Early Christian & Byzantine Art and Architecture
1. Early Christian Art’s Contributions
Within the Roman Empire, Christianity emerged, introducing a new spiritual and aesthetic dimension known as Early Christian art. This art served as a bridge between classical and medieval Christian cultures. Until the fourth century, Christians practiced their faith in secrecy due to persecution. In 313 AD, the Edict of Milan granted religious freedom, allowing Christians to express their faith openly and develop a distinct art. This marked two distinct periods: before and after 313.
– Before 313: Lacking distinct architecture, early Christians used symbolic language in their art to avoid persecution. Their visual arts, influenced by Roman styles, prioritized subject over form, resulting in a simplistic and anti-naturalistic style. Religious themes adopted pagan symbols with new meanings: Peacock (immortality), Fish (Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior), Dove (innocence), Stem and Vine (Eucharist), Lamb (Savior), Alpha and Omega (beginning and end), and Anchor (hope). Salvation themes included the Good Shepherd, Jonah and the Whale, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Noah’s Ark, and the Sacrifice of Abraham. Common representations included the Praying Figure, Seated Woman Breastfeeding (Mary), Adoration of the Magi, and the Baptism of Jesus.
– After 313: Architecture and art adopted a clearer Christological language. The basilica, adapted from Roman architecture, became the standard church building. Rectangular in shape, it featured an atrium, narthex, and a nave with three or five aisles. The central nave, higher than the side aisles, had windows for lighting. An apse, covered by a vault, housed the altar. A transept sometimes intersected the nave near the apse. Basilicas were oriented east-west, symbolizing Christ as the light of the world. Examples include the basilicas of St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Other notable buildings were baptisteries and martyria, both centrally planned structures used for baptisms and the veneration of martyrs, respectively. These buildings influenced later architecture. The exterior simplicity of these buildings, often built of brick, contrasted with richly decorated interiors featuring marble and mosaics. Art featured more complex thematic cycles centered on Christ: Chrismon (Christ’s anagram), Christ in Majesty, Christ Giving the Law to St. Peter, Christ Among the Apostles, Cross with the Mystic Lamb, and cycles of the Passion (excluding the Crucifixion). The Virgin Mary was depicted seated with the Child or standing in prayer. Mosaics became a prominent art form, replacing mural painting.
2. Byzantine Art’s Contributions
In 395 AD, the Roman Empire split, with the Eastern Empire becoming the Byzantine Empire. Byzantine art blended Roman and Eastern influences with Christianity. Constantinople and Ravenna became major artistic centers. Byzantine art became the expression of the Orthodox Church and influenced Western medieval art.
– Architecture: Byzantine architecture introduced domed buildings and new interior spaces. Basilicas were modified with vaults and domes, sometimes using a Greek cross plan within a square. Lightweight materials and construction techniques were employed. Buttresses supported the structures, creating continuous interior spaces decorated with frescoes and mosaics. Monasteries, with their walled complexes and central courtyards, also influenced Western monastic architecture. Notable examples include the Hagia Sophia, Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Constantinople, San Vitale and other churches in Ravenna, St. Mark’s in Venice, and St. Sophia in Kiev.
– Art: Byzantine art developed a unique style based on classical heritage. Figures were elongated and stylized, with emphasis on the eyes. Sculpture was primarily in relief form, often using ivory. Iconoclasm and Turkish influence limited the presence of sculpture. Painting flourished, particularly mosaics, icons, and murals. Religious themes followed a fixed iconography that influenced Western art. Hierarchy in size and placement of figures conveyed their importance.
3. Contributions of the Art of the Christian Kingdoms
Romanesque art (5th-11th centuries) combined Roman, Christian, Byzantine, and Barbarian elements. Architectural innovations included supporting arches, buttresses, cross-shaped pillars, and decorative arches. Benedictine monasteries played a significant role. In Spain, the Visigothic kingdom developed an architecture featuring cruciform basilicas, horseshoe arches, and intricate jewelry. After the Muslim invasion, Asturian art emerged as a precursor to Romanesque, using barrel vaults, pillars, and decorative elements like murals and medallions. Notable examples include San Julián de los Prados and other churches in Asturias.