We want to tell in our article about the Byzantine ornament. We can still see ancient motifs of Byzantine patterns in ultramodern apartment interiors, on decorative tiles decorating walls and floors, on items of expensive dishes, and on decorations. Such patterns are always associated with brilliance and luxury, color brightness. But the origins of the special Byzantine style originate in strict asceticism and the desire of mankind for spiritual harmony, which manifested itself in special external forms.
Features of the Byzantine ornament
Byzantine ornament combines oriental and Hellenistic traditions. Magnificent entertainment and refined decorativeness, deep religiosity and conventionality of the pictorial language, dogmatism and emotionality, philosophical depth and artistic expression, admiration for the fleeting mortal beauty of the world and humble worship of the Higher Principle gracefully intertwine in it.
The most characteristic feature of the Byzantine ornamental art can be called bizarre patterning, 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, the use of zoomorphic and geometric elements in combination with human figures is most characteristic. Ornamental floristry of the Byzantine ornament is strongly stylized and is divided into the simplest elements: a fingertip, a half-fingernail, as well as a stalk forming various combinations.
Colors of Byzantine ornaments
If you look at the illustration, which depicts a Byzantine ornament in color, you can immediately notice the basic tones most often found in the patterned decorations of Byzantium. These are bright red shades, bright green, purple and violet. It is interesting that the characteristic Byzantine style, 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, renewal, and the coming of the Savior to earth.
- The Tree of Life is a symbol of the Kingdom of Heaven, the Eucharist.
- Spiral - it can often be seen in the motives of the circles adjoining each other, as if forming a grid covering the entire ornamental surface. Inside the circles, in turn, three-part compositions and crosses are depicted - traces of the influence of the Persian ornament.
- Braiding - a motive that is a symbol of the network, which are captured by human souls. Often stands at the head of the principle of constructing the whole composition, which combines Old Russian and Byzantine ornaments. Often present in architecture, in church paintings, in typographic and manuscript books.
- The Byzantine flower is one of the favorite motifs in ornamental Byzantine art.
- Acanthus is an image that marks the eternal life of the next century. This motif came in a Byzantine ornament from ancient art.
- Gemstone is a fine imitation of natural stone. This element was often used in architecture.
- Laurel wreath - symbolizes the victory of Jesus Christ over death.
- Monogram of Christ.
- Anchor - represents hope for eternal life and salvation.
Zoomorphic motifs in the Byzantine ornament
Images of dragons, fish, griffins (a hybrid of an eagle with a lion), senmurvs (a hybrid of a bird and a dog), lions, wolves, leopards, as well as birds (eagles, pigeons, peacocks) are skillfully woven into the Byzantine ornament.
Griffins
These mythical animals symbolize wisdom and power, as well as the dual nature of the Savior - both divine and human.
Fish
The ancient symbol of Christ, a symbol of Christian faith.
a lion
Favorite heraldic image, symbolizing the idea of strong power.
Peacock
In the Byzantine Empire, peacocks were mandatory kept at court, they were called royal birds. As an element of the ornament, the peacock personifies the immortality of the imperishable soul.
Dove
A symbol of divine inspiration, enlightenment and purification of the soul.