Topic > Religious Imagery: Synods and Iconoclasts

As far as we know, the Synods and Iconoclasts believed that Christ is uniformly both God and man, having two natures integrated in perfect harmony. Iconic works of art were typified, usually depicting the separation between God and man, and according to the Synod and the iconoclasts, one that indulges in the separation of natures would create blasphemy by visually proposing the humanity of Christ alone. Therefore, typified iconic art, which visually depicted Christ, was seen as heresy. In polytheistic cultures, Gods often did not embody omniscient status. The gods were complicating beings made up of individualities, just like humans. The gods of polytheistic cultures often shared similarities with humans, some having more meaning and others less, but each god had skills or knowledge that set him or her apart from others. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayAs such, polytheistic religious images embodied these ideas, often depicting their Gods as human-like while capturing their individual personalities and needs. This was in complete contrast to the iconoclasts' understanding of religious images. In monotheistic religions like Christianity there is only one God, so religious imagery must encapsulate God in an omnipotent bubble. In Christianity man must serve the creator more than creation and, according to the iconoclasts, the work of art must be as such. However, religious imagery in polytheistic cultures often had different interpretations of a single God. Therefore, polytheistic religious imagery was more susceptible to different interpretations, while monotheistic religious imagery was not meant to be corruptible by man. Byzantine artists had an infatuation with depicting spiritual ideas that were mysterious at the time. They have stayed away from representing ideal human beings. Byzantine works of art were products of pictorial styles. The techniques of the Byzantine Empire consisted of mixtures of Greek and Egyptian art. Mosaics were the preferred art form for depicting religious images. For example, the emperor mosaic showed his majesty surrounded by his servants. The fitted demeanor and elegant robes give the impression of royalty and class. This mosaic was in a church and was seen in high regard. However, the most famous building of the time is definitely Hagia Sophia. Created for Virgo, the architecture of the building is monstrous to the extent that the human eye cannot participate in supporting it all. It was designed by the architects in such a way as to induce the human eye to observe the building in small doses. The building was expanded with space so that it felt heavenly when the human eye meets the eyes of Christ. To evoke a sense of form, the meticulously added domes stack on top of each other. The Tree of Jesse is an example of an iconic work of art. There are four kings next to the trunks and branches and at the top of the tree lies Christ, who was accordingly created after the Virgin Mary.