The Power in Byzantine Art

Authors

Emma Duffin, Utah State University
Aly Hutchinson, Utah State University

Files

Description

In the Byzantine empire from the 4th century to the 15th century, emperors ruled as absolute monarchs. Emperors were considered by the people to be god-chosen rulers, and that made them extremely unavailable to the public. One would be considered lucky to catch only a glimpse of the imperial family in their lifetime. However, the emperor's image was widely spread through its use on official coinage.

The concept of power has been represented repeatedly throughout different aspects in Byzantine history. Another efficient way in which the Byzantine Empire portrayed its power and wealth was through illustrating the emperor's divinity within the church as a source of their imperial authority.

Keywords

Byzantium, art, power, coinage, church and state

Disciplines

Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Art and Architecture | History of Art, Architecture, and Archaeology

Recommended Citation

Duffin, Emma and Hutchinson, Aly, "The Power in Byzantine Art" (2021). BYZANTIUM: Trade, Treasure, Tradition. 30.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/arth3620_2021/30