107-404 Early Christian and Byzantine Art

Usually 37.5 points of art history at second/third year, see Prerequisites or admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in art history.

This subject deals with Christian art from its earliest periods to the 8th century, focusing on centres such as Rome, Constantinople and Ravenna. Issues to be dealt with may include the rise of new art forms such as the icon; the emergence of new subjects in art, such as portraits of Christ; and art associated with the cult of the saints, death and the body. The subject concludes with an examination of the period of iconoclasm when the notion of visually representing deity was questioned and condemned - a development which had dramatic consequences not only for Christian art but for art in general. Students should develop a sound knowledge of important events in the development of Christian art from its beginnings to the 8th century, and have an appreciation of the role art plays in Christian culture, especially in its devotion and rituals.