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Lacey,
I like the point you make here! The “Dark Ages’ were a difficult time to be alive, ravaged by disease, war, and hardship. It is an interesting theory that the challenges of the time period would be reflected in the style of its art. I agree that depicting the message wasn’t as important in this time period, for example the illuminated manuscripts used in processions, such as the Book of Kellis, which has only two letters on its front.Miranda,
I like how you mention the perspective of the people that coined the name “the Dark Ages.’ It’s always good to remember that history is written through the lens of a few. It actually would make a lot of sense for a civilization that values realism in their art to see the simple, almost regressed art, for example the depiction of the Apostle Matthew on the Book of Durrow, as a “lack of culture.’ So, while in the eyes of the Roman Empire, the simplistic, less realistic art from the “dark ages” was considered “less,” really it was just stylistically different. I myself must admit I share the same opinion of modern, abstract art!The Medieval era may have been a brutal time of prolific warfare, but it certainly did not lack cultural production and innovation. From the Vikings carving runed stones in the distant lands they sailed to, to towering, spired wooden architecture, to beautiful, richly embellished jewelry inlaid with gold and gemstones, art advanced and preserved the Medieval era’s culture. The Book of Durrow and the Book of Kellis and other important religious manuscripts showed an introduction and incorporation of words into art and art into literature. Crucifixes, crosses, and beautiful Abbeys were erected, such as the High Crosses of Ahenny and the Abbey Church of Corvey, all demonstrating great care and intricate design.
So yes, to say the “Dark Ages’ were a time of declined culture would be quite incorrect.
I think the less-realistic style certainly does convey emotion better. I always seem to get caught up in the details of art, like the sculptures from the late classical period in Greece for instance. But in these, almost intentionally primitive depictions it seems the message is what shine and not necessarily the art itself, which was most likely the artist’s intent.
Tamara,
This is actually a really great point! It would make sense that putting God and significant characters from the Bible on the same “level” as followers would sort of “devalue” them in some way. I think you are probably right that the slide from realism in religious art occurred because they didn’t want people to see them as human or mundane in some way. Great point!Realism showed and depicted what actually happened or the literal appearance of the muse. In the case of much of the art created from the Byzantine Empire, much was more symbolic than art from the Greco-Roman traditions. For example, the Virgin with Child and Saints and Angels Icon seems almost less realistic than far older art we’ve encountered, especially the proportions of the infant. The art is not only literally less realistic, but also figuratively. Much of what is depicted are stories from the Old Testament of the Bible, which would have been ancient even in this time period, and is most likely inaccurately represented. The political climate at this time was a volatile and often violent one, perhaps making its citizens cling to a religion full of hope and reward after death for the faithful.
A lot of people do actually pray to saints, so I think that is the biggest “contradiction” to the Second Commandment icons have. I agree some of the art depicting saints do elevate them to an almost divine place of holiness which may have been when saint worship became more widespread even during that time period.
I think you are right, Maggie!
I think it would be very easy to focus on the icon if it truly did have healing or supernatural powers instead of “divine God.” As humans I don’t think faith in religion is really our default setting, if you will. “Seeing is believing” is certainly a common outlook on life and I think most wouldn’t admit it, but witnessing something extraordinary in generally attributed to exactly what it appears to be; in the case of icons, divine icons and not necessarily divine God.
The Byzantine empire is practically a theocracy. While it might not truly be run by the church, the culture and daily life is so steeped in religion- perhaps even more so then other polytheistic civilizations- it may as well be. Virtually all the art depicts religious scenes, even the architecture mimic Greek temples. Great cathedrals are constructed for worship and embellished with more religious art. I think the Second Commandment plays a little into the fact there is virtually no art that is not religious, but faith also seems to govern far more than just the art in this time period. The conflict arises when the art itself becomes the object of worship. The First commandment states fairly clearly nothing should be worshiped other than God, so the worship of these icons is in direct violation of the religion they were created to further by storytelling and passing on the faith from generation to generation. Especially in instances where icons were acclaimed to “perform miracles’ instead of seeing it as God performing miracles through icons, which would have gone along with the religion’s doctrine.
I hadn’t thought to compare the paintings to statues! I love your example of the contrapposto stance in Jewish and Christian paintings, such as Christ in the Catacomb of Priscilla. I also hadn’t noticed the clothing was the same.
I like your example of the aqueducts being taken from the Romans. This would have been very useful given the arid climate. The Royal Complex of Herodium does very much resemble the Colosseum as well. These are perfect examples of syncretism.
A few cultures still believe holy depictions, or even physical artwork in general, are sinful. Cultures like the Amish, Mennonite, and Orthodox Jews often live by a strict code prohibiting these things.
I think a lot of syncretism can be seen in early Jewish and Christian artwork. The Sarcophagus of Constantine greatly resembles many of the other richly embellished sarcophagi of other civilizations. A lot of the same technology and architectural developments of other civilizations as well. Bath houses were a Roman luxury that Harod incorporated in the Royal Complex of Herodium, as well as the amphitheater effect very reminiscent of the Colosseum. Many temples, such as the Temple of Solomon, share many similar attributes to those of the Romans, as well.
I agree. I think the biggest way Jewish and Christian artists tried to follow the second commandment was to not create sculptures. You also make a good point that there is not description of God, other than a “great light’ or “thunderous voice,’ so God’s personhood is generally not depicted in any sort of form.
