Christo Pantocrator, Hagia Sophia, 6th Century, Istanbul:
1) What does this image mean historically?
This mosaic was made in Constantine's Hagia Sophia and it represents Christ as he will be seen on Judgement Day. It is considered to be the start of the Renaissance in Byzantine art. This icon was not the first depiction of Christ Pantocrator nor was it the last as this depiction is common in Byzantine orthodox art. This image shows much deterioration either by weathering or desecration by the Ottoman islamic invaders who captured Constantinople in 1453.
2) What does this image mean to you? Why did you choose it?
Christ's turned gaze struck me as unusual for medieval art as the usual depiction has a face that is facing towards the viewer. Christ is making a symbol with his right hand that means either he is teaching or blessing the viewer. In his left hand he holds the new testament, symbolic of what the image represents, Christ on Judgement Day.
3) Is the image true? Why or Why not?
I think what makes this image true is it's imperfection. The weathering and aged material show that it has proven that this image has withstood the test of time and will continue until Christ returns again to perform Judgement in person, rather than in an icon.
Dead Christ, Andrea Mantega:
1) What does this image mean historically?
The 15th century was the last time of renaissance art leading to Baroque. You can see the obvious attempt at realism and proportion in this painting. Andrea Mantegna was an Italian artist who experimented with lowering the perspective in his paintings, leading to experiments in Baroque art.
2) What does this image mean to you? Why did you choose it?
The image is striking due to the true lifelessness of Christ on the marble slab. His wounds are dry and clean but also very real and painful. As Carvagio often expressed in his images, the feet of Christ are falling into our space, his wounds are our wounds. We are weeping over his body as Mary and St. John are doing.
The image is striking due to the true lifelessness of Christ on the marble slab. His wounds are dry and clean but also very real and painful. As Carvagio often expressed in his images, the feet of Christ are falling into our space, his wounds are our wounds. We are weeping over his body as Mary and St. John are doing.
3) Is the image true? Why or Why not?
The perspective is true, however, it is interesting to note how Mantegna shrank Christ's feet as they would have covered much of the image had he not done so.
The perspective is true, however, it is interesting to note how Mantegna shrank Christ's feet as they would have covered much of the image had he not done so.
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