.
  • Incite worship.

Crucifixion Mosaic

• Setting:
  • Located in the transept of the Church of the Dormition.
  • The skull beneath Jesus' feet indicates Golgotha (the place of the skulls) and is the only setting.
  • Blood from Jesus' feet flows onto the skull, symbolizing the redemption of mankind.
• Figures:
  • Virgin Mary (to the left) and Saint John (to the right) are present.
  • They act as intercessors, pointing viewers to Jesus as a devotional object.
• Emotional Interpretation:
  • A humanized representation of the crucifixion, appealing to viewers' emotions.
  • Mary and John's heads are tilted showing sadness and grieving on their faces as they point to Jesus.

Classical and Byzantine Elements

• Classical Elements: Composition is balanced, clear, dignified, and elegant, heroic nudity of Christ, statuesque posture of John and Mary.
• Byzantine Elements: Piety, pathos (compassion, sorrow, sympathy), non-realistic depiction of space (golden space), spiritual subject in a heavenly realm.
• Blending of Styles: Beautiful mixing and blending of classical and Byzantine elements.

David Composing the Psalms

• Source: Paris Psalter, a book of Psalms.
• Function: One of eight full-page scenes; functions as an author portrait of David, who is considered the author of the Psalms.
• Patron: Commissioned by an imperial ruler.
• Depiction:
  • David playing his harp, surrounded by animals (sheep, goats, a dog).
  • Allegorical figures/personifications: Melody, Echo, and the Mountain of Bethlehem.
• Classical Influence:
  • Inclusion of allegorical figures from Greco-Roman painting.
  • David resembles the Greek poet Orpheus who charms beasts with his music.
• Religious and Political Meaning:
  • The imperial ruler may have commissioned the work to align himself with King David as a just ruler.
  • Possible religious connection to Christ as the Good Shepherd.
  • David serves as a model for the ideal ruler.

End of Middle Byzantine Era

• Fatal Defeat: The armies of the Fourth Crusade sack Constantinople in 1204.
• Western Occupation: The eastern part of the empire remains in Western hands for over fifty years.
• Late Byzantine Era: Byzantines regain their independence, ushering in the Late Byzantine era.
• Impact of the Crusades: Brings the Byzantine into contact with the West.

Late Byzantine Art

• Dating: 1261 - 1453
  • Starts with the recapture of Constantinople.
  • Ends with the final loss to the Ottoman Turks and the conversion of churches to mosques.

Annunciation Icon

• Description: A two-sided icon depicting the Annunciation on one side.
• Narrative Event: Depicts the moment when the angel Gabriel tells Mary that she will be the mother of God (Theotokos).
• Depiction:
  • Angel Gabriel: Powerful form with one wing in the air, gesturing towards Mary.
  • Virgin Mary: Seated in a confined architectural space/throne, wearing blue, gesturing with her hand.
• Function:
  • Mounted on poles and displayed in churches.
  • Paraded across town in processions.
• Style: Not particularly realistic; emphasizes the spiritual and otherworldly nature of the scene.
• Interpretation: Draws on classical motifs and contemporary ideologies but emphasizes spiritual relevance.