Art of the European Culture - Ivory Plaque - Essay Example

Art It would not be a mistake to point out that the human civilization possesses a considerable number of characteristic features which are not found anywhere beyond the boundaries of the society. While it is logical to put emphasis on such abilities as generating verbal interaction, there is no doubt in the fact that the notion of art should be placed among the characteristics which differ the mankind. Indeed, if one takes a close look at the history of art, one cannot help noticing that it was following the humanity from the very dawn of it. That is why examining art might be considered to be extremely important as this kind of research provides new information about the human culture in general. This paper will analyze one particular object that belongs to the European culture an ivory plaque. Thus, the main work of art which this paper is dedicated to does not have a title. It is a plaque which is made of ivory and has a rectangular shape. On this plaque there a religious scene carved: the death of Mary the Holy Virgin which is traditionally referred to as Koimesis – the Greek word for sleeping. As for the geographic region that the work of art belongs to, one might suggest that it is rather exemplary for the Byzantine art. Indeed, the Byzantine Empire was a powerful state that was located on the territory of the contemporary Turkey and was largely considered to be the center of East Orthodox Christianity. It would not be a mistake to point out that after the division of the Roman Empire, two different parts of it, namely the East and the West, adopted the Christian faith, but due to numerous peculiarities of the local culture the gradually started to grow apart. Thus, in the course of the first ten centuries the two opposite cultural environments were able to overlook the differences and practice similar spiritual tradition, but the very beginning of the eleventh century is marked with a schism – the division between the churches. The plaque in question represents one of the last traits of the art which united both part of the Christian world. That is why there is no wonder in the fact the work in question is a rather remarkable as well as significant piece of art. In addition to that, since it belongs to the cultural background of the Byzantine empire, the plaque is focused on the religious themes. As it was mentioned before, the plaque has a rectangular shape. The front of it depicts the iconographic interpretation of the Biblical events. Thus, the focus of the plaque is placed on the Mary the Holy Virgin who has closed her eyes and is resting on the bed. Around her there are different people who came to pay their respect to this holy woman. The very top of the plaque features two angels that come for the heavens in order to take her body with them. There is a peculiar detail that should be noted. According the iconographic tradition, the saints have halo around their head. This plaque depicts Mary the Holy Virgin with the halo while the other figures do not have it. As for the angels they also have halos, but they are not as visible as the one of the main figure. Even a brief look at the plaque will reveal the fact that it is a fine piece of work. Indeed, the lines the very smooth and thin. What is even more interesting is that this work of art is almost three dimensional: the angels at the top of it are carved in such a way that makes them stand out. In addition to that, there is a clear difference in depth between the foreground and the background which contributes to the space which is depicted in the plaque. One also should point out that since this plaque was used in religious ceremonies, it was preserved in a relatively good state which is able to prove the mastery of the person who created it. Overall, the historians of art may be quite lucky as some of the objects that are related to the religious area of human activity might be preserved in very good shape. The Biblical theme that is depicted in this piece of art is a very important one. It is quite understandable that the figure of Mary the Holy Virgin is one of the most significant human characters in the New Testament: she was not only mother of Jesus Christ, but is also considered to be the holiest of women. Due to her pious life on Earth she did not die, but started sleeping and was taken by the angels to heaven. In the early churches which were devoted to Mary the Holy Virgin, this holyday was considered to be one of the most respected ones (Belting 228). The tradition of celebrating the death of Mother of God expanded the number of Great Feasts exist in the Christian spiritual tradition. One would make no mistake pointing out that the Christian religion might be viewed as a revolutionary one by the religious world of the time of its emergence since it did not only present the believers with a completely new kind world view. Thus, in addition to the primary deity, it preached respect for other individuals how were able to glorify themselves with genuine love of God. Speaking of Mary the Holy Virgin she was the only woman who was able to give birth without sinning, showing that people are able to be free of the Original sin. That is why the importance of this saint in glorified in several feasts which are celebrated in the Christian Church. Finally, it would be important to discuss the significance of this particular work of art in the context of the culture as well the time when it was created. To begin with, one should point out that depiction of the Biblical scene in question on ivory plaques was a rather popular motive in Byzantine art (Evans and Wixom 115). Indeed, since this particular way of artistic expression was a rather sophisticated one, it was able to glorify the Christian teaching even more than other mediums. In addition to that, the plaque presents all the essential elements which are depicted in iconography, this way contributing to the Church canon. What is more important is that the plaque should be considered to be a work of art is stands between icons which are two dimensional and are characteristic to East Orthodox Church and three dimensional sculptures which are quite widely used in Roman Catholic Church. Indeed, on the one hand, plaque provides a person with a scene which is perceived in two dimensions, just like a tradition icon. However, it is beyond any doubt that the main artistic focus is placed on conveying the depth of the figures, for examine the author of the plaque in question was able to show that the sleeping Mother of God was surrounded by the people. The same could have been depicted with the help of a painting, but a similar feeling of surrounding could hardly have been conveyed. Indeed, one should point out that this special element is what really makes the plaque a peculiar work of art. Thus, it would not be an exaggeration to suggest that with the help of it the artist was able to make the religious scene come alive. For example, a traditional icon could only convey the message as a distance account of the events. However, the plaque in question was designed to show people that all this happen in the reality. As one can easily see on the example of the piece of art, ivory plaques might be considered to be an ideal medium for early Christian art as they represented a peculiar combination of two as well as three dimensional art, the traditions which later grew apart, representing opposite confessions in Christianity. That is why it is particularly beneficial to analyze the Christian art which was created prior to the schism since it is be able to present the kind of thinking that both parts of the Christian world were able to share. The fact that the artist of this particular plaque chose Koimesis or Dormition of the Mother of God as the major theme for his work of art suggests that this Biblical scene was largely respected and praised by the early Christians. Indeed, the latter did not only embrace the genuine faith in Jesus Christ, but also respected the people who became respected because of their deeds as true Christians. One would make no mistake assumng that the fine work of the author was used to contribute to the glorification of Christian faith and to impress the ordinary believers, enhancing their personal development and devotion to the Church of Jesus Christ. Thus, people not only were engaged in the spiritual practice, but also tried to manifest their faith in various beautiful works of art similar to the plaque which was analyzed in this paper. Works cited Belting, Hans. Likeness and Presence: A History of the Image before the Era of Art. Chicago: U of Chicago, 1994. Print. Evans, Helen C., and William D. Wixom. The Glory of Byzantium: Art and Culture of the Middle Byzantine Era, A.D. 843-1261. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art :, 1997. Print. Read More