1. Chapter 7 Religious Conviction
Western Civilization is built on the ruins of Rome. While no pre-Christian institutions survived to form a basis of European organization, other tangibles persisted in abundance so that the mark of Rome may stil be seen and heard in countless weay. The very languages of W. Europe bear the stamp of Rome, and roman law forms the bases of the leaga codes of many western countries. Util the begiinng of rteh 20th cenury, the European educational ideal was based on the roman curriculum, in which students studied the Trivium - the 3 arts of grammar, logic, and rhetoric and the quadrivum - the 4 sciences of arithmetic, geopmetry, music and astronomy. Even today. This ideal persists at the heart of W. Education.
Chapter 7
Religious Conviction

2. Judaism is one of the oldest living religions in the world
Judaism is one of the oldest living religions in the world. It originated in the 3rd millennium BC among tribal Middle Eastern people who placed themselves at the center of world history and created sacred texts for passing on their heritage. Unlike history and religion of other ancient peoples,the history and religion of the Jews are so inextricably connected they cannot be separated.
Masada, Israel

3. Herod’s Temple

4. Tomb of Bene Hezir, 1st century BC. Kidron Valley, Israel.
The tomb of Bene Hezir show the influence of Greek architecture in its post-and-lintel construction and its Doric Columns. Even though the area was subject to Roman impact at this time, Roman influence is not apparent in architecture. The members of the priestly Hezir were buried in what has been determined to be the oldest tomb in Israel’s Kidron Valley. Scholars disagree over whether the structure in the center with the pyramid roof belonged to the Bene Hezir tomb.
Tomb of Bene Hezir, 1st century BC. Kidron Valley, Israel.

5. All four periods of art discussed in this chapter had religious conviction as a driving force behind their development. Sometimes the creative momentum was carried primarily by religious fervor,as in the case of early Christian, Islamic, and early Medieval monastic art. Byzantine art under Justinian and early medieval art under Charlemagne flourished because of imperial patronage and religious power and often aggrandized the role of the emperor.

6. The Archangel Michael, 5th c. Part of Ivory Diptych
Early Christian art relied on figures and objects as symbols to communicate religious thoughts and ideas.
The Archangel Michael, 5th c. Part of Ivory Diptych
16 1/2 inches high. British Musuem, London.

7. Compare Kritios Boy and Archangel Michael
Compare Kritios Boy and Archangel Michael. How is early christian ivory carving different from Greek sculpture? What parts are not realistic?Note the how the robe falls and how the Archangel stands on the stairs. Is there a sense that this figure is an actual person?

8. St. Apollinare in Classe. Ravenna
Describe what the inside of this building might look like - its walls, floor and ceiling? What images, colors and forms might you see? Since there is no electricity, wher will light come from?
St. Apollinare in Classe. Ravenna

9. St. Paul outside the walls. Etching. 1749 Rome.
Catacombs were the first only hollows in hillsides but became intricate underground tombs cut in rock. Because Roman law forbade burial within city, these tunnels- and churches such as St. Paul outside the walls. The use of catacombs was abandoned after christianity became the official religion, but they were uncovered in 1578 during excavations of Rome. Catacombs were constructed not just by Romans, and have been found in Malta, Sicily, Egypt, and what was the ancient land of Palestine.
St. Paul outside the walls. Etching Rome.

10. This 3rd century fresco shows the popular religious symbols used by early Christians to disguise evidence of their faith from prying and perhaps hostile eyes. The good shepherd as an image of Jesus persisted in Christian art until the end of the 5th c.
The catacombs functioned primarily as cemeteries. There may been as many as four million bodies buried in the catacombs of Rome. The Good Shepherd, ceiling fresco, early 4th c., catacomb of Saints Peter and Marcelinus, Rome

11. The Good Shepherd, 3rd C. Marble. Half life-size. Lateran Museum, Rome
This graceful statue blends Greek influences with a Christian subject. The casual pose of the shepherd with his easy contrapposto and dreamy gaze show that the influence of Praziteles the 4th C.BC Greek sculptor, was still active after more than 5 centuries. The short cloak worn byt eh figure was a typical costume of shepherds in the art of the times.
The Good Shepherd, 3rd C. Marble.
Half life-size. Lateran Museum, Rome

12. Because of religious persecution of the Christians before the Edict of Milan in 313, they did not create much sculpture because they could not provide for its safekeeping. Also because of the persecution, Christians found that the use of symbols rather than any obvious Christian references in their art b the use of symbols for Christ and the early saints. One such symbol was the god Orpheus ad the good shepherd Christ.
Chalice of Antioch, Silver and gilt. 7 1/2” from Syria. Cloisters, Metropolitan Museum of Art. NYC

13. Naturalism replaces by symbolism, it becomes increasingly important for the viewer to know the meaning of symbolism in order to fully understand the message of the work. Why was symbolism such an important apsect of Christianity? The development of Christian symbolism was likely based both on the early need for the secrecy and ont eh emphasis on the distinction between initiates, the baptized who would readily know the meaning of symbolism and the non-believers.

14. Christian Orpheus with Animals. 5th C. Archeological Museum Istanbul
This mosaic appears to have a secular theme: the mythological Greek Figure Orpheus bringing harmony to the animal kingdom with music he plays on his lyre. But Christians used Orpheus as a symbol of Christ, the Messiah, who brings universal peace and harmony. Because this mosaic was found in a small chapel in Jerusalem, it is identified as a work of Christian Art.
Christian Orpheus with Animals. 5th C. Archeological Museum Istanbul

15. Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus. 359 AD Marble. St. Peter’s Rome
Christian’s Rome reshaping of the humanistic tradition can be seen in the carvings on sarcophagi. The Roman anxiety about life after death and the pursuit of intellectual matters easily evolved into christian images and themes. The growing acceptance of inhumantion, or burial, rather than cremation and the resultant increased demand for sarcophagi afforded many artist the new opportunities to express themselves.
Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus AD Marble. St. Peter’s Rome

16. Name an early Christian symbol and tell what is represented?
Where were the earliest Christian frescoes painted? What is a diptych?
What type of Roman buildings did the early Christians adapt to become churches?
How were basilicas decorated on the inside? Contrast this to their exterior appearance?
What was the purpose of sarcophagus?
Describe how Christ was usually portrayed in a the earliest Christian art?
1.Peacock= immortality, Phoenix = Christ’s resurrection, Good Shepherd =Christ, Cross= Christ.
2. On the walls of the catacombs outside Rome. A pair of painted or carved panels, usually hinged together.
3. Basilicas. 4. The interiors were highly decorated to symbolize the richness of the inner Christian spirit. Shimmering, sparkling mosaics of colored glass and gold covered the walls. Floors were decorated with inlaid marble designs. In contrast, the exteriors were plain brick. 5. A casket for burial. 6. As a Roman Youth.

17. San Vitale, Interior about 525-547 Ravenna
Byzantine Art: A Shift to the East
Byzantine art reached its golden age in Constantinople under Emperor Justinian. The style lasting hundreds of years, spread throughout the Eastern empire of Russia.
San Vitale, Interior about Ravenna

18. Emperor Justinian heralded in the Golden Age of the Byzantine art.
The emperor Justinian and attendants, the emperor is wearing imperial purple, a color reserved for royalty, and his head is surrounded by a halo- a design from ancient Persia that signified connection to sun god, or a supreme being. At his left is Bishop Maximianus, who was responsible for the completion of San Vitale and its consecration in 547. His name is over his head to show his importance. Between the bishop and the emperor is Julius Argentrius, the principal benefactor of the church. The men in the mosaic are divided into three groups: the emperor and his staff, the clergy, and the army, which bears the chi-rho shield. Justinian was responsible for simplifying Roman law from 2000 law books to 100. He wanted to reduce the number of lawsuits, which were based on thousands of existing rules. It took six years for seventeen lawyers to write new law, Corpus Juris Civilis, in Latin.
Emperor Justinian and Attendants, about 547. Mosaic, nearly life-sized. San Vitale, Ravenna
Emperor Justinian heralded in the Golden Age of the Byzantine art.
Where is Justinian located in the mosiac? What surrounds his crowned head? Halos of radiant light are symbols that express virtue and holiness of saints. What color dominates the scene? The sparkling gold leaf represents the heavenly spiritual realm.

19. Why might the artist of Empress have decided that the illusion of a real place was not important in describing Empress Theodora and her attendants? What qualities in the mosaic indicate that she, like her husband, is directly connected to God. In addition to impressive symbols and colors, the ruling couple are shown participating in a Mass, an important church ceremony.
Empress Theodora and Attendants, about 547 Mosaic nearly life-sized San Vitale, Ravenna

20. The mosaics of Justinian and Theodora can be compared to DOVES from Rome , for stylistic and representational characteristics. By analyzing the mosaics for composition and spatial placement, the discussion of symbolism can move into ideas about the relationship of the emperor and empress to the saints and to God. This tie between ruler and God became Christian basis for long-standing concept in Europe as the Divine Right of Kings, which held that royalty ruled by the express will of God and possessed a particular connection to heaven. Works of art portrayed that concept extensively and validated its practice.

21. Hagia Sophia, the Chuch of the Holy Wisdom, was built on the site of earlier temples that were destroyed b fire and war. Thousands of workmen from all parts of the empire cam to built it. The church is made of multicolored stone and marble and of brick. The sone were held togther with iron clamps. Liquid lead was poured into the spaces between the stones. Hagia Sopia has been damaged by earthquakes and wars. It was stripped of the original gold an silver ornaments, icons and crosses b Crusaders in 1204 and Muslims in The Muslims covered the walls with plaster and then painted with calligraphy in praise of Allah and Koran. Minarets wer added when the church became a mosque. In 1935 Hagia Sophia was made a museum.
Hagia Sophia. Istanbul

22. In 1933 one of the last mosaics was unocvered in Hagia Sophia
In 1933 one of the last mosaics was unocvered in Hagia Sophia.Chirst place between the Virgin & St. John Christ previously often had been depicted as a stern judge but here he has a compassionate face is rathter relaistic although the robes are stylized.
Christ between the Virgin and St. John the Baptist 1261 mosaic. Hagia Sophia

23. St. Mark’s is the largest, most ornate church of the second golden age of Byzantinum.
St. Marks Venice

24. Greek Cross plan

25. Cathedral of St. Basil. 1554 Moscow
Byzantine architecture
Cathedral of St. Basil Moscow

26. Harbaville Triptych, Christ Enthroned with Saints.c 950 Ivory

27. A popular type of painting is Byzanine churches and homes was the icon
A popular type of painting is Byzanine churches and homes was the icon. Icons were portraits of saints, Christ and Mary, painted on wood and gilded with gold. They were carried on trips and in parades, and placed at special places in churches. Because candles were burned in front of them, their
Surfaces became blackened. The icons were then over-painted by less-talented artists.
Enthroned Madonna and child, 13th century Egg Tempera. National Gallery of Art Washington DC

28. How are the figures stylized in Emperor Justinian and Attendants
Analyze how the artist has made Theodora the center of attention in the mosaic Empress Theodora and the attendants
Where is Hagia Sophia located what was extraodinary about its construction
What is an icon
Describe the cathedral of St. Basil
The figures are elongated, and their feet do not seem to touch the ground. Their bodies disappear under stylyzed costumens that hand in stiff folds. The figures have large dark eyes that stare from small almond shaped faces.
2.The artist placed Theodora near the center of the composition. She has a large hao around her head and a dome above that, drawing the focus to her figure. Her elaborate headdress makes her taller than her attendants, and her robe contrasts with her attendants lighter robes.
Istanbul, formerly Constantinople Hagia Sophia was completed in less than six years, and was one of the fitst buildings to make extensive use of pendentives.

29. Court of the Lions. Alhambra
Islamic religion and culture spread rapidly across the Near East and the southern Mediterranean in the seventh century, introducing a style of art that was based on complex geometric and abstract designs.
Islamic art and architecture borrowed freely from other cultures, but the borrowings were always adapted to Arabic tastes in complex and exotic ways. From Greco-Roman architecture came the column and the arcade. From Byzantine architecture came the pendentive, which allowed the dome to become prominent feature of the Islamic Style.
Court of the Lions. Alhambra

30. Court of the Lions. The Alhambra. 13-14th centuries. Granada, Spain
Court of the Lions. The alhambra is a the only Muslim palace surviving from the medival period. Because of its location in the West, this fairy tale palace has made Granada a popular destination for tourists. As a result, the ornate Alhambra has played a pivotal role in developing a taste for the arabesque among many westerners.
Court of the Lions. The Alhambra th centuries. Granada, Spain

31. The Alhambra Granada Spain
Granada was founded in the 8th century by the Moors. Between1036 and 1232, it was part of Moorish Spain. By the first half of the 13th century, the Moorish possessions in Spain had diminished and Granada replaced Cordoba as the capital of the remaining Moorish territory. The city flourished during this period and became a wealthy trading center and a center for art, literature and science. It was during this period that the Alhambra was built as the fortress-palace of the the Moorish rulers.
The Alhambra Granada Spain

32. Dome of the Rock. Jerusalem Israel late 7th century.
The course of Islamic art was dramatically affected by the Koran’s prohibition against the representation of living creatures. Large-scale paintings and sculptures were not produced, and life-like figures with humans or animals, largely disappeared from art.
In compensation, perhaps artist were abundantly inventive in the use of non-representational forms. The ARABESQUE - a complex figure made of intertwined floral, foliate, or geometrical forms-became a high visible sign of Islamic culture. Geometric shapes, floral forms, and CALLIGRAPHY, or writing, decorated walls, books and mosaics.
In architecture, the dominant structure was the MOSQUE. Plain in exterior decoration and rectangular in shape, mosques were distinguished from secular buildings by their interior features and spaces- basins and fountains for ritual hand washing, porticoes for instruction , and open area for the group prayer. Minarets- call to prayer 5 times a day.
Dome of the Rock. Jerusalem Israel late 7th century.

33. The Great Mosque. Damascus, Syria. 706-715
The earliest followers of M0hammed worshipped in his domestic compound. Of interest is that all mosques repeat the plan of Mohammed’s house. They generally are composed of an enclosed courtyard, a bulding at one end for prayer and arcades on the sides.
The Great Mosque. Damascus, Syria

34. During the 15th century, the age of the Mongol rulers in Persia, the art of Persian miniatures achieved its classic expression in paintings such as this. These small works are immediately recognizable by their rectangular designs, their representation of the human figure being about one fifth the height of the painting, and their use of extremely fine detail.
Lalia and Majnun at school, miniature from manuscript of Khamsa of Nizami.
Ink, colors, and gold on paper. The Metropolitan Museum of Art NYC.

35. Lindisfarne Gospel Book 698-721. British Library.
Early Medival Art
In the early medieval era, Christian and pagan nomadic tribes made small, portable art objects that could be easily carried as they migrated throughout Europe. Under Charlemagne, a renewed interest in Classical culture influenced the art and architecture of the late 8th & early 9th centuries.
Imagine roaming throughout Europe during the 5-6th centuries in search of a permanent home. List types of art work you make that would express your religious convictions, but could also be transported from place to place.
Lindisfarne Gospel Book British Library.

36. Lindisfarne Gospel Book 698-721. British Library.
The largest letters in the Lindisfarne Gospel are X and P in contraction with the Greek name for Christ. Do you see Influences of tribal art traditions, which included the use of geometric motifs, interlaced designs, flowers, animals. Monks and nuns devoted their whole life to working in secluded monasteries or convents, carefully illustrating the scripture as a sign of their devotion to god.
Why were handmade manuscripts so important during this period. The printing press becomes introduced in the 15th century and will change the tradition.
Lindisfarne Gospel Book British Library.

37. Palatine Chapel of Charlemagne 792-805.Aachen Germany
Odo of Metz designed the Royal Chapel for Charlemagne, and Pope Leo III probably dedicated it in 805. Although the chapel is inspirired b Byzantine architecture, the decorative scheme and the roof design make it a Roman rather than a Byzantine buiding. From the 10th -16th centuries the Germans crowned their kings in this chapel.
The 9th century rule of Charlemagne was also the time of the beginning of the feudal system and knighthood in the western realm. Strong suits of protective armor covered the bodies of men and their horses.The invention of stirrups allowed archer sand lancers more accuracy.
Charlemagne was born in the land of the barbarians,but the ninth century these people had been assimilated into the Roman culture. After Charlemagne’s death the land was again invaded by a variety of armies. The church, which had developed hierarchical systems within abbeys and monasteries and extended its authority to their buildings, became the only source of stability.
Palatine Chapel of Charlemagne Aachen Germany

38. This piece was found at the burial site of a king
This piece was found at the burial site of a king. Purse cover, first half of the 7th century. Gold, garnets, glass and enamel. British Museum. London.

39. Plan of Saint Gall .

40. The period of Charlemagne’s reign is often referred to as “Carolingian
The period of Charlemagne’s reign is often referred to as “Carolingian.” Charlemagne was a great admirer of all forms of learning, as well as the arts. At his palace, he established a school with its own scriptorium. One of the projects on which scholars under his patronage labored was the correction of the script used by the scribes. Over the centuries, it had nearly illegible. The lettering that we use today is the descendant of the clear crisp system of lettering devised by Charlemagne’s scribes.
St. Matthew the Evangelist about 800 from the Gospel Book. British Museum
St. Matthew the Evangelist from the Gospel Book of Archbishop Ebbo of Reims

41. Describe early Christian basilicas
Describe a typical Eastern European church built during the second Golden Age of Byzantium
Name one way Roman and Byzantium mosaics differ
List several characteristics of Byzantine painting as exemplified in Enthroned Madonna and Child
How did the iconoclasts change the development of Byzantine art
What is a pendentive? Example/draw
What material did Islamic artists use to decorate the arches in the Court of the Lion at Alhambra?
List several ways that early Christian art differed from classical Greek Art
How did the Edict of Milan affect architecture
Compare the Roman copy of the Greek painting the Battle of Issus, to Emperor Justinian and Attendants . Discuss Medium, location & style
Five Illuminated manuscript pages are illustrated in this chapter. All are considered masterpieces. Which do you prefer?