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Art and artist in the second phase of the iconoclasm: (Doctoral thesis)

Ἀχτίδα, Βασιλικὴ Ε./ Ἀchtida, Vasiliki E.

The doctoral dissertation at hand attempts to fill the gap in the field of the theoretical prerequisites of Byzantine Art in the era of iconoclasm with special emphasis on the iconology of that period.Starting with the views expressed by Patriarch Nicephorus I of Constantinople about art and the artist, an “iconological reading” of his works is presented together with a comparison of his argumentation with the corresponding theoretical views of John of Damascus and Theodore the Studite, considering perceptions of art and its use that were prevalent in the Byzantine society before iconoclasm. At the same time, references regarding the use of icons and works of art as objects of everyday and devotional life are examined, shedding light on Byzantine Art as a factor that shaped the political ideology of the Byzantine Empire.Apart from presenting and analyzing Nicephorus’ views on art, the dissertation also examines his familiarity with the classical authors and, especially, the Platonic and Aristotelian influences on his views on iconology. Furthermore, the role of the artist-craftsman in Byzantine society and his association with classical perceptions is considered through relevant writings by Patriarch Nicephorus.