Heaven and Earth: Art of Byzantium from Greek Collections

By Andrew Gould on November 8, 2013

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An excellent show on Byzantine art is currently on display at the National Gallery in Washington D.C. The show opened on October 6th, but shut down temporarily with U.S. Government, and was rather obscured as a result. Since many folks have been left unaware of the show, we are calling attention to it here.

Specifically, it is an exhibit of works on loan from Greece. It was organized by the Ministry of Culture in Athens, and is a rare opportunity to see these pieces in the U.S.

The show runs until March 2nd and will subsequently be displayed at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles April 9-Auguest 25.

This review in the New York Times includes a good slideshow.

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4 Comments

  1. Syphax on November 10, 2013 at 5:34 pm

    Please illuminate a humble non-Orthodox: what is the sphere that angels in icons are sometimes holding?



    • Jonathan Pageau on November 10, 2013 at 10:18 pm

      The globe is a representation of the cosmos. Christian emperors often held a globe in their left hand, a globe with a cross like this one, as a symbol of their power. On the globe are the initials Χ Δ Κ (for Christ [Χρίστος] Just [Δίκαιος] Judge [Κριτής]). This particular inscription is quite rare in the globe.



      • Syphax on November 10, 2013 at 10:24 pm

        Thank you, very interesting.



  2. Bess Chakravarty on November 11, 2013 at 5:42 pm

    It would be a kindness for those of us who loved Ksenia Pokrovski of Blessed Memory if you would please update your artist list. She died in July.

    Her work will continue to be taught at workshops through her daughter Anna Gouriev, and her excellent student and teacher, Marek Czarnecki.

    To check this information please go to Hexaemeron.com.
    Thank you.

    Would you also look at my website Prayerfulicons.com to see if I qualify be one of your artists.
    a sinner and a pilgrim,
    Bess Chakravarty



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