Assignment:
Reply to two discussion questions of two classmates 100 to 200 words.
1. Art is an important part of many civilizations and cultures. By examining a past culture's art, we can compare cultures and discover what values they held as important. In the painting Byzantine Illuminated Manuscript and Charlemagne Crowned as Emperor, there is the similarity of the inclusion of religious elements, but difference of the type of element included, which shows that the civilizations viewed religion as important, and they can be viewed from a Godly perspective since he gifted the artists.
The main similarity between the Byzantine Illuminated Manuscript and Charlemagne Crowned as Emperor, is that they both contained religious elements. The Byzantine piece seems to be a depiction of the biblical scene of Mary giving praise during Jesus's assumption("Byzantine Illuminated Manuscript",2019). The piece of Charlemagne displays Pope Leo III crowning Charlemagne as Emperor of Romans ( "Charlemagne Crowned as Emperor", 2019) . Although both paintings were focused on religion, they differed in how the Byzantine one focused on Biblical worship of the honoring the past, and the one of Charlemagne focused on the church of the present.
Both paintings showed that the cultures valued the Christian faith. The Byzantine painting was given worship to Christ and honoring him as Lord. The Charlemagne painting showed that the culture trusted the authority given to the Pope and accepted Charlemagne as Roman emperor since he was coronated by the Pope. This shows that the civilizations incorporated religion as a main aspect of their lives and had faith that it would continue in the future.
Although these painting included religious aspects, all paintings can be viewed from a Godly perspective. Cor 10: 31 states "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.". This meaning that ever aspect of our lives gives glory to God. In viewing paintings, we can give glory to God when we understand that the Lord blessed the artist with the talent to complete the painting. Since God gave the artist their gifts, he had a plan for the art they created and as Christians, we must honor that.
2. Byzantine and Medieval European Art
In looking at two works of art spanning a time period of about 2000 years, there are similarities to be seen in the styles and content of the pieces. In an illuminated manuscript from Homilies on the Virgin by James Kokkinobaphos and Charlemagne Crowned as Emperor, both depict through color, conformity and subject matter the significance of the religion of the period.
Both pieces are representative of the time in that illuminations or illustrations were painted to help deciphering of meaning for books. This was due to the fact that few people of the time may have actually been literate. Both of the pieces emphasize the importance of Christianity through representation of religious figures and concepts. The ascension, David and the prophet Isaiah are shown in the Byzantine illumination and the pope in a church setting in the Medieval illumination signify the importance of Christianity in society. The conformity of the people as citizens is shown as a respectful group gathering around a religious event. The colors of red and blue being used are representative of religious importance, as well. In these time periods, red was symbolistic of wealth, power and religion, as the blood of Christ. Blue is also prominant in both illuminations as a color of medieval royalty and religion, as thought to be the color of the Virgin Mary's clothing.
In considering the importance of 1 Cor 10:31 when looking at these works of art, or in studying, evaluating or appreciating art of any society, we need to look at what the artist or author is trying to say, and how that relates to our beliefs as Christians. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2 NIV). The Holy spirit will give us the knowledge to ascertain what is from God and what we need to see with cautious eye, if we are open to hearing.