Art and Miracles in Medieval Byzantium by
The frescoes of the newly restored crypt at the Byzantine monastery of Hosios Loukas in Greece represent one of the best preserved ensembles of monumental decoration to survive from the Middle Ages. In this first full photo-documentation of the crypt of Saint Luke of Steiris, Carolyn Connor shows how the frescoes reflect the funerary and commemorative functions of the architecture they embellish, and how they suggest a new way of looking at this part of the medieval Byzantine empire. Offering clues to the sources of wealth and the motives of patrons who made possible such a lavish foundation, these frescoes also offer insight into Byzantine beliefs about miracles and healing cults. Connor begins by examining the complex relationships among the frescoes: together the forty portraits of saints, eight Christological scenes, and other depictions proclaim a message of salvation and confirm that this crypt was a place of miracles. Through a study of the religious, cultural, social, and political background of the monastery, Connor integrates the program of the frescoes with its historical context and proposes a new dating for the architecture--changed from the eleventh century to the late tenth century.
Byzantine Art by
For more than a millennium, from its creation in 330 CE until its fall in 1453, the Byzantine Empire was a cradle of artistic effervescence that is only beginning to be rediscovered. Endowed with the rich heritage of Roman, Eastern, and Christian cultures, Byzantine artists developed an architectural and pictorial tradition, marked by symbolism, whose influence extended far beyond the borders of the Empire. Today, Italy, North Africa, and the Near East preserve the vestiges of this sophisticated artistic tradition, with all of its mystical and luminous beauty. The magnificence of the palaces, churches, paintings, enamels, ceramics, and mosaics from this civilisation guarantees Byzantine art's powerful influence and timelessness.
Byzantine Women and Their World by
A cursory glance at the Byzantine world would show women as illiterate, excluded from prominent political roles and second class citizens when compared to the positions and power held by men. Aside from the female members of the aristocracy, ordinary women are often incidental in both the literature and art of the period. This book and the exhibition that it accompanied attempt to highlight the lives of these ordinary women, discussing their daily activities, their role in civic life, their piety, marriage, wifely and motherly duties, their role as healers and carers. Almost 200 objects, dating from the 4th to 15th century, from collections in North America, accompany the thematic essays, including personal items, luxury goods, utilitarian objects, religious and 'official' objects.
Byzantium by
For more than 1000 years Byzantine emperors reigned over a wealthy world. This text surveys the Medieval culture - the bridge between classical antiquity and the Renaissance. It explores all aspects from Caucasus to Constantinople, from pagan Roman portraits to Christian icons.
A Concise History of Byzantium by
Between AD 285, when Byzantium first separated from the Western Roman Empire, and 1461, when the last Byzantine splinter state disappeared, the Byzantine state and society underwent many crises, triumphs, declines and recoveries. Spanning twelve centuries and three continents, the Byzantine empire linked the ancient and modern worlds, shaping and transmitting Greek, Roman, and Christian traditions--including the Greek classics, Roman law, and Christian theology--that remain vigorous today, not only in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, but throughout western civilization.
The Glory of Byzantium by
Covering the art of the Middle Byzantine period (843-1261 AD), this book demonstrates its wide diversity and influence through 17 scholarly essays. These are accompanied by descriptions and colour reproductions of over 400 objects, as well as pictures of architectural sites all over Eastern Europe.
Heaven on Earth by
This easily accessible volume, which grew out of a series of lectures presented at the Smithsonian Institution in 1991, aims to provide a coherent introduction to Byzantine culture with a focus on the interconnected realms of art and religion. The eight participants have revised their lectures into chapters on Byzantine history, theology, icons and icon theory, church architecture, monumental painting, silver church furnishings, illustrated liturgical books, and pilgrimage. In addition to presenting current research on this range of topics, the chapters each contribute original scholarship from authors who are recognized experts in their respective fields.
The Introduction, by Linda Safran, deals with views and definitions of Byzantium over the course of its long history and considers why that civilization deserves our attention today. It underscores the essential unifying role of the Orthodox religion in a vast and fluid empire and clarifies how the experiential aspects of that religion--churches, liturgy, church arts and imagery, religious travel--open a window into Byzantine culture. Throughout the book, the past is made vivid by considering what Byzantine believers heard and said and did, as well as what they saw.
The book's chapters are cross-referenced and are complemented both by endnotes that cite primary and secondary sources and by "Suggestions for Further Reading" that include English and foreign-language references. There is no comparable art history text that combines this high-caliber range of current scholarship with more than 250 illustrations, including 16 pages of color plates, to introduce Byzantine culture to a broad readership.
Justinian by
Justinian (482-565 A.D.), who ruled the Roman Empire from his capital in Constantinople, was, along with his wife Empress Theodora, one of the most scandalous monarchs in history. During his reign, Justinian oversaw the construction of the Hagia Sophia, one of the wonders of the ancient world, and he strove to maintain Rome's territories. Yet despite the heights reached under his rule, the time was one of revolts, intrigues, and brutality to his subjects. Baker's biography takes a redemptive view of Justinian and his wife, both of whom were vilified by the chronicler Procopius, he for his despotism and she for her endless sexual escapades. Baker points out that Justinian also codified Roman law and brought other modern solutions to the problems that had plagued his empire for years. Baker also describes the battles of Justinian's famous general Belisarius, who waged successful wars against the Vandals, Goths, and Persians on behalf of his emperor.
A Short History of Byzantium by
Published to coincide with a major exhibition on Byzantium at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the spring of 1997, Byzantium tells the dramatic story of Byzantium, from its beginnings in A.D. 330, providing readers with a spirited, gripping, and original account of a great lost civilization and its magnificent artistic heritage. in full color.
Byzantium by
Volume 1 of the series. Includes 32 pages of illustrations, and 11 maps and tables.
