Deck 9: Byzantium

Question 1

The monastic movement began in __________ in the third century.

A) Egypt
B) Syria
C) Rome
D) Constantinople

Answer 1

A

Question 2

The flight of Byzantine scholars in 1453,introduced the study of classical Greek into Italy.Which of the following accounts for this?

A) the renewed interest in Byzantium
B) the formalization of political treaties with Byzantium
C) the renewed interest in the West
D) the fall of Byzantium

Answer 2

D

Question 3

The image of Christ as the Pantokrator refers to his role as ___________.

A) Redeemer
B) Savior
C) Lamb of God
D) Last Judge

Answer 3

D

Question 4

The medium used for the icon of the Virgin and Child between St.Theodore and St.George is which of the following?

A) encaustic
B) oil on panel
C) mosaic
D) fresco

Question 5

The seventh and eighth centuries were a period of turmoil for Byzantium.This period saw the loss of the Eastern provinces to conquest under the banner of Islam.These events persuaded Emperor Leo III that God was punishing the Empire for its idolatrous worship of icons.Based on this what did Leo III initiate?

A) He formally prohibited the use of images.
B) He formally petitioned prayers from the Patriarch.
C) He formally charged the Imperial workshops to increase production of images.
D) He formally charged the population to increase their worship of images.

Question 6

Justinian's position on the north wall of the apse of San Vitale is somewhat ambiguous.He appears to be slightly behind the bishop,yet the paten he carries overlaps the bishop's arm.This indicates the ___________________.

A) unimportance of Bishop Maximianus
B) importance of the State
C) force of Justinian's character
D) balance between Church and State

Question 7

The mosaic program found in the apse of San Vitale supports the Byzantine theme of the holy ratification of Church and State.The presence of which figures in the mosaic program supports this theme?

A) Christ and Saint Vitalis (San Vitale)
B) Saint Vitalis (San Vitale) and Justinian
C) Bishop Maximianus and Justinian
D) Christ and Justinian

Question 8

In place of images the iconoclasts used only symbolic forms already familiar in Early Christian art.Which of the following symbolic forms would be acceptable?

A) a bearded Christ on the Cross
B) the Holy family
C) vacant Throne of God
D) the Transfiguration

Question 9

It is said the Ascension from the Rabbula Gospels is not an illustration of the Gospels but rather an illumination.Which of the following validates this assertion?

A) the presence of Mary Magdalene
B) the presence of the Virgin
C) the absence of St. John the Apostle
D) the portrait of the monk Rabbula

Question 10

The images and symbols found in the sanctuary from San Vitale express the single theme of _________.

A) the Nativity
B) Christ's Crucifixion
C) Christ's redemption of humanity
D) the Martyrdom of Saint Vitalis (San Vitale)

Question 11

What church combines the intricacies of Greek theology,the ambitious architectural scale of Rome,the vaulting tradition of the Near East,and the mysticism of Eastern Christianity in order to create a monument that is the summation of antiquity and the triumph of Christianity?

A) San Vitale
B) Sts. Sergius and Bacchus
C) Church of the Dormition, Daphni
D) Hagia Sophia

Question 12

The dome on the Katholikon,Hosios Loukas is formed by ____________

A) pendentives
B) bemas
C) supporting octagons
D) squinches

Question 13

Basil I undertook the repair of damage done during the Iconoclasm.How was this repair initiated?

A) by dedicating a new mosaic in Hagia Sophia
B) by seeking an alliance through marriage with Charlemagne
C) by formalizing relations with the Ottomans
D) by commissioning a new royal chapel

Question 14

Where would a squinch most likely be found?

A) as part of a column
B) supporting a dome
C) guarding the entry
D) at the entrance of a chapel

Question 15

Who was the founder of the "New Rome" of the East?

A) Diocletian
B) Constantine
C) Julian
D) Theodosius I

Question 16

Theodora's presence in the mosaic program of San Vitale indicates her importance and unique position within the court of Justinian.The representation of the Three Magi on the border of her robe also suggests she __________________.

A) belongs here as Empress
B) belongs in the elevated company
C) belongs here as wife to Justinian
D) belongs here because of her patronage

Question 17

The dome of the Hagia Sophia is supported by __________.

A) squinches.
B) pendentives.
C) vaults.
D) bemas.

Question 18

Which of the following features is of Byzantine origin and was never incorporated in San Vitale?

A) apse
B) iconostasis
C) ambulatory
D) vault

Question 19

What region did Byzantium Christianize?

A) Lombardy
B) Russia
C) Syria
D) Egypt

Question 20

The nave of the Hagia Sophia was exclusively reserved for the clergy.The laity or congregation was confined to the aisles and galleries.Based on this information,what accounts for the symbolical unity of Church and State?
A) the emperor and empress were the only laity privileged to enter the sanctuary

A) the First Counselor and the emperor were the only laity privileged to enter the sanctuary
B) the emperor was the only layperson privileged to enter the sanctuary
D) the Imperial Council were the only laity privileged to enter the sanctuary

Question 21

In the cathedral of Monreale,a mosaic panel depicts William II standing next to the Enthroned Christ,who,in turn,places his hand on William's crown.Based on this theme,does this panel commemorate?
A) the divine right to rule.

A) the relationship between Venice and Sicily.
B) William II.
B) the expulsion of the Arabs from Sicily.

Question 22

Explain the importance of Basil I.

Question 23

How did the Byzantine emperors refer to themselves and why is this significant?

Question 24

Describe the mosaic,Theodora and Attendants from San Vitale,and explain its symbolism.

Question 25

The so-called "Macedonian Renaissance" is reflected in the Paris Psalter.Which of the following supports this assertion?

A) It was inspired by the Late Imperial tradition of the pre-Christian world.
B) It was inspired by the Classical tradition of the pre-Christian world.
C) It was inspired by the Early Christian tradition of the Mediterranean world.
D) It was inspired by Hellenistic naturalism of the pre-Christian world.

Question 26

The Middle Byzantine artist assimilated classicism's simplicity,dignity,and grace and synthesized it with Byzantine piety and pathos.Which of the following follows this formula?

A) Virgin and Child Enthroned, Hagia Sophia
B) Virgin and Child between Sts. Theodore and George, Monastery St. Catherine
C) Anicia Juliana, Vienna Dioskorides
D) Crucifixion, Church of the Dormition, Daphni

Question 27

Which of the following events changed the fortunes of Byzantium in the final or Late Byzantine period?

A) the defeat of the Sasanians in 1261
B) the Seljuk Turks captured most of Anatolia
C) William II of Sicily sought an alliance with Constantinople
D) a successful treaty was negotiated between Constantinople and Rome

Question 28

What is the Corpus Juris Civilis?

Question 29

What accounts for the fragmentary knowledge of Byzantine art prior to the ninth century?

A) The Ottoman Turks invasion of Constantinople
B) The Second Crusade
C) The Iconoclasm
D) The Seljuk Turks capture of Anatolia

Question 30

Explain the statement,"the Vladimir Madonna is a masterpiece of its kind."

Question 31

The interior mosaic program for St.Mark's has explanatory labels written in both Greek and Latin.What accounts for this?

A) It accommodates the needs of Venice's diverse population.
B) It reflects the political ambitions of the bishop of Venice.
C) It reflects Venice's position as a link between East and West.
D) It accommodates the needs of the Patriarch of Constantinople.

Question 32

What is St.Catherine's,Mount Sinai?

Question 33

Whose relics were obtained from Egypt for Venice?

A) St. Matthew
B) St. Mark
C) St. Luke
D) St. John

Question 34

Describe the contributions of Justinian during the Early Byzantine period.

Question 35

The emotional impact of Christ's death can be seen in the wall painting of the Lamentation over the Dead Christ found in St.Pantaleimon,Nerezi.Which two figures in the painting support this assertion by their gestures?

A) Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus
B) Martha and Mary
C) Mary and John
D) Lazarus and Peter

Question 36

In the semi-dome of the apse,the architectural focus of the cathedral of Monreale is another allusion to William's right to rule.Which of the following figures would support that allusion?

A) the enthroned Theotokos
B) the archangels
C) the Twelve Apostles
D) the Pantokrator

Question 37

Why is Eulalios significant?

Question 38

The phrase "consequences of iconoclasm" has significant meaning for the history of Byzantine art.Explain the Iconoclasm and its subsequent impact on Byzantine art.

Question 39

How does William II of Sicily indicate his "divine right to rule'?

Question 40

How did the Barberini Ivory announce Byzantium's theocratic state?

Question 41

Compare the Lamentation from Nerezi and the Anastasis from the Church of Christ in Chora.How are they different? Why? Consider the political climate for each work and why it is relevant.

Question 42

Compare the mosaics of St.Catherine,Sinai and San Vitale,Ravenna.What changes have been incorporated into San Vitale and why?

Question 43

Explain the evolution of the depiction of Christ in Byzantine art.How was the depiction changed and modified? Consider the political and social climate of each period and area.What influences shaped each work? How did these works,in turn,influence subsequent works? Use specific examples to support your essay.

Question 44

Discuss the consequences of the Iconoclasm and its effect on Early Byzantine art.How did the Iconoclasm affect Middle Byzantine art? Include in your discussion the reasons for the Iconoclasm.Use examples to support your essay.

Question 45

Which icon is earlier? What similarities do both icons share and what changes have been initiated? What features reflect the influence of the hieratic style?

Question 46

Discuss the roles played by the Classical style of Greece and Rome and the formalistic style of the East in the development of Byzantine art.Use examples to support your essay.

Question 47

One of these buildings is Early Christian and the other Byzantine.Identify them,describe the structural system used,and note the historical factors that might account for their similarity.

Question 48

Why is it significant that the Anastasis is found in the parekklesion,a side chapel,in this instance a funerary chapel,of the church of Christ in Chora?

Question 49

Compare the treatment of space and form in these two manuscripts and discuss the factors that may account for the pronounced differences in style.

Question 50

Discuss the implications the recognition of Christianity as the official state religion had for the Early Byzantine period.How did this affect the art of this period? Use specific examples to support your essay.

Question 51

Explain the innovations Byzantine architects developed.Discuss specific features from at least three buildings and include all three periods (Early,Middle,and Late Byzantine)in your essay.Use examples to support your essay.

Question 52

Describe the features of each mosaic that make it a typical example of the Early Byzantine and Middle Byzantine styles.

Question 53

Compare and contrast the impact Byzantium had on the arts of Venice and Sicily.Consider the political and social climates of each area and the implications of Byzantine iconography.Use examples to support your essay.

Question 54

Compare the mosaic programs developed for church interiors during the Early through Middle Byzantine periods.Include in your essay the political as well as religious significance of the themes and depictions.Use specific examples to support your essay.

Question 55

Compare the Rabbula Gospels with the Paris Psalter.Consider the time frame of each work.How does each one reflect its environment? What innovations and changes did each initiate? What influences shaped each work? How did they,in turn,influence subsequent works?