Late Antique Portraits and Early Christian Icons: The Power of the Painted Gaze

This book explores the early surviving Christian icons from the sixth and seventh centuries, comparing them to Roman imperial portraiture, Graeco-Egyptian funerary portraiture, and panel paintings of non-Christian deities. It examines how artists visualized and constructed these images and how their intended viewers interacted with them, focusing on the depicted gaze as a key factor.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the fascinating realm of the earliest surviving Christian icons, dating back to the sixth and seventh centuries. These remarkable icons bear striking similarities to three other well-established genres of 'sacred portraiture' that emerged during late antiquity: Roman imperial portraiture, Graeco-Egyptian funerary portraiture, and panel paintings depicting non-Christian deities. In his insightful exploration, Andrew Paterson addresses two fundamental questions about devotional portraiture, both Christian and non-Christian, during this remarkable period. Firstly, he delves into the artistic processes by which artists visualized and constructed these images of divine or sanctified figures. Secondly, he explores the ways in which their intended viewers engaged with, responded to, and even interacted with these images.

Paterson argues that a central aspect of many of these portrait images lies in the emphasis placed on the depicted gaze, which fosters a heightened form of personal encounter with the subjects of the portraits. This emphasis invites viewers to engage more deeply with the emotional and spiritual dimensions of the images, creating a profound connection between the observer and the portrayed figures.

The book holds immense appeal to scholars engaged in the fields of art history, theology, religion, and classical studies. Its comprehensive analysis and insightful observations shed light on the rich cultural and religious landscape of late antiquity, providing valuable insights into the artistic, theological, and socio-historical dimensions of this period. Whether one is an art enthusiast, a religious scholar, or a student of history, this book offers a wealth of knowledge and perspectives that will enrich one's understanding of the ancient world.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367697563