Icons and iconography of the Byzantine World

About this course

This course examines how Byzantine icons communicate through recurring subjects, symbols and theological meanings, placing them within liturgical and devotional contexts. It traces the development of early Christian imagery, the effects of iconoclasm and the changing reception of icons over time. Teaching combines illustrated lectures, discussion and group activities. The course also considers how icon imagery circulated beyond Byzantium, influenced artists including Cimabue and Duccio, and has been interpreted in the modern world.

What you'll learn

• Identify key iconographic subjects and themes
• Explain selected forms and functions of icons
• Compare icons from different periods and places
• Discuss continuity and change in icon production

Is this course right for you?

The course is suitable for learners at all levels and involves lectures, group activities and discussion. Participants should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information. Some content may be sensitive or challenging because it addresses religious works of art and uses specialist terminology and theory.

• Includes participation in group discussion
• Covers religious imagery that some learners may find sensitive or challenging
• Uses specialist terminology and theoretical material

Before you go

• Less than an hour of homework is set most weeks, such as reading, reviewing class handouts or researching topics online.
• A notebook may be useful for taking notes.
• Books from any reading list may be purchased separately.
• The course may use Google Classroom for shared documents and course materials.