Byzantine art byzantium

DEFINITION

Distinct stylized, often iconic art from A.D. 330 until the mid-15th Century of Byzantium, which was ancient Constantinople when it was capital of the Greek Empire before the Turks invaded. Subjects were usually religious, and styles ranged from Oriental to Greek Classical Realism to French Gothic. European Catholic and Greek Orthodox Churches have had much Byzantine Art in frescoes, stained glass, mosaics, statuary and paintings. Sources: Ralph Mayer, "A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques"; Julia Ehresmann, "The Pocket Dictionary of Art Terms"