Discuss how the Italo-Byzantine sense can be seen as an evident in Berlinghieri’s St. Francis Altarpiece

http://humanisbeing.wordpress.com/2009/02/09/altarpieces-and-art-berlinghieris-byzantines-christ-and-creativity-some-art-history/

http://smarthistory.khanacademy.org/Berlinghieri

http://arttimemachine.blogspot.com/

The Italo-Byzantine style, also known as the Byzantine Revival or Byzantine-influenced Italian art, refers to a period in the history of art when Italian artists incorporated the stylistic elements of Byzantine art into their own works. This style was particularly prevalent during the 13th and 14th centuries.

Berlinghieri’s St. Francis Altarpiece is a notable example of the Italo-Byzantine sense. Painted by the Italian artist Bonaventura Berlinghieri in 1235, this altarpiece depicts the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, who was the founder of the Franciscan Order. The altarpiece is known for its use of flat, linear forms, elongated figures, and gold leaf background, characteristics that are closely associated with the Byzantine artistic tradition.

To understand and recognize the Italo-Byzantine sense in Berlinghieri’s St. Francis Altarpiece, you can follow these steps:

1. Research Byzantine art: Familiarize yourself with the stylistic elements and characteristics of Byzantine art. Look into examples of Byzantine icons, mosaics, and frescoes to understand the visual language they employed.

2. Examine the altarpiece: Take a closer look at Berlinghieri’s St. Francis Altarpiece. Observe the use of flat, stylized forms, particularly in the figures' clothing and facial features. Notice the emphasis on linearity and the absence of naturalistic depth or perspective.

3. Study the figures: Pay attention to the elongated proportions of the figures in the altarpiece. Byzantine art often depicted figures with elongated bodies and elongated faces. Notice how the figures have a sense of solemnity and serenity—another characteristic of Byzantine art.

4. Analyze the gold leaf background: The use of gold leaf as a background is a quintessential element of Byzantine art. This technique represented the divine and heavenly realm. In Berlinghieri’s altarpiece, the golden background enhances the sense of sacredness and spiritual significance.

5. Compare with other Italo-Byzantine works: Look for other examples of Italo-Byzantine art from the same period or region. By comparing various artworks, you can identify common characteristics and discern the specific elements that define the Italo-Byzantine sense.

By following these steps, you can gain a better understanding of how the Italo-Byzantine sense is evident in Berlinghieri’s St. Francis Altarpiece, using both your knowledge of Byzantine art and careful observation of the altarpiece itself.