A Survey of Some Byzantine Sculptural Works

 

When you think of ecclesiastical art in the East, we naturally think of the (painted) icon, but did you know that the East also has a rich sculptural tradition? The sculptural tradition of the Christian East tends to mainly situate itself within the earlier centuries of Byzantium, where it was manifest primarily in the form of sculptural reliefs, not full fledged statues. This was due at least in part to the association of statues with pagan worship where religious images were concerned. So it was then that the sculpted religious imagery of the Church in this part of the Christian world was manifest by something sitting part way between two and three dimensions -- and it is incredibly beautiful and detailed work. 

Today I thought we could take a little survey of some of extant Byzantine relief carvings, many of which come to us from the workshops of Constantinople. Most of these carvings were done in ivory, a material that has a long tradition of being used for this purpose in human history and upon which very fine and intricate details could be achieved.  (It goes without saying that in these earlier centuries, they did not have the same conservation concerns we now have today in the modern age; concerns rooted in our modern weaponry and hunting techniques, factors which have pushed many of these ivory-bearing animals to the point of extinction in our time.)

As you look at these various pieces, one thing that I hope you will take note of is how they once again can showcase for us the common, shared roots of the Church in the Byzantine East and Latin West.  We tend to focus so very often on the differences and I think we would do well to focus rather on the similarities.

Byzantium, late 10th century, Aachen, Domschatzkammer
© Domkapitel Aachen, Foto: Ann Münchow, Aache

Crucifixion scene. Originally part of a triptych. Mid 10th cent.
(Source)

Archangel (possibly Michael), circa 6th cent. 

Crucifixion panel, circa 10th cent.
(Source)

The Borradaile Triptych, circa A.D. 900–1000. Features an image of the Crucifixion with Our Lady and St. John. On the outer panels are depicted various saints. 

The Wernher Triptych, circa 900–1000 AD, The Virgin Hodegetria in the centre.On the sides, two angels, St Nicholas and St Theodore, and on the right St John Chrysostom and St George.

The Greek Madonna, circa 9th cent.

Detail from a 'pyz' showing an altar with ciborium and altar curtains. Two figures are shown holding censers. Circa 6th cent.
(Source)

The Virgin Blachernitissa, circa 11th cent.

Christ Pantocrator, circa 10th cent.

Gospel book cover. circa 13th cent.

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