Byzantine
What years are attributed to this art period?
The Byzantine period began and ended from 330 - 1453. Most of the art in the Byzantine period were created for the Eastern Orthodox Church.
What are the features of this art period?
Byzantine paintings are shown by good use of color and figures which seem flat. The figures also tend to have large eyes. . Backgrounds were mostly painted gold. The Byzantine artists made art to teach viewers religious lessons, therefore the images were clear and easily understood. Most Byzantine artworks had a religious meaning. Icons were also another form of Byzantine art during the time, they were usually on religious people such as Jesus and saints.
What was happening historically and culturally during this period?
During 330 Emperor Constantine renamed the Roman city of Byzantium to Constantinople. Emperor Constantine was the first Christian emperor and due to Emperor Constantine and the Edict of Milan, Christians and other religions were able to worship without any consequences. In 395 AD the Roman Empire split into the Eastern Roman Empire, established in Constantinople and the Western Roman Empire, which was based in Rome.
Explain how this affected how Jesus is being portrayed during this period?
Byzantine artists found it hard to portray Jesus, he was too powerful and mysterious portray. The colour gold was used to show the divinity of Jesus and the power of Jesus Christ. Once the bearded, long-haired Jesus became the representation of Jesus. In this art period, artists made Jesus look powerful and strong, they also made him look like a person who can help you in anything (friend).
![Picture](/uploads/2/9/4/1/29418771/9041061.jpg)
In this art work, Jesus is being portrayed as a peacemaker, guider, powerful man. Jesus in this artwork looks like he knows what to do, he knows we should do. Jesus is portrayed as a teacher, who will teach you his ways.