Age of Spirituality

En savoir plus sur le livre

The first centuries of the Christian Era were marked by significant upheaval, transforming classical traditions through changes in political and social structures, warfare, and the rising influence of Christianity. While some historians view this as a decline of civilization, the art from this period reflects cultural experimentation. Artists moved away from classical realism yet continued to draw from the imagery of pagan and imperial Rome, creating works characterized by spiritual grace and abstraction. This innovative style emerged from the interaction of Eastern and Western Empires, various religions, and urban and provincial societies, shaping Byzantine and medieval artistic traditions. In November 1977, an extensive exhibition opened to the public, focusing on Late Antique and Early Christian art. It was the largest of its kind and recognized as one of the most significant educational exhibitions ever assembled by an art museum. Featuring 450 objects from over 110 institutions and private collections across fifteen countries, the exhibition presented this lesser-known period through five realms: Imperial, Classical, Secular, Jewish, and Christian. The diverse array of materials, styles, and techniques included delicate jewelry, carved ivory diptychs, rare manuscripts, monumental portraits, wall paintings, and floor mosaics. Architectural monuments, depicted in photomontage, offered insights into the lives of emperors an