| The monastery of St. Luke in Greece shows the development of the decorated Byzantine church in the eleventh century. The architecture is striking for its verticality. Overhead in the central dome is perhaps the most characteristic subject of Byzantine religious art: Christ Pantocrator ("all-ruling"), here attended by angels and his mother Mary. Other images show biblical scenes and other saints. The dazzling, almost hypnotic, effect of all the gold backgrounds is apparent here. This was supposed to help the view transcend the limitations of depiction and contemplate the spiritual truths represented. Marble panelling further enhances the appearance of the church interior. |
