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Storia dell'arte - Story of Art
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Byzantine Art
After 330 (when Constantinople became the capital city of the Oriental Empire) the artistic activity of Bisanzio increased, especially with Paleochristian Churches like: Basilica di San Giovanni in Studio, Basilica di Santa Sofia, Basilica dei SS. Sergio e Bacco. All of these Churches are settled in Istanbul and all of them are formed of a squared plan and a cupola. Santa Sofia was also influenced by Syrian and Alessandrine Culture and furthermore the Islamic additions gave to the Church a bigger sense of abstraction. The Bizantine Sculpture, partially influenced by the Roman Culture, became very original. The “minor Arts” like carved ivory, enamels, miniatures, are very interesting proofs of Bizantine Art. At that time Bisanzio was the artistic epicentre of the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, the painting played an important role in the artistic environment of that period. Paintings, miniatures and icons became the most important expressions of this style. Ravenna (italian City) represented a great expression of the Bizantine art. The Museum of Galla Placidia is one of the most important monuments created with that style. At the beginning of the Vl Century, Teodorico was the King of Ravenna and ordered a lot of Churches inspired to the Byzantine style, capitals and mosaics. Even Rome was influenced by the Byzantine style.
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Magnificence,
abstraction, the values of light and color are the main
characteristics of the Bizantine art. This great and creative period
started with Constantine (lV century), increased with Teodosio until
the Xll century.
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