EARLY CHRISTIAN AND BYZANTINE

The Early Christian and Byzantine era's most prominent pieces of architecture are the use of simplistic basilicas and grandeur domes, influenced by the Romans. The combination of these buildings were used mostly for religious purposes, representing Christ and the resurrection of Jesus within their designs. Specifically, the resurrection was shown by the use of transepts.




CONSTANTINE AUDIENCE HALL

Based in Trier, this is an example of an Early Christian church, taking on the form of a basilica. It is very simple, with a rectangular lay out. It has an apse at one end, and the entrance at the other, forming space for a congregation in the middle and a speaker at the apse. This is the purest form of a basilica, although it was not intended to be so at first.

 

EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCHES

Sant' Apollinare in Italy is a prime example of an Early Christian church. It takes on the same form as Constantine's basilica in Trier, just with more detail and intention to be used as a church. This intention includes the use of the apse as a focal point for emphasis on an altar and speaker, and also images or sculptures of Jesus. The use of columns was also incorporated, to make the design more grand.


BYZANTINE

As the term Early Christian is usually used to describe buildings as in churches, the classification of Byzantine is used for early furniture and artifacts. The Byzantine Empire includes three major cities; Constantinople, Venice, and Ravenna. In Ravenna, the San Vitale tried to restore the use of Roman grandeur with a centrally planned layout, and details like mosaics rather than statues in order to avoid idolatry.


Byzantine art used mosaics, like mentioned above, ivories, illuminated manuscripts, and domed churches. An example of one of these domed churches is the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople. This church was in competition with the Pantheon from Roman culture, using multiple domes and pendentives. It is a combination of both basilica style architecture but also Roman grand architecture.


FURNITURE

Byzantine furniture continues on the Roman legacy with the use of the x-frame stool and beds. Although, there were new pieces of furniture introduced including the chest as well. Ivory carvings were used very often also, in boxes, chests, and caskets, and they are highlighted in the Throne of Maximian. This piece of furniture used ivory carvings, as stated previously, and many story-telling panels. The structure of the chair itself takes on the form of a barrel with a rounded back.


CURRENT APPLICATIONS

Saint John of the Ladder Orthodox Church

Pantanassa

St. Louis Priory Chapel


ONE STEP FURTHER
One artist whose work is inspired by the early Christian and Byzantine eras is the 20th-century mosaicist Boris Anrep. Born in Russia, Anrep became known for his revival of mosaic art, a technique widely used in Byzantine churches. His most famous work, The Mosaics of the National Gallery, blends modern themes with the ancient art form. In this piece, Anrep incorporates Christian symbols and Byzantine stylistic elements, such as flat, decorative figures and vibrant, gold backgrounds. This mix of modern subjects with early Christian aesthetics reflects the enduring influence of Byzantine art on his creations.

Comments

  1. Gina ChristopherSeptember 27, 2024 at 9:18 AM

    Wow! All your photos are so elegant. My favorite part of your blog are your current applications. They are all so relevant and beautiful to look at. I also choose the St. Louis Priory Chapel! I also like your example of an early Christian church, the Santa Apollianre is stunning with its marble columns and well-lit interior. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AlexSeptember 28, 2024 at 9:47 AM

    Hi! I really liked your post, I think overall you picked the some of the best features to come from this era. I also like your current applications the buildings you picked, it shows great simplicity. Nice Job!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Professor VanderNoordaaSeptember 28, 2024 at 1:00 PM

    MaKayla- Your Blog Post this week was outstanding. I love that you covered some furniture. Your current applications were stunning. St John of the Latter Orthodox Church was so interesting. 50/50 total points

    ReplyDelete
  4. Grace PekocSeptember 28, 2024 at 8:18 PM

    Makayla, I loved your blog and the pictures you used. I especially liked the ones you used for the current applications! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cara VeenstraOctober 6, 2024 at 2:12 PM

    Hi Makayla! This is a really great blog! I really love the pictures you used, especially the current applications. The St Louis Priory Chapel is beautiful! I also love mosaics and the way they add so much character to a building! Great job!

    ReplyDelete

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