Middle Byzantine Art and Architecture

Middle Byzantine Art and ArchitectureMarshay LewisArt History 7/1/13

The Middle Byzantine era of art was one of sheer controversy in its beginning stages. It was a slow transition from the iconoclastic early Byzantium era to that of the use of icons within art and architecture. Art flourished during this period due to the rising wealth and economic standing of the current empire as well as the existing and flourishing religions of the time. An intensified revival of interest in classical art forms and ancient literature reflected Byzantium's continuous and active engagement with its ancient past throughout the empire's long history [Reference 2].

Middle Byzantine architecture was very distinct in terms of its structure. More specifically, its churches and monasteries held to a general domed, centrally planned design, with a "cross-in-square plan". The design also became very centralized and problems in structure were corrected by adding in a cross domed system and creating churches smaller in size. All of these changes provided a sense of private devotion and changed the way worship was oriented.

A prime example of this is the world renowned Hagia Sophia. Some of the finest works of the Byzantium era can still be found within the walls of the Hagia Sophia. For instance the Deesis mosaic is the most important mosaic work of the Byzantium era [Reference 3 ]. It features a depiction of Jesus, Mary, and John the Baptist and took many years to uncover after being plastered over during Mosque conversion. This is a sad example of how so many of the greatest byzantine works were lost over the decades. However the building still stands after enduring a horrible earthquake and is in and of itself a work of art. The Hagia Sophia revolutionized church architecture and many of the churches we see from this time period were based off this monumental building.

Moving on, the details of the construction and structural aspects are far from simple. As stated earlier many structural corrections were made throughout the transition. When transitioning from early to middle Byzantium there were different styled plans which formed the church architecture. The first was the basilican or axial type. It consisted of long rectangular hall with a nave and apse and then later on developed a transept. This created a cross shaped plan. The second was the architecture known as a central dome plan. This type was nearly always vaulted, for a central dome would seem to furnish their very raison d'etre or reason for existence. The central space was sometimes surrounded by a very thick wall, in which deep recesses, to the interior, was formed, or by a vaulted aisle or annexes was thrown out from the central space in such a way as to form a cross, in which these additions helped to counterpoise the central vault [Reference 4]. Lastly, there was a very unique plan that combined the two plans as seen in the building of the Hagia Sophia. It consists of a system of domical surfaces not only in the apse but thought the cross plan. It also it includes a larger centralized dome with hemicycles added for structural support [Reference]. It is considered one of the most remarkable plans ever contrived.

Architecture is only a small part of the art works found during the Byzantium era. What truly stood out the most during this time were the stand alone pieces. Much of byzantine art was influenced by the roman and Grecian empires. However the major difference which set the two apart were that unlike the romans or the Greek the Byzantium strayed away from classical aesthetics (though there are still some naturalistic statues from this time) and developed a more abstract style. The subject matter held to primarily religious and imperial tones. This being due to the pious and autocratic nature of Byzantine society, and is also partly a result of its economic structure. The wealth of the empire was concentrated in the hands of the church and the imperial office, which therefore had the greatest opportunity to undertake monumental artistic commissions [Reference 7]. This however is more of a known fact than a seen practice due which is odd considering the revival of art that took place during the middle Byzantium era. This is explained by the fact that Iconoclasm was responsible for the destruction of most of the middle byzantine art. There is also an ongoing discrepancy between Early Christian Art and Byzantium art because both are very similar in style, medium, and origin. These problems have slowed the process of uncovering the great works of art but are far from stopping them.

During the Middle Byzantium era the creation of mosaics, the art of creating images with an assemblage of small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials, were the dominant art form until the 14th century [Reference 10]. These pieces were usually found studding the interior and exterior church walls as well as private homes. However, certain pieces were usually placed in different areas of the church depending on the theme. For example, the main dome was reserved for the representation of the Pantocrator, or Christ as the ruler of the universe, whereas other sacred personages occupied lower spaces in descending order of importance. The main apse was reserved for the representation of the Theotokos, or Virgin Mary. The side apses were occupied by either Archangels or Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The squinches, pendentives, nave vaults, narthex domes, and narthex vaults contained festival cycles, or festivals related to the life of Christ. The minor domes, vaults, and upper walls in the narthex, ambulatories and galleries were covered with Saints and benefactors [Reference 11.] The pieces held very special precedence in the church due to the time it took to create them as well as the craftsmanship which was needed to truly elevate these master works.

Not only were mosaics popular, but the illumination of manuscripts became a dominant art form during this time. Almost all forms of text from both religious and secular origin were hand painted. The most influential characteristics of Byzantine manuscript painting were the abundant use of precious metals, especially gold; the choice of bright colors; and the use of empty space, often filled with gold leaf, as background. Byzantine illumination was frequently devoted to narrating biblical stories. However, styles of depicting the human figure varied in Middle Byzantine art over the centuries.

There were also a number of minor artworks such as reliefs, ivory carvings, enamels; jewelry, metal works, and figured silks were produced in large quantities throughout the Byzantine era. Many of these were religious in nature, although a large number of objects with secular or non-representational decoration were produced: for example, ivories representing themes from classical mythology. Byzantine ceramics were relatively crude, as pottery was never used at the tables of the rich, who ate off silver [Reference 2].

The people of middle byzantine accomplished a lot in their lifetime. Using their wealth, refinement, and dedication they were able to produce some of the most beautiful pieces of art work. And although only a small portion of it still survives today we are able to see their history in these fragments that they left behind. They did more than just create art, they create a world and civilization that we will never truly know, and in doing so marked themselves a place in history for many to see and appreciate for many years to come.

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_art

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica

3. http://www.hagiasophiablog.com/A_restoration_project.pdf

4. http://www.learn.columbia.edu/ma/htm/or/ma_or_discuss_mba.html

5. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/byza/hd_byza.htm

6. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_cathedrals_and_great_churches#Architecture

7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica

8. http://books.google.com/books?id=Caqa12aj55wC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

9. http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/byzantine-art-and-architecture.html

10. https://share.ehs.uen.org/node/10187

11. http://www.juliepetrusa.com/Middle.htm