The Art of the Byzantine Empire

For more than a dozen years the Byzantine Empire preserved and extended the treasures of Christian civilization. Today its artistic glories lie scattered through many lands, and it is not easy to obtain an accurate and comprehensive picture of its rich traditions. The first part of this text contains an analytical survey of the principal problems involved. The second gives a detailed appreciation by periods of the empires achievement in architecture, mosaic, painting, sculpture, manuscript illustration, and other arts. Due attention is paid to the techniques involved, as well as the aesthetic value of the works. With 57 color plates, 14 black and white plates, map and chronicle logical tables.