Byzantine Art (Classical and Modern Art Series)

Author: Thomas F. Mathews (USA)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: The "Classical and Modern Art Series" consists of 10 volumes: "Greek Art," "Romanesque Art," "Gothic Art," "Byzantine Art," "The Renaissance in Florence," "The Renaissance in Rome," "The Renaissance in Venice," "Art of the Human Body," "From El Greco to Goya," and "Impressionism." The "Classical and Modern Art Series" covers various art styles in the history of Western art from the glorious ancient Greek and Roman periods, through the great Renaissance, to the Impressionism of the late 19th century. "Greek Art" and "Romanesque Art" trace the glorious origins of Western art history, "Gothic Art" showcases the brilliance of theological art in the dark Middle Ages, and "The Renaissance in Florence," "The Renaissance in Rome," and "The Renaissance in Venice" once again take readers back to the peak moment of Western art history during the great Renaissance—humanistic era. "Byzantine Art" examines the mysteries and subtleties of art from the perspective of the Christian world, viewing the art of the Byzantine Empire—a Christian-centric civilization—as enigmatic and profound. Through the art tunnel created by this series, you can fully appreciate the captivating charm of Western art. The series traces the main of Western art history, sorting out world art and architectural art. It not only provides detailed analyses of art styles but also deeply explores the modern influences that arise from the integration of art with other fields. The authors are top experts in their respective fields worldwide. This series is highly authoritative and readable. The art of the Byzantine Empire is inextricably linked to the rise and fall of its capital. Founded by Emperor Constantine in 324 as Constantinople (now Istanbul), the city fell into the hands of invaders in 1204 and was finally occupied by the Ottoman Turks in 1453. The city was the center of Byzantine culture, inheriting the legal system and imperial spirit of ancient Rome, as well as the intellectual legacy of ancient Greece. Many moments in the history of Constantinople played a pivotal role in the development of Western Europe, and its art once served as the best key to interpreting and understanding the essence of Byzantine culture. Through thematic narration, Thomas Mathews explores the political and social backgrounds of numerous artworks, including those from sacred to secular, urban to monastic, and public to personal contexts. Icons emerged within the family, providing a new and more powerful way to express private piety. The most important venue for Byzantine art was the church. There, interior mosaics and frescoes reached new heights, and the influence of Eastern Orthodoxy was unprecedented. In the process of decoration, Byzantium shared many similarities with its Islamic neighbors in textiles, jewelry, and illuminated manuscripts, while these art forms were, in turn, spread to broader spaces, influencing fashion and style around Europe and the Mediterranean. Finally, Thomas Mathews elucidates the significant role Byzantine art played in the early Renaissance and beyond. Thomas Mathews is a professor of art history at the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University, with numerous papers and books on early Christianity, Byzantine culture, and architecture.