Byzantine Art Project
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Christ Pontocrater
Christ Pontocrater, c. CE 500-530 Monastery of Saint Catherine at Mount Sinai
Christ Pantocrater, close-up on Christ's face
Geography:
The availability of wax- as a natural resource- yielded the possible use of wax in the encaustic painting technique
Religion:
Depicts a leader of the Christian faith- Christ
Book in Christ's hands acts as a symbol of the Bible- the holy book of worship of the Christian faith
The image is an icon, and would therefore have been used in worship as a symbol of worshipping Christ through the painting
Halo around Christ's head illuminates his enlightened state of being and his holy nature
Achievements:
Style of encaustic painting- a painting technique that uses pigmented wax
Use of gold in painting to create an ethereal effect, and glorify God and Christ
Social: Icon shows:
Advocation of Christian liturgy, and the worship of Christ
Education of Christian beliefs to Byzantine citizens during Eastern Orthodox religious services