😻Art in Late Antiquity Unit 7 – Late Antique Sculpture: Busts and Reliefs

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Late Antique sculpture encompasses works created between the 3rd and 8th centuries CE, primarily in the Mediterranean region
• Busts are sculpted representations of the upper body and head, often depicting emperors, politicians, or prominent figures
• Reliefs are sculptures carved into a flat surface, creating a raised image that projects from the background
• Portraits in Late Antique sculpture aimed to capture the likeness and personality of the subject, often with a focus on the face and eyes
• Hieratic scale, a technique where the size of figures is determined by their importance, was commonly used in reliefs
• Contrapposto, a pose where the weight is shifted to one leg, creating a more naturalistic stance, was adapted from classical Greek sculpture
• Drapery, the representation of clothing and fabric folds, became more stylized and abstract in Late Antique sculpture

Historical Context and Timeline

• The Late Antique period was marked by significant political, social, and religious changes in the Roman Empire
• The rise of Christianity in the 4th century CE greatly influenced the subject matter and symbolism in sculpture
• The division of the Roman Empire into Eastern and Western halves in 395 CE led to distinct artistic developments in each region
• The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE resulted in the emergence of new artistic centers and styles
• The Byzantine Empire, centered in Constantinople, became a major patron of the arts and influenced sculpture throughout the Mediterranean
• The Sassanian Empire in Persia also had a significant impact on Late Antique sculpture, particularly in terms of iconography and style
• The Islamic conquest of the 7th century CE introduced new artistic traditions and motifs to the region

Materials and Techniques

• Marble remained the primary material for high-quality sculpture, sourced from quarries in Greece, Italy, and Asia Minor
• Bronze was also used for sculpture, particularly for smaller works and decorative elements
• Stone carving techniques, such as drilling and polishing, were refined to create more intricate details and smoother surfaces
• The use of the running drill, a tool with a rotating bit, allowed for the creation of deep undercutting and complex drapery folds
• Sculptors employed a variety of chisels, rasps, and abrasives to shape and refine their works
• Polychromy, the use of color on sculpture, was common in Late Antique works, with pigments applied to enhance realism and symbolism
• The practice of reusing older sculptures or architectural elements (spolia) became more prevalent, particularly in the later centuries of the period

Stylistic Characteristics

• Late Antique sculpture blended classical Greek and Roman traditions with new artistic influences from the East
• Portraits became more abstract and stylized, with emphasis on the eyes and spiritual qualities of the subject
• Drapery was often depicted with deep, linear folds, creating a sense of movement and volume
• Frontal poses and direct gazes became more common, engaging the viewer and conveying a sense of authority
• Reliefs often featured crowded compositions with multiple figures and architectural elements
• The use of hierarchical scaling, where important figures are shown larger than others, was prevalent in religious and imperial imagery
• Sculpture incorporated symbolic elements and attributes to convey meaning and identity

Notable Examples and Artists

• The Portrait of the Four Tetrarchs (c. 300 CE) in Venice depicts the co-emperors of the Tetrarchy in a highly stylized and abstract manner
• The Colossus of Constantine (c. 312-315 CE), a monumental statue of the emperor Constantine I, showcases the grandeur and power of imperial portraiture
• The Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus (c. 359 CE) features intricate reliefs depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, exemplifying the influence of Christianity on Late Antique sculpture
• The Barberini Ivory (c. 500-550 CE), a Byzantine ivory panel, depicts the emperor Justinian I in a triumphant pose, surrounded by allegorical figures and symbols of power
• The Equestrian Statue of Justinian I (c. 540 CE) in Constantinople, now lost, was a bronze statue that showcased the emperor's military prowess and authority
• The sculptor Zenodorus, active in the late 1st century CE, was renowned for his colossal bronze statues, including the Colossus of Nero in Rome

Symbolism and Iconography

• Christian symbolism, such as the cross, the Chi-Rho monogram, and the Alpha and Omega, became increasingly prevalent in Late Antique sculpture
• Imperial iconography, including the use of the diadem, the globus cruciger, and the scepter, conveyed the power and divine right of the emperor
• Personifications of virtues, such as Victory, Justice, and Wisdom, were often depicted in allegorical scenes
• The use of the nimbus, or halo, to signify sanctity and divinity became common in religious sculpture
• Mythological figures and scenes from classical literature continued to be represented, albeit with new interpretations and symbolism
• The representation of the dead as eternally youthful and at peace, known as the "beautiful death," was a recurring theme in funerary sculpture
• The use of the orant pose, with arms raised in prayer, became a common motif in Christian sculpture

Cultural and Religious Influences

• The spread of Christianity had a profound impact on the subject matter and symbolism of Late Antique sculpture
• The rise of the cult of saints and the veneration of relics led to an increased demand for devotional sculpture
• The influence of Eastern religions, such as Mithraism and the cult of Isis, can be seen in the iconography and style of some Late Antique works
• The cultural exchange between the Roman Empire and neighboring civilizations, such as Persia and India, introduced new artistic motifs and techniques
• The philosophical and theological debates of the time, such as the nature of Christ and the role of images in worship, shaped the development of religious sculpture
• The patronage of the imperial court and wealthy aristocrats played a significant role in the production and dissemination of sculpture

Legacy and Impact on Later Art

• Late Antique sculpture served as a bridge between classical art and the art of the Middle Ages
• The stylistic innovations of Late Antique sculpture, such as the emphasis on frontality and the use of hierarchical scaling, influenced Byzantine and Medieval art
• The iconography and symbolism developed in Late Antique sculpture became the foundation for Christian art throughout the Middle Ages and beyond
• The practice of reusing older sculptures and architectural elements (spolia) continued in the art and architecture of the Medieval period
• The artistic centers of the Late Antique period, such as Constantinople and Ravenna, remained important cultural hubs for centuries
• The techniques and materials used in Late Antique sculpture, such as the running drill and polychromy, continued to be employed by later artists
• The legacy of Late Antique sculpture can be seen in the works of Renaissance and Neoclassical artists, who drew inspiration from the period's artistic achievements