Lecture on Images and Iconoclasm in the Byzantine Empire

Importance and Politics of Images

• Images are powerful and political.
• Influence on religion, Christianity, and Byzantine Empire history.
• Tension in the church over creating images of Christ, Mary, and God.
  • Concern about usurping divine creation.

Role of Icons in Byzantine Worship

• Icons of Mary, saints, and Christ central in Byzantine worship.
• Concern over worshiping images instead of venerating them.
• Issues with people venerating the image instead of the divine figure.
• Commandment against creating images.

Iconoclasm

• Period where images were forbidden in the church by the emperor.
• "Iconoclasm": Greek for "breaking images."
• Destruction of images, especially in Constantinople (8th - 9th century).
• Concern: Images were seen as dangerous, leading to idolatry.

Post-Iconoclasm Resurgence

• End of iconoclasm marked by the creation of new religious art.
• Prominent mosaic in Hagia Sophia represents this resurgence.
• Image of Virgin Mary with Christ child indicative of Middle Byzantine style.
• Close resemblance to remaining icons, such as in Church of St. Catherine, Sinai.

Hagia Sophia Mosaic

• Image of Virgin Mary and Christ child, 16 feet high.
• Representation of divine light through the use of gold.
• Positioned above windows, symbolizing her floating above the sky.
• Connection of light and divine in Byzantine art.

Significance of the Image

• Solid and elegant representation, breaking the typical flat icon perception.
• Timber bench and platform with gemstones.
• Reaffirmation and permanence of images post-iconoclasm.
• Inscription condemns iconoclasts and praises restoration of images.

Theotokos and Sermon by the Patriarch

• Theotokos: Mary as one who gives birth to Christ.
• Patriarch's sermon: Christ's incarnation confirmed through images.
• Emphasis on emotional, spiritual, and educational power of images.