Anastasis in the Chora Church

Detail from the Anastasis in the Chora Church

The Anastasis, a powerful image of Christ’s resurrection, has captivated viewers for centuries.  More than a simple depiction of rising from the dead, this iconic scene, particularly as it appears in the Chora Church in Istanbul, offers a rich tapestry of theological meaning and artistic brilliance. This article delves into the depths of the Anastasis, […]

Klimt’s “The Kiss”

Detail from Klimt's The Kiss

  Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss” is a masterpiece of the Art Nouveau and Symbolists styles, and is renowned for its opulent use of gold leaf and its sensual depiction of a couple entwined in an embrace.  Sometimes judged as ‘just a romantic painting’, this work, and the artist who painted it are a bit more […]

El Greco’s The Last Supper

El Greco's last supper detail

El Greco’s Last Supper is a striking reinterpretation of the traditional Christian scene painted in the Mannerist style. He emphasizes spiritual drama through elongated figures, vibrant colors, and a dynamic composition. Who was El Greco? Born on the island of Crete, which was then under Venetian rule, El Greco began his career as a Byzantine […]

The Duccio Maesta Altarpiece Nativity

The Duccio Maesta Altarpiece Nativity is the subject of our tour of Nativity art. You can view this post in video form on my YouTube channel here. Evolutionary thought can blind us In the last article we examined a work by Giotto, who was a contemporary of today’s artist, Duccio. Giotto represented the city-state of […]

Mosaic in the Chora Church

A mosaic in the Chora Church will be the focus of todays advent art. The mosaics and frescoes of the Chora Church are some of the finest examples of Byzantine art that have survived to our modern times. History of the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora The Church of the Holy Saviour in […]