2.37 FC – Unusual Elements in Byzantine Art and Architecture: New Methodological Perspectives

Byzantine artistic and architectural production has traditionally been interpreted through a series of dichotomies, such as provincial vs. metropolitan, eastern vs. western, and classical vs. non-classical. Artworks and buildings have been categorized according to specific sets of characteristics, organizing them into recognizable stylistic, iconographic, and structural groups. However, many objects and structures resist such rigid classification. Their distinctive, often unusual features challenge established norms, necessitating more nuanced scholarly approaches. This session presents a series of case studies that explore these atypical characteristics in Byzantine buildings, objects, and paintings, raising questions about their origins and broader implications. Centered on re-evaluating works that fall outside traditional canonical frameworks, the papers seek to establish new methodologies for studying artistic and architectural deviations in Byzantium. Key questions include: Are metropolitan forms in provincial settings always a reflection of a patron’s identity, or do they reveal aspects of the local population, economic conditions, and cultural aspirations? Does the presence of Western elements in Byzantine monuments stem from ideological and historical influences, or are they sometimes a result of practical considerations? Does hybridity in artistic forms indicate a shift toward non-Byzantine models, or is it a product of eclectic tastes shaped by global influences and the availability of skilled artisans? Ultimately, this session seeks to rethink traditional scholarly approaches that correlate visual production with established artistic canons. By incorporating patterns of variation, idiosyncratic features, and deviations from conventional norms—elements that were in fact pervasive in Byzantine art and architecture—we hope to develop a more comprehensive framework for understanding Byzantium’s artistic complexity.