Hagia Sophia

Istanbul Turkey

532-537

Anthemus of Tralles and Isodorus of Miletus

Byzantine

-Plainness of exterior contrasts with vividly decorated interior

-Floating Dome possible through pendentives (Curved Triangles that form a second dome)

Dome and light give heavenly significance

St. Michael the Archangel

Constantinople

Mid 6th

Byzantine

Saint Michael Holds an orb with a cross

Working in Classical Tradition

San Vitale

Ravenna, Italy

526-547

Byzantine

Octagonally Planned 

Light Enters from the Center

Plan has intricate leaf design

Glittering Mosiacs

COmplex and Dynamic interior arches over arches juxtaposition between curved and flat

Justinian and Theodora Mosaics

In San Vitale (Ravenna), Italy

547

Byzantine

Twelve attendants flank Justinian- like apostles

Dual Political and Christian Message

three groups: Emperor and staff, clergy and guards

Bishop Maximianus prssent

Theodora and Justinian Proceed form both sides of apse to receive Eucharist

Mosaics Gold

Monastery of St. Catherine

Mt. Sinai, Egypt

548-565

Byzantine

Important Early Monastery

Jesus in Mandorla (almond shaped light thing)

John Peter James eliah Moses

gold!

Mystical vision separate from physical world

Virgin and Child with Saints Theodore and George

6th Century

Mount Sanai, Egypt

Byzantine

Icon

Means to help transactions between humans and holy beings

became confused with idol worship

not classical