Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus Early Christian Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus c. 359 A.D. Marble 3'10" x 8' Vatican Grottoes, Rome
Encaustic panel painting of Madonna and Child, flanked by Saints Theodore and George and two angels. Perhaps made in Constantinople at beg. 7th c. A.D. (Sinai: St. Katherine's Monastery). 68.5 x 48 cm. Frontal saints are intense and flatened. The angels are more impressionistic. The style therefore adapts to the three levels of reality.
Miniature from the Four Gospels: Saint Mathew Miniature from the Four Gospels: Saint Mathew. Reims school, 845-882 (New York: Morgan Library M.728 f.14 v.). The Four Gospels were produced under the rule of Archbishop Hincmar of Reims (845-882), Europe's most powerful politician in the ninth century.
Throne of Dagobert. 7th c. A.D. (B.N. Cab des Médailles).
Moses at the Well of Be‘er, detail ofthe wall-painting from the Synagogue at Dura.
Image from the Book of Kells, a Celtic illuminated manuscript of the Gospel, c. 800 AD
St. Luke, from the Gospel Book of Otto III c. 1000 A.D.
Spain, probably Madinat al-Zahra’ Capital, 10th century Spain, probably Madinat al-Zahra’ Carved marble; H. 14 1/2 in. (36.8 cm), Gr. W. 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm)
Belt Buckle, Buckle Counter Plate, and Back Plate, 675–725 Frankish; Found in Niederbreisig, western Germany Iron with silver inlays; 4 3/8 in. (11.2 cm)
Visigothic or Byzantine Horse Bit, 600–800 Visigothic or Byzantine Iron inlaid with copper alloy, gold, and silver; 7 x 11 3/4 in. (17.8 x 29.8 cm)
Byzantine or Visigothic; Probably made in Spain Tomb Plaque, 400–800 Byzantine or Visigothic; Probably made in Spain Terracotta; 12 3/4 x 8 7/16 x 2 1/16 in. (32.4 x 21.4 x 5.2 cm) Inscribed: BRACA RIVI/VASCUM TUIS
Byzantine or Visigothic; Probably made in Spain Tomb Plaque, 400–800 Byzantine or Visigothic; Probably made in Spain Terracotta; 12 3/4 x 8 7/16 x 2 1/16 in. (32.4 x 21.4 x 5.2 cm) Inscribed: BRACA RIVI/VASCUM TUIS
Viking Relief carving c. 500-800 AD
Hagia Sophia (Church of the Holy Wisdom) Byzantine Hagia Sophia (Church of the Holy Wisdom) 532-537 A.D. Constantinople
Detail - EmpressTheodora and Her Attendants Byzantine Detail - EmpressTheodora and Her Attendants Mosaic San Vitale (church 526-547)
An extraordinary example of Byzantine architecture, the Basilica of Saint Vitale was built between 527 & 548. The massive expanses of colorful and highly detailed mosaics are still breathtaking even after nearly 1500 years. Here is shown the bowl-shaped vault of the apse with the Redeemer seated on the celestial globe. For a detail (crop) of the mosaic above: http://www.pbase.com/jboard/image/48682128/original
Recognized for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics, the Basilica of Saint Vitale nave holds a surprise. The dramatic fresco in the dome is well preserved and extremely realistic in its appearance. The angels, flowers and clouds appear to float near an opening in a dome surrounded with ornate, seemingly three-dimensional decorations. The composition draws your eye through the dome and up towards heaven.
Byzantine San Vitale (church) Ravenna, Italy 526-547 A.D.