Roman mosaics were natural and realistic while Byzantine mosaics were meant to be symbolic.
developed the use of abstarction
Abstraction
The remnant of Byzantine culture that significantly contributed to the Renaissance love of the classics was the preservation and transmission of ancient Greek and Roman texts. Byzantine scholars meticulously copied and studied classical works, ensuring their survival through the Middle Ages. When the Byzantine Empire fell in 1453, many of these scholars migrated to Western Europe, bringing with them invaluable manuscripts and knowledge that sparked renewed interest in classical literature, philosophy, and art during the Renaissance. This revival ultimately laid the foundation for the humanist movement that characterized the period.
The Iconoclast Controversy had profound long-term effects on the Byzantine Empire and the Christian Church. It deepened the divide between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches, contributing to the schism that would later formalize in 1054. The disputes over religious images also influenced the development of Christian art and theology, leading to a lasting emphasis on the role of icons in Eastern Orthodox worship. Additionally, the controversy reflected broader tensions between religious authority and imperial power, shaping the political landscape of Byzantium for centuries to come.
The Carolingian art is most closely associated with the Medieval Period, specifically during the reign of Charlemagne in the late 8th to early 9th centuries. This period marked a revival of classical art and culture, influenced by the Byzantine style, and aimed at unifying the various regions of Charlemagne's empire. The art produced during this time often featured religious themes and intricate decorative elements, reflecting the merging of Germanic, Roman, and Christian traditions.
Cultural differences between Roman Catholics and Byzantine Christians contributed to the
Ruth Ovadiah has written: 'Hellenistic, Roman and early Byzantine mosaic pavement in Israel' -- subject(s): Antiquities, Byzantine Mosaics, Hellenistic Mosaics, Mosaic Pavements, Roman Mosaics
Asher Ovadiah has written: 'Geometric and floral patterns in ancient mosaics' -- subject(s): Greek Mosaics, Mosaics, Mosaics, Greco-Roman, Patterns, Roman Mosaics 'Supplementum to The corpus of Byzantine churches in the Holy land' -- subject(s): Byzantine Architecture, Church architecture, Church buildings
Sheila D. Campbell has written: 'The mosaic pavements of Anemurium in Cilicia, with special study of the geometric motifs' 'Armchair pilgrims' -- subject(s): Ampullae (Containers) 'The Malcove Collection' 'Mosaics of Anemurium (Subsidia Mediaevalia,)' 'A 16th century Italo-Byzantine cross' -- subject(s): History, Wood-carving, Wood-carving, Italo-Byzantine, Christian art and symbolism 'The mosaics of Aphrodisias in Caria' -- subject(s): Antiquities, Byzantine Mosaics, Dating, Excavations (Archaeology), Mosaic Pavements, Mosaics, Byzantine, Mosaics, Roman, Pavements, Mosaic, Roman Mosaics 'Facilities and equipment for day care centres' -- subject(s): Day care centers
The difference between Judaism and Byzantine is whereas Judaism is a Christian sect, Byzantine is not.
Byzantine mosaics are characterized by their use of vibrant colors, gold backgrounds, and a focus on religious themes, often featuring stylized figures and intricate designs. In contrast, Roman mosaics typically depict a wider range of subjects, including everyday life, mythology, and landscapes, and often utilize naturalistic styles with more emphasis on realism. Additionally, Byzantine mosaics often have a more abstract and symbolic quality, whereas Roman mosaics demonstrate a greater attention to detail and perspective.
In a very simplified form: Roman mosaics, small pieces of cut stone (tesserae) about 8mm - 12mm in size set together to make patterns and other images as a floor. Taken from the Greeks (about 2nd century BC) they were eventually replaced from around the 6th century AD by Opus Sectile, (patterns on the floor made up with larger, cut to shape pieces of stone tile). Byzantine mosaics, the tesserae were cut from piece of coloured glass called smalti. These were then made to create mosaics on the walls and ceilings of the first Christian churches.
Byzantine mosaics were primarily associated with Christianity, depicting religious figures and scenes from the Bible. Roman mosaics, on the other hand, incorporated a mix of religious and secular themes, including gods and mythical figures. Both styles used intricate designs and colorful tiles to create stunning visual art.
Astrological symbols figure prominately in Roman mosaics.
The Byzantine style was primarily influenced by Roman artistic traditions and early Christian themes. The grandeur of Roman architecture and mosaics laid the foundation, while the rise of Christianity introduced a focus on spiritual symbolism and religious iconography. Additionally, the fusion of Eastern artistic elements, particularly from the Near East, enriched the Byzantine aesthetic, leading to distinctive features like elaborate mosaics and iconic religious imagery.
One can purchase artistic representations of Roman mosaics at Mosaic Art. One can purchase fine replicas of Roman mosaics at the website Collector Antiquities.
The Byzantine Empire continued the cultural traditions of the Romans primarily through its preservation and adaptation of Roman law and governance. The Justinian Code, for instance, compiled and codified Roman legal principles, ensuring their relevance and application in Byzantine society. Additionally, Byzantine art and architecture drew heavily from Roman styles, exemplified by the use of domes and mosaics in churches, thereby maintaining a visual continuity with Roman aesthetic traditions.