BYZANTINE ART CHARACTERISTICS

formal, severe, abstract, otherworldly treatment of the subject, which was

religious.
Balanced composition
Figures:
o Floating, not standing on the ground
o Frontal of figures
o Centrally located
o Frequently portray the Christ and Virgin Mary figures
o Elongated and unnatural.
o Stylized
o Little representation of emotions
o Italo version (Cimabue) is more expressive
o Curved body
o Limited range of gestures
lack of modeling (space) or depth
no perspective
the picture is often flattened out
the purpose: to present the image as heavenly and not mundane (worldly)
USE OF GOLD, especially on background and as highlights
Decorative, detailed surface

When thinking of Byzantine Art think of this work:

BONAVENTURA
BERLINGHIERI, panel from
the Saint Francis Altarpiece, San
Francesco, Pescia, Italy, 1235.
Tempera on wood, approx

MANIERA GRECA/Italo-Byzantine
This is the term used to describe the Greek or Byzantine mode of painting adopted
in Italy by the artists of the Proto-Renaissance.
Its characteristics are:
- the heavy use of gilding
- brilliant colors
- dominant use of line to form the folds on the fabric (drapery).
- They elevate the Byzantine art characteristics by adding perspective,
different usage of line, gold, drapery, architecture and even landscape in their
works to create depth and space on a 2-dimensional work.
- No more floating figures.

Think of the work of Cimabue.

CIMABUE, Madonna
Enthroned with Angels and
Prophets, ca 1280-1290.
Tempera on wood, 12 7 X
74. Galleria degli Uffizi,

Proto-Renaissance (period of 1300-1400, prior to renaissance):

Giotto di Bondone (Florence)

-The student of Cimabue
-Like his teacher, he decorated chapels, churches, altars and other religious
locations. Depicts the scenes from the life of Christ and other Saints.
-His style of painting is revolutionary in that his figures are far from floating,
unrealistic human figures in the Medieval works. He gives rise to naturalism.
-In accordance with naturalism he observed humans and reproduces their gestures,
expressions and movement in art.
-The composition of his work was carefully planned. His excellent use of space
shows the importance of authenticity to him. He arranges his subjects in a way to
involve the viewer in this authentic, natural narrative.
- Used horizon lines, diagonal lines, landscape, architecture to draw the idea to the
main focus of the fresco, and to create a 3d illusion. (i.e. Lamentation from the
Arena Chapel, Padua).
-Chiaroscuro the use of light and shade. He used this technique to evoke the sense
of depth, to form a perspective and the feel of tri-dimensionality.
-The use of the color blue for skies as opposed to gold, although in his works the
gold is being used.
Think of his Arena Chapel, Padua.

Duccio di Buoninsegna (Sienna rival to Florence)

-active 1278- 1318, principal painter in Sienna.
- natural approach to painting figures, use of colors.
-creation of illusion of 3D through use of architecture and landscape.
-Teacher of Simone Martini and Lorenzetti brothers (Pietro and Ambrogio).
When thinking of Duccio think of Maesta Altarpiece.

SUMMARY:
FLORENCE:
Byzantine Style---Cimabue (Italo-Byzantine style or Maniera Greca)-----Giotto
(Proto renaissance).

SIENNA:
Duccio (Giottos equal in terms of invention and stepping from the Byzantine style) - Simone Martine and Lorenzetti Brothers.