We Are of This Place - Byzantine Art - The Arts Society

What exactly is Byzantine Art and how do you pronounce it?
The early art and architecture of one of history’s greatest empires – from Constantine to Justinian

Tuesday 1st April 2025
Speaker: Geri Parlby

At Liskeard Public Hall.

9.10 am for 9.30 am – 12.00 noon approx.

“You say By-zantine and I say Bizz-anteen” as the song almost goes!
In fact, there is no right way to pronounce it, but it is certainly a subject worth studying. The Byzantine Empire flourished for over a millennium as the successor to the Roman Empire in the eastern Mediterranean. We will marvel at the beauty and spirituality of Byzantine Mosaics, Frescoes, Churches, and Icons. We will also glimpse how this magnificent art form influenced the developing artistic traditions of its powerful neighbors in the west and east.

Session 1 – 9.30am – 10.30am

4th and 5th centuries – The Emperor Constantine – the birth of Constantinople and the mosaics of Ravenna.
The Byzantine Empire began in 330 AD when Emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Byzantium, later renamed Constantinople. Christianity flourished and gradually supplanted the Greco-Roman gods that had once defined Roman religion and culture. This religious shift dramatically affected the art created across the empire.

We will consider the sublime mosaics of Ravenna, known for their vibrant colors and exceptional depictions of biblical scenes, and explore how mosaic art was used to exploit religion to achieve political ends.

Session 2 10.50am – 11.50am

6th and 7th centuries – The Emperor and the Prostitute – the era of Justinian and Theodora; ivories, icons, and the building of Hagia Sophia.
Justinian and Theodora bowed to no man when they ruled the world’s most powerful empire during the 6th century.

• Theodora was a former prostitute and exotic dancer, yet she became one of the most powerful women in Byzantine history.
• Justinian, of Balkan peasant origins, rose to rule an empire.

Together, they inspired some of the most beautiful art in the Byzantine Empire, from the sublime mosaics of Ravenna and St Catherine’s monastery to the miraculous architecture of Hagia Sophia.

Who could forget the most outrageous imperial couple in Byzantine history?

• This event is part of the ‘We Are of This Place’, a month-long celebration of the Looe Valleys’ people, history, and landscape  covering all parishes between Liskeard and Looe.

To book please download this form