Summary of the times:
Romans controlled most of Europe. Theodosius split it into western Roman Empire and eastern Roman Empire. Huns, Goths, Vandals and Francs created chaos by constantly fighting and invading Europe. Known as dark ages as not enough time to do art. Many years later Europe had been split into many empires but controlled by the Roman Catholic Church.
Byzantine empire on the other hand (east)
Iconoclasm sought to removal and destruction of paintings and sculptures. Didn't want people to look at physical beauty but spiritual beauty. Churches had veiled Mary but mostly had geometric patterns on walls. Churches are in control, so art often used religion as subject matter. West was a patron of the art because of the church therefore they had more freedom to do art.
Artist became more realistic in portrayal of the world. ( Giotto was known as father of art, starting to move towards naturalism) Romans would bury you in a catacomb. This would accommodate a large number of bodies. This is where Christians would practice their religion. Constantine first Roman Empire to recognize Christianity. Justinian (in brightest clothing and has a halo as he paid for it and smack bang in the middle)
Put 'maximianvus' In front as he is more important and has his name but can't make him look better as Justinian paid for it. Maximianvus feet are in front but top half of his body is at the back. Justinian and his wife are facing each other.
Title: Justinian and his attendance.
Medium: Mosaic
Period: Byzantine Art (6th Century AD)
Description: Emperor surrounded by his army and members of the church.
Elements of art and principles of design:
Line: Lots of 'definite' straight line(no curve so not feminine)
Vertical(creates rhythm and movement)
Vertical lines make figures more prominent, easier to see as church had no electricity.
Figures have been stretched.
Tone: Justinian(main figure) is in dark tone which creates a focal point.
* Here tone is not used to make 3D dimension
Colour: Very natural, earthy colours
Lots of gold has been used as it is symbolic of "God" and wealth.
Purple outfit symbolizes royalty
Shape: Bodies are repeated which creates a sense of harmony
Bodies are also out of proportion as they are long and elongated
Texture: Not naturalistic, visually quite flat.
*TESSERAE - tiles(if you had to run your hands on it, would be rough)
Space: Quite crowded
Feels claustrophobic
Flat
Confusing as two main figures:
1)Justinian- arms are in front of Maximianvus
2) Maximianvus- feet are in front of Justinian
Has depth as the figures overlap one another
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