AH208

AH

208

Byzantine Art

Active

Humanities

Block Seminar

Traditional

Letter Grades, S/CR/NC, Audit

CLAI, CLHP, CPG, WRDI

This course examines the art and architecture of the Byzantine empire from its sources in Late Antique Rome to its fall in 1453 as well as its influence in the Orthodox Christian art of Russia, Greece, Serbia among other centers. Icons, their meaning and significance, are primary subjects of study: their origins, their rejection during Iconoclasm, and their theological justification. The city of Constantinople (modern Istanbul) and its urban development will be considered as well as the evolution and significance of the domed church and its program of images from Justinian's Hagia Sophia to medieval monastic churches. We will pay particular attention to the role of art in the Easter Liturgy of the Orthodox Church, including a field trip to the Church of the Holy Theophany. The influence of Byzantine art on the later art of Europe will be considered as well.