ARH 371 SUPERNATURAL IN BYZANTINE ART

The Byzantine universe was full of supernatural forces—from a jealous demoness who caused miscarriages to the saints that appeared before the faithful and intervened in their lives. The Byzantines used an array of objects and images that could appeal for aid, defend them against evil, or even help them appear more beautiful. This course investigates how ancient views and objects regarding supernatural forces were adapted to either fit into or run counter to a Christian theological and material cultural framework. It will introduce students to beliefs and practices from the Ancient Greco-Roman tradition through the Post-Byzantine era. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of objects and images, from an inkwell guarded by the head of Medusa to large wall paintings of the Last Judgment, that harnessed the powers of the supernatural world.