Byzantine Art

The Hagia Sophia, Mosaics,

and Icons

The Hagia Sophia

• Built by the emperor

Justinian.

• “I have outdone Solomon!”

• Orthodox Church

• Largest dome in world at

time.

• Filled with mosaics.

• Showed glory of God and

Byzantine empire

• Built with government

money.

The 4 minarets were

added by Muslims later.

• Lots of light and open

space.

• Colors reflect light, produce

“warmth.”

• Building impressed

foreigners with size and

splendor.

• Hagia Sophia convinced

Vladimir (ruler of Kiev) to

convert to Christianity.

• Vladimir thought

Byzantine God must be

powerful!

• Virtual Istanbul

• What type of

artwork is this?

Mosaics

• Designs formed by inlaid pieces of stone, glass, enamel, etc.

• Covered floors, walls, ceilings.

• Usually religious in nature.

• Figures appear stiff and artificial (not real)

Justinian Theodora

Icons

• Small religious

picture used to help

focus prayer.

• Depict Jesus, Mary,

Saints, Angels

Why just 2

Dimensions? • Images are usually not

3-dimensional.

• Byzantines believed

3D was a violation on

the 3rd Commandment:

“Carving Idols”

Iconoclastic Controversy

• Use of icons causes big debate.

• Some people think idols are

false gods.

• Argument is one major reason

for split or schism in Christian

Church in 1054 AD.