Byzantine Decoration-Character Image
The whole picture gives the impression that the soul is outside the body; The three-dimensional expression of characters has been replaced by spiritual strength, which is manifested in the strength of lines and the brightness of colors. Its characters adopt strict frontal posture and Byzantine's face, huge eyes and sharp eyes, with a typical golden background.
This background makes the image seem to be suspended somewhere in the space between the wall and the audience on the screen of the isolated person. The Byzantine Empire rarely made sculptures. The most common small ivory reliefs are used for book covers and sacred boxes. In the upper class of Constantinople, other small works of art, embroidery, gold ware and glass products are also very popular. Although the manuscript decorative painting is not as impressive as the giant painting and mosaic painting, it plays an important role in spreading Byzantine style and icon painting in Europe.
Byzantine decoration-church
Byzantine churches usually spread out into a cross with a large semi-dome building as the main body, and the four corners are connected with small semi-dome ancillary buildings, which are generally square. This design makes the weight of the main semi-dome supported by four domes indirectly transferred to the piers at the four corners, and also makes the arch continuous, which not only enhances the smooth aesthetic feeling, but also expands the sense of space. It can be seen that both Byzantine architecture and Gothic architecture have spent a lot of effort on arch treatment. But unlike Gothic, the lower part of Byzantine church is supported by thick columns, which has a heavy feeling. Because the bottom is separated by columns, the top and the top are continuous, so you can imagine where the decoration of Byzantine churches will be: there are beautiful mosaics on the upper walls and ceilings. These mosaics are mainly positive figures, including Christian emperors and saints.
Byzantine Decoration-Sculpture
Generally speaking, Byzantine sculpture continues the sculpture style of the classical period, but becomes more static and flat, and the expressions of characters are usually simpler. For details, please refer to the image of Christ above, which basically reflects the Byzantine period. Whether painting or sculpture, its purpose is to inspire the viewer's awe and solemnity.
The above is Bian Xiao's detailed answer about Byzantine decoration. I wonder if you are satisfied with our introduction.