Lenahan_ObjectAnnotation2
Brooke Lenahan
Created on September 27, 2024
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Transcript
Connection to Global Scale: The formal language being written in Greek, shows the adoptive nature that Justinian used when rebuilding Ravenna. Having a langue that is widely understood contributes to that pilgrimage that he wants to come to the church.
Reading Connection: “In rhetorical terms… a ceremony, aligns with the panels with the genre of encomium. Within this larger category, they should be linked even more specifically with panegyric, the type of speech designed for the commemoration of ceremonial and ritual events" (Bassett 53). Even though seal present does represent the classic ceremony that is held within a church, it still shows the presentation of gifts to Mary, as Justinian is offering Mary a church for her blessing. With the seal saying "Most Holy Mother of God Please help us" refers back to that panegyric style of asking/praising for a blessing from a divine spirit.
Global Connection: The "sanctity of place and sanctity of buildings - appeared as a part of a larger, politically inspired formulation that interwove power and status" (Ousterhout 281). Seeing as though Justinian is giving Mary the church in her honor and for her blessings, it demonstrates how the church and state have become one. When looking at other art after the Justinian rule, it would be important to see if other religions had followed suit, or if they refrained from having both together. Looking at it this way, there could be a potential evaluation on how Constantinople either encouraged or discouraged the overlap of religion and political power.
Reading Connection: Constantinople "became the head of the Orthodox Church through political means, rather than because of any previous associations... the later was obviously a matter of some concern and was compensated in several ways - most notably by the acquisition of relics, for which the city became famous" (Ousterhout 284). With the offering that Justinian is giving to Mary in order to receive her praise and blessings, places the value on the relics. Giving an entire church dedicated to her, plus the many more that the city had, shows the value that was placed on material objects and the power they yield in Constantinople.
Reading Connection: Hagia Sophia was a "potent symbol of the sacred character of the city, it acted as a magnificent stage for the intersection of imperial and religious ceremonies that underscored Byzantine social order" (Ousterhout 289). Again, the gift that Justinian presented to Mary, serves as another sacred place for him. With the overlap of church and state, each place he constructs becomes another for more religious ceremonies. While it may seem nice to offer this gift to the gods, it is almost selfish in Justinian's regard as he is working to fix multiple problems throughout Constantinople, but yet still focuses on the places he will be honored.
Three Questions: 1. With the other seals of this period, are they made of the same material? If not what does this say about trade? 2. Did the messages on the seals influence the attendance of church among the people or the elite society? 3. How did the iconographic elements of the political and theological relationships influence those who did not reside in Constantinople? Did the seals contribute to the pilgrimage?