Chapter Seven: Early Christianity: Ravenna and Byzantium

The Decline of Rome Constantinople : “new” Rome Council of Nicaea Geographic advantages Council of Nicaea Arian Controversy

Literature, Philosophy, and Religion Augustine of Hippo Bishop of Hippo (390) Augustinian Premise Absolute majesty of God Immutability of God’s will Flawed state of the human condition The City of God Linear history Confessions Autobiography, self-reflection

Literature, Philosophy, and Religion Boethius Classical paganism + Christianity The Consolation of Philosophy Issues of human freedom Praevidentia vs. Providence Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine

Byzantium Constantinople Justinian and Theodora Restoration of the Empire Western Silk Industry Revised / Codified Roman Law Tribonian Code, Pandects, Institutes Christian fanaticism 25+ churches and convents

Church of Hagia Sophia Unified basilica and dome Pendatives Ethereal light Divine Liturgy of St. Chrysostom Converted to mosque (post 1453)

7.3 Hagia Sophia, 532-537. Constantinople (Istanbul), Turkey

7.4 Interior of Hagia Sophia

Ravenna: Art and Architecture Roman+Gothic+Byzantine Mosaics of Galla Placidia Lunettes, apse, dome Trompe l’oeil Neonian Baptistery Octagonal Mosaics as “theology in color”

7.6 Christ as the Good Shepherd, 5th century, Lunette mosaic, Mausoleum of Galla Placida, Ravenna, Italy

7.7b Baptisteries of the Orthodox and Arians. Ravenna, Italy 7.7b Baptisteries of the Orthodox and Arians, Ravenna, Italy. Cupola mosaics, Ravenna, Italy//Both images © Scala/Art Resource, NY

Ravenna: Art and Architecture Arian Baptistery Severely decorated Passion/Resurrection of Christ Church of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo Theodoric’s palace church Basilica style Rich mosaics (Roman and Byzantine)

7.8 Church of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, ca. 493-526. Ravenna, Italy

7. 9 Miracle of the loaves and fishes 7.9 Miracle of the loaves and fishes. Mosaic from the uppermost register of the nave wall, above the clerestory windows, Church of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy

Church of San Vitale Octagons, dome, squinches Program of mosaics Christ Enthroned Justinian as Christ on earth (paten) Theodora with chalice

7.10 Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy

7. 11 Christ enthroned, with Saint Vitalis and Bishop Ecclesius, ca 7.11 Christ enthroned, with Saint Vitalis and Bishop Ecclesius, ca. 530. Ceiling mosaic, Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy

7. 12 Emperor Justinian and courtiers, c. 547 7.12 Emperor Justinian and courtiers, c. 547. Mosaic, north wall of the apse, Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy//Image © Cameraphoto Arte, Venice/Art Resource, NY 7.12 Emperor Justinian and courtiers, ca. 547. Mosaic, south wall of the apse, Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy

7. 13 Empress Theodora and retinue, c. 547 7.13 Empress Theodora and retinue, c. 547. Mosaic, south wall of the apse, Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy//Image © Cameraphoto Arte, Venice/Art Resource, NY 7.13 Empress Theodora and retinue, ca. 547. Mosaic, south wall of the apse, Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy

Saint Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai Built by Justinian Repository of art and culture Codex Sinaiticus Vast collection of religious icons

7.15 Aerial view of the fortress of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, 6th century. Sinai Desert, Egypt

7. 16 Christ Pantocrator, ca. 500-530 7.16 Christ Pantocrator, ca. 500-530. Encaustic on wood panel, 32” x 27” (84 x 46 cm). Saint Catherine’s Monastery, Sinai Desert, Egypt 7.16 Christ Pantocrater, c. 500–530. Encaustic on wood panel. 32˝ x 27˝ (84 x 46 cm). Monastery of Saint Catherine, Sinai, Egypt//Image © The Art Archive/Gianni Dagli Orti

The Legacy of Byzantine Culture Influence on Russian Culture Italo-Byzantine Style Theological conservatism, aesthetic stability (iconography) Reinfusion of Greek culture Greek refugee scholars Classical learning in the Renaissance

Chapter 7: Discussion Questions Explain the difference in worldview between Augustine and Boethius. What issues were principal to their philosophies? Where did their ideologies overlap? Diverge? What role did the iconoclastic controversy play in the arts of Constantinople and Ravenna? In light of this controversy, what is the significance of the findings at Saint Catherine’s monastery? Reflect on the reciprocal relationships between the Byzantine culture (art, religion, politics) and other cultures. What did the various cultures “share” with one another? What is the legacy of this relationship?