View this extraordinary site on early Christian and Byzantine art!

PENDENTIVES AND SQUINCHES,  DOME, MOSAICS, TESSERAE,  ICONOGRAPHY, ICONASTASIS, ICON, ANICONIC, MANDORLA, HIERATIC, TRIPTYCH,  ANASTASIS.

       a.  How was the "illusion of a floating dome of Heaven" achieved in the architecture of the Hagia Sophia?  Why was this appropriate to the beliefs of Christianity in the East?  See pages 312-315.
       b.  Discuss the "new Byzantine aesthetic" in terms of the presentation of the human figure.  See pages 317-320.
       c.  What is the difference between "illustration" of the gospels and "illumination" as presented in the Rabbula Gospels?  See page 325.
       d.  Discuss "Icons and Iconoclasm" from the inset on page 326 and the discussion on page 327.
       e.  What is the pictorial style characteristic of the post-iconoclastic Middle-Byzantine period?  See pages 327-328.

a. Hagia Sophia, Constantinople (Istanbul), by Anthemus of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus, Page 313.
b. Choir and apse of San Vitale with mosaic of Christ, Ravenna, Page 318.  (Scroll down to the second image).
c. Justinian, Bishop Maximianus, and attendants,Page 319.
d. Theodora and attendants, Page 319.
e. Ascension of Christ, from the Rabbula Gospels,  Page 325.
f. Virgin (Theotokos) and Child Between Saints Theodore and George, Page 326.
g. Christ Pantocrator,  See image on page 311.  See the discussion on pages 329-332.
h. Virgin (Theotokos) and Child, (Vladimir Virgin),  Page 335.
i. Anastasis fresco,  Page 336.
j. Christ as Savior of Souls,  Page 337.

a. View this extraordinary site from The City Review on Byzantine art.
b. Scroll down to Imperial Art of 6th Century Ravenna for some outstanding art!
c. From Ravenna, a beautiful mosaic detail of the Empress Theodora
d. Visit this spectacular exhibit entitled "Byzantium Faith and Power:  1261-1557" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
e.  The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople presents many beautiful icons!  Examine all of them!