Byzantium

Hagia Sophia

Constantinople 

Istanbul, Turkey (532-537) 

The  most important monument of Early Byzantine art is the Hagia Sophia. Justinian intended the new church to rival all other churches ever built even to surpass in scale & magnificence the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. The structure was called the "Church of Holy Wisdom, in Constantinople". As a temple/church like structure built after the Temple of Solomon during a time when truth was lost, it's intentions were good, but it lacked the fullness.  

The soaring canopy-like dome of the Hagia Sophia with the streaming light coming in and shining out through the glass windowed layer makes the dome appear as the floating "dome of heaven." Light is the mystical element. Light that glitters in the mosaics, shines forth from the marble-clad walls and floors, and pervades and defines space that, in themselves seem to escape definition. Light seems to dissolve material substance and transform in into an abstract spiritual vision.

One of the most influential mystic philosophers of the age, Pseudo-Dionysius said, "Light comes from the Good and... light is the visual image of God." 

Visitors to Hagia Sophia from Justinian's time to today have been struck by the light within the church and its effects on the human spirit. As all sacred spaces the feelings intended to be felt in them cause a reflection upon deity- in some instances or holy spaces, that of eternal deity.  

Transfiguration of Jesus
Apse Mosaic, Church of the Virgin
Mount Sinai, Egypt 
548-565

The best part about the Byzantine period is that Christ is vividly represented, bringing true deity into the spectrum of art. 
Justinian rebuilt the monastery at Mount Sinai between 548 and 565 and erected imposing walls around it. The site had been an important place of pilgrimage to many. The Mount Sinai church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, whom the Orthodox Church had officially recognized in the mid-fifth century putting to rest the controversy about the divine nature of Christ. 


The church's apse mosaic depicts the transfiguration. Jesus appears in a deep-blue almond shaped mandorla (aureole of light). At his feet are John, Peter, and James. At the left and right are Elijah and Moses. The artist stressed the intense whiteness of Jesus' transfigured, spiritualized form, from which rays stream down on the disciples. This mosaic effectively contrast the eternal of heavenly beings with the distraught responses of earthbound. 


Christ being the deity that was transfigured back into his rightful heir and throne in Heaven is the perfect depiction from Byzantine art.