Byzantine ornament: features, colors, motifs
We want to tell in our article aboutByzantine ornament. Ancient motifs of Byzantine patterns can be seen today in ultramodern interiors of apartments, on a decorative tile decorating walls and floor, on objects of expensive utensils, on ornaments. Such patterns are always associated with brilliance and luxury, the brightness of color. But the origins of a particular Byzantine style originate in strict asceticism and mankind's striving for spiritual harmony, which manifested itself in special external forms.
Features of the Byzantine ornament
Byzantine ornament united the easternand Hellenistic traditions. It gracefully intertwines lush spectacularity and refined decorativeness, deep religiosity and conventionality of the figurative language, dogmatism and emotionality, philosophical depth and artistic expression, admiration for the transient perishable beauty of the world and humble worship of the Higher Beginning.
The most characteristic feature of ornamentalcreativity of Byzantium can be called a bizarre pattern, borrowed from the Persians. For example, patterns on Byzantine fabrics often consist of geometric shapes (circles or polygons) into which images of animals are intricately inscribed. Often all this splendor is framed by a long and smoothly curved acanthus leaf.
For Byzantine patterns is most characteristicthe use of zoomorphic and geometric elements in combination with human figures. Ornamental floristry of the Byzantine ornament is strongly stylized and is divided into the simplest elements: palmetto, half-palmetto, and also the stem, forming various combinations.
The colors of Byzantine ornaments
If you look at the picture where it is shownByzantine ornament in color, you can immediately notice the basic tones, most often found in the patterned ornaments of Byzantium. These are bright red shades, bright green, purple and violet. Interestingly, the characteristic Byzantine style, which was formed under the influence of the cultural heritage of other peoples, in turn, had a direct impact on Russian art, as well as on the art of Western European countries.
Byzantine ornament: main motifs
- Lily - this flower is a symbol of the Annunciation, the renewal and the coming of the Savior to the earth.
- The Tree of Life is a symbol of the Kingdom of Heaven, the Eucharist.
- Spiral - it can often be seen in motivescontiguous circles, forming a grid covering the entire ornamental surface. Inside circles, in turn, are depicted three-part compositions and crosses - traces of the influence of the Persian ornament.
- A braid is a motif that is a symbol of the network,which catches human souls. Often at the head of the principle of building the entire composition, which combines the Old Russian and Byzantine ornaments. Often present in architecture, in church paintings, in typographical and manuscript books.
- Byzantine flower - one of the favorite motifs in ornamental Byzantine art.
- Acanthus is an image that marks the eternal life of the future century. This motif came in Byzantine ornamentation from ancient art.
- A precious stone is a graphic imitation of a natural stone. This element was often used in architecture.
- The laurel wreath symbolizes the victory of Jesus Christ over death.
- Monogram of Christ.
- Anchor - personifies the hope for eternal life and salvation.
Zoomorphic motifs in Byzantine ornamentation
In Byzantine ornament can be skillfully wovenimages of dragons, fish, griffins (a hybrid of an eagle with a lion), senmurvas (a hybrid of a bird and a dog), lions, wolves, leopards, and birds (eagles, pigeons, peacocks).
Griffins
These mythical animals symbolize wisdom and strength, as well as the dual nature of the Savior - both divine and human.
A fish
Ancient symbol of Christ, a symbol of Christian faith.
a lion
A favorite heraldic image, symbolizing the idea of strong power.
Peacock
In the Byzantine Empire, peacocks were compulsorily kept at the court, they were called royal birds. As an element of a peacock's ornament personifies the immortality of an imperishable soul.
Dove
The symbol of divine inspiration, enlightenment and purification of the soul.
