This course traces the developments in architecture, painting, sculpture, and mosaic of the Early Christian and Byzantine periods, from the art of the catacombs in the 3rd and 4th centuries to the monuments of Italo-Byzantine art of the Middle Ages. Students are introduced to the early Christian art and architecture of cities such as Rome, Ravenna and Constantinople. The mandatory field trip may require a fee.

Satisfies "the Medieval World" core course requirement for Art History majors

This upper-level survey investigates the art and architecture of the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire from the time of Constantinople’s foundation as the “New Rome” in 330 until its fall to the Ottomans in 1453. The course introduces key works in a variety of media, from monumental mosaics and frescoes to portable icons, illuminated manuscripts, metal- and enamelwork, and textiles. Special emphasis is placed on cross-cultural interactions across the medieval Mediterranean from western Europe to the Islamic world.

Proceeding chronologically, this course takes a long view of the art and architecture produced within and around the Byzantine Empire. We begin with the nascence of the earliest Christian art in the second and third centuries, followed by an examination of the Early Byzantine period, from the transference of the Roman Empire’s capital to Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) in 330 to the eighth century. Attention is given to the Iconoclastic controversies of the 700s and 800s before turning to the flourishing of art and architecture in the Middle Byzantine period (843–1204). We will consider the political fragmentation of the empire caused by the Fourth Crusade, during which Constantinople fell under Latin rule from 1204–61. Following this period of rupture, we consider shifts in artistic production in Late Byzantium through the empire’s final fall to the Ottomans in 1453. We conclude with an exploration of the afterlives and echoes of Byzantium, from Ottoman architecture to the Russian avant-garde.

Topics and themes to be addressed include: the transition from ancient Roman artistic traditions to the visual culture of early Christianity; theories of the icon and the iconoclast controversies; the cult of the saints, relics, and pilgrimage; intertwined ideas of religiosity and secularism; and the dual concepts of continuity and innovation; notions of empire and the politics of the visual. Group discussions will focus on visual analysis and critical readings of primary textual material.

This course requires a field trip to Ravenna (estimated cost per student around €25 plus travel costs). Please see provisional course schedule.

- Recognize key works of Byzantine art and architecture.

- Analyze the visual material within its social and historical contexts.

- Acquire an understanding of the chronology of important historical events related to the Byzantine Empire.

- Demonstrate awareness of significant primary source texts.

- Evaluate secondary literature critically and individuate various scholarly approaches.

- Identify and interpret key themes, and how these relate to individual works of art.

- Cultivate oral communication skills by discussing art in situ and within the classroom.

- Develop writing skills that include: the formation of clear arguments; effective organization and structuring of material; visual analysis; and the incorporation and evaluation of primary and secondary sources.

You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed.