Introduction
The Byzantine Empire, which emerged from the Eastern Roman Empire in the 4th century AD, significantly contributed to the development of Christian art and architecture. Starting from the period of the Byzantine Empire, Byzantine art and architecture were manifested in works that differed from early classical Christian models. There are many reasons why Byzantine art and architecture contrast with the original classical Christian styles.
Differences Between Byzantine and Christian Art
One of the differences between Byzantine art and architecture and early Classical Christian examples is the style. Early Christian art was heavily influenced by Roman art, characterized by realism, naturalism, and the use of perspective. In contrast, Byzantine art was more abstract, stylized, and decorative (Schwartz 195). Byzantine art often depicted religious figures and events in a flat, two-dimensional style, with little or no attention paid to the physical world.
The Byzantine period was also characterized by the development of new architectural forms, such as domes and vaults, which allowed for larger, more complex structures. This allowed for larger churches, such as the Hagia Sophia, which was built in Constantinople in the 6th century. The Hagia Sophia symbolized the power and grandeur of the Byzantine Empire, and it was built with a large dome and elaborate mosaics.
In contrast, the Catacombs of Rome exemplify early Christian art and architecture. The early Christians used these underground burial chambers as a place of worship and burial. The walls of the catacombs are adorned with frescoes that depict Biblical scenes and figures (Schwartz 392). The Catacombs of Rome were not meant to convey the Christian community’s power and prestige but to serve as a place of refuge and worship for a persecuted minority.
Another feature of Byzantine art and architecture is the use of morphological principles of the East. For example, the architectural forms of Byzantine temples were more interesting than Christian models based on geometric forms (Schwartz 270). Representatives of the Byzantine artistic culture also used more interesting motifs based on the East, such as myths and legends, to decorate their works.
Conclusion
Overall, the Byzantine period of art and architecture was a period of great diversity and innovation. The use of ornamental and symbolic features and the emergence of innovative architectural styles, such as the use of domes and vaults, allowed for the construction of more complex structures.All of these elements combined to create an artistic style unique to the Byzantine period and distinct from the classical Christian examples of the time.
Work Cited
Schwartz, Ellen C. The Oxford Handbook of Byzantine Art and Architecture. Oxford University Press, 2021.