Explore the beauty of Byzantine art on our webpage showcasing a collection of images. Byzantine art, from 4th century to 1453, known for rich colors, intricate patterns and religious themes. Browse our collection to gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating historical period.
Saint Symeon the Younger was a stylite saint, an early Christian ascetic who fled the world for the desert and, perched on a column, spent his days fasting and praying. The site of Symeon’s column attracted many pilgrims during and after his lifetime. Medallions like this one, showing Symeon atop hi
Bronze oil lamps were made either with stands, like the nearby example, or with chains for suspension on hooks within homes and churches. This lamp is cast in the form of a griffin, a guardian figure from antiquity frequently used in Byzantine churches, which contained much wealth. The Christian mon
After the Crusader conquest of the Holy Land in 1099, Jerusalem experienced a revival of Christian pilgrimage. During the 12th century, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher was rebuilt, redecorated, and reconsecrated. With the influx of new pilgrims, especially from Western Europe, lead ampullae (small
This pyx shows Christ as Pantokrator (Ruler of the World), the Apostles, and the Virgin as a continuous frieze of figures seated in high-backed chairs with cushions. The tapered lip of the body of the pyx was intended to dovetail into the missing lid. Because of its style, the box is thought to be f
The images found on the sides of surviving lead pilgrims' ampullae include scenes relating to the life of Christ, and by extension to the holy sites (loca sancta) where the events took place. Cast into the sides of this ampulla are scenes of Christ's Crucifixion on the front and the Ascension on the
Impressively large and elaborately embellished, the cross to which this fragment belonged was likely carried in liturgical processions. The central medallion on its front depicts Christ, flanked by medallions showing the Virgin and Saint John the Baptist. Together they form the Deesis, a powerful By
It was a common early Christian practice to stamp images and inscriptions into loaves of bread using special molds. Representing the Church of the Holy Sepulcher on Mount Golgotha--the hill outside Jerusalem on which Christ was crucified and entombed--this wooden mold was probably used to stamp loav
Christ Pantocrator in Byzantine mosaics, icons and church art, all free to download.
The images found on the sides of surviving lead pilgrims' ampullae include scenes relating to the life of Christ, and by extension to the holy sites (loca sancta) where the events took place. Cast into the sides of this ampulla are scenes of Christ's Crucifixion and Ascension. The use of such sacred
Saint Symeon the Younger was a stylite saint, an early Christian ascetic who fled the world for the desert and, perched on a column, spent his days fasting and praying. The site of Symeon’s column attracted many pilgrims during and after his lifetime. Medallions like this one, showing Symeon atop hi
These four liturgical silver vessels—a paten and three chalices (1950.378–81)—form what is now called the Beth Misona Treasure, named for the village in northern Syria for which the objects were made. While nothing is known about the exact location and circumstances of the treasure's discovery, the
This medallion is one of a group of twelve that once surrounded an icon of the archangel Gabriel. The medallions may have been sent as a gift from the Byzantine court to the neighboring Christian state of Georgia. Byzantine gold, silver, and cloisonné enamel, made in Constantinople, diameter 8.3 cm.
Illuminated manuscripts written in Greek were considered one of the greatest art forms by the highly literate and sophisticated clerical and secular elite of Byzantium. Over the centuries many works were commissioned for use in important churches. The calendar in this lectionary and the quality of t
Theodore Teron (the recruit) was one of several soldier-martyrs whose cults were enormously popular in the later centuries of the Byzantine Empire. This intaglio illustrates Theodore’s miraculous slaying of a dragon. The image reflects the revival of classical culture that took place in Byzantium in
This delicately carved cameo shows the Virgin in an orant pose, with her arms upraised, and a medallion of the Christ Child over her chest. This icon type is often called the Blachernitissa after a famous icon at the Blachernai Monastery in Constantinople. Byzantine agate cameo, probably made in Con
The largest of these fresco fragments may represent the late fourth-century saint John Chrysostom, who is usually depicted with a pointed beard, sunken cheeks, and a high forehead. Byzantine fresco with modern restoration, 24 x 23.7 cm.
This medallion is one of a group of twelve that once surrounded an icon of the archangel Gabriel. The medallions may have been sent as a gift from the Byzantine court to the neighboring Christian state of Georgia. Byzantine gold, silver, and cloisonné enamel, diameter 8.3 cm.
This medallion is one of a group of twelve that once surrounded an icon of the archangel Gabriel. The medallions may have been sent as a gift from the Byzantine court to the neighboring Christian state of Georgia. Byzantine gold, silver, and cloisonné enamel, diameter 8.3 cm.
This medallion is one of a group of twelve that once surrounded an icon of the archangel Gabriel. The medallions may have been sent as a gift from the Byzantine court to the neighboring Christian state of Georgia. Byzantine gold, silver, and cloisonné enamel, diameter 8.3 cm.
The typical image of Saint Paul—with a long face, receding hairline, and pointed beard—was established during the first centuries of the Christian church. Here Paul holds a book, an appropriate symbol for the author of many of the texts of the New Testament.
These nine medallions are from a group of twelve that once surrounded an icon of the archangel Gabriel. The medallions may have been sent as a gift from the Byzantine court to the neighboring Christian state of Georgia.
The archangel Michael, commander of the heavenly host, became one of the most popular saints during Byzantium's last centuries. Depictions usually show him in the robes worn by the Byzantine emperor or dressed in armor.
The typical image of Saint Peter—with a round face, short hair, and a beard—was established during the first centuries of the Christian church. Here Peter stands holding a cross and gesturing as if preaching. At his waist are the keys to the kingdom of heaven, given to him by Christ (Matthew 16:19).
These nine medallions are from a group of twelve that once surrounded an icon of the archangel Gabriel. The medallions may have been sent as a gift from the Byzantine court to the neighboring Christian state of Georgia.
