Reply To: Iconoclasm

[Sam Saccomen]

Iconoclasm took over during the Byzantine era causing a lack in art over this era. The Byzantine art was found at a hold due to the Emperor Leo III’s ban on religious images. The church was split into eastern and western sections; those who believed religious images were important to explain scripture and those who believed these images were breaking the Second Commandment. Although there are many pieces of saints, Mary, and Christ throughout this wing, many of the images of this era were destroyed due to iconoclasm. I believe that Byzantine art during the iconoclasm is similar to the graven images of last week’s discussion on Christian and Jewish art eras. I think this is a tricky argument because many people view religion differently and many people view art differently.