Byzantium: From Antiquity to the Renaissance

by Thomas F. Mathews

With images culled from eleven hundred years of history, this comprehensive survey explores the Byzantine empire’s vast range of artistic splendors that indelibly informed the art of modern Europe. Renowned scholar Thomas Mathews emphasizes that the Byzantines’ interest in humanism and painting the human figure became the essential bridge between classical and renaissance Europe. Starting with a brief history of Byzantium as a basis for understanding Byzantine theology and art, he places the empire’s artistic development within a broad cultural and historical context. Featuring more than one hundred color plates of mosaics, metalwork, architecture, frescoes and religious artifacts, as well as maps, diagrams, and a timeline, this definitive work provides a complete yet succinct introduction to the full range of Byzantine art and iconography.

Genres: History, Art, Religion, Medieval, Art History

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1998

About the author

Thomas F. Mathews is John Langeloth Loeb Professor in the History of Art at New York University's Institute of Fine Arts. The author of numerous books on Byzantine art, including The Clash of Gods, Treasures in Heaven, and The Byzantine Churches of Istanbul, he is also a contributor to The Glory of Byzantium (Yale University Press).

Reviews

[Janet Mumma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I wish I had read it before I visited Ravenna but I’m definitely going to take it with me when I go to Istanbul. In the beginning the map and the historical overview provide a context for all that follows. The pictures accurately support the text. Differences between western and orthodox practices are explained with specific details. Mathews easily explores and explains role of art in the religious and everyday lives of the people, and he makes the point that the architecture is also the art. And the art is fabulous! I feel like I have a much better understanding of this time and place.

[Rebecca Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written informative overview of Byzantine art and culture. Matthews appreciates that it is impossible to understand the art apart from the practice of worship - a breath of fresh air. My only criticism is that there are no footnotes. There are quotations but no footnotes. Only a bibliography by chapter at the end of the book. Although I suppose it is structured this way for readability it is frustrating if you are genuinely interested in the subject.