Inspired by the Royal Academy’s 2008/2009 ‘Byzantium Exhibition’ this lecture will reveal the diverse richness of the decorative arts of Byzantium. The aim is to trace the fascinating story of the Byzantine Empire, which flourished for over a thousand years, through the art of the period. Mosaics, ivory carvings, enamels, holy relics, silverware and icons are just some of the ‘glorious things’ to be examined and discussed. Along the way the audience will encounter all manner of characters from emperors, empresses, Roman matrons, virgins and whores through a variety of art works from fourth-century buried treasure to tenth-century pornography – all with the ability to bring this colourful world back to life.
Presenter Dr Helen Rufus-Ward is an Art Historian who has lectured and taught at the University of Sussex since 2007 on all aspects of art history, but her specialism is early Christian and Byzantine art. Her books include Late Antique and Byzantine ivory carvings and 19th century plaster cast collecting.
Presented in association with the Wellington Decorative and Fine Arts Society.
Door sales open from 3pm outside Soundings Theatre.
Feature image: Emperor Justinian (detail), 6th century mosaic, San Vitale, Ravenna.