Greek Influence On Byzantine Art

Created by the Byzantine Empire, it was an art form significantly influenced by the art of the ancient Greeks, and remained with its classical heritage throughout its time. However, Byzantine art can now be thought of as more abstract (although the artists of that time did not think of their art in this way, instead describing it as ‘in tradition of Phidias, Apelles and Zeuxis’ (Greek artists)), going against the classical principle of mirroring reality.

The subjects of this art form was mainly imperials and religious, often combined. Their art was a result of the deeply religious society of the Byzantine Empire, with the church and imperial office controlling most of the wealth (where in the most financially suitable situation for undertaking