The influence of Byzantine art

The influence of Byzantine art to subsequent art movements has only been recognized in recent years: nonetheless, this does not diminish its magnitude. Contemporary Byzantine iconographer Egon Sendler is a Roman Catholic priest and art professor who is credited as one of the main proponent and educator of contemporary Byzantine art that subscribe to the aesthetic and canonical rules of its traditional iconography (Atelier Saint Andre, 2005). Like the original Byzantine artworks, the predominant theme and subject or the art was religious in nature.

Original Byzantine art was not limited to religious iconography but also sought to represent imperial themes since Byzantine fluence but there was also a significant influence and transfer of Eastern styles particularly in the use of colors, pigments and architecture featured in the art (Sendler, 1995). As seen in Sendler’s work titled Virgin Pokrov completed in 2000, the work is symbolical rather naturalistic and was predominantly of traditional Orthodox icons and symbols (see Figure 1). Sendler’s work is not only visually faithful to original Byzantine art but follows preparation and materials used during the period.

Since the period extends from the 4th to 15th centuries, there is a wide variety of styles, mediums and materials used. However, Sendler points out that Byzantine art traditions root in canons and iconography allows modern artists the facility to recreate the artistic tradition was also considered as the successor of the Great Roman Empire. Classical tradition as was a heavy inn today. The objective of Byzantine artists, ancient and contemporary, it is not to create disambiguation or abstraction of their subject but rather reflect the interpretation of what constitutes as “natural” at the advent of the Byzantine era.

References Atelier Saint Andre (2005) Father Egon Sendler. Atelier Saint Andre. net, July 17. Retrieved July 16, 2008, from http://www. atelier-st-andre. net/en/pages/presentation/father_sendler. html Sendler, Egon (1995). The Icon Images of the Invisible, Elements of Theology, Aesthetics and Technique. New York: Oakwood Publications Sendler, Egon (2000). Virgin Pokrov. Retrieved July 16, 2008, from http://www. iconsexplained. com/iec/01017. htm