Maniera Greca in Europe's Catholic East: On Identities of Images in Lithuania and Poland (1380s–1720s)

The study explores the foreignness of vernacular art in Byzantine paintings from the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania, contextualizing it with evidence from Poland, Serbia, Russia, and Italy. It examines the development of artistic practices and the reception of these images, distinguishing between the Greek manner and the style favored by the devout. The research concludes that tradition is repetitive order achieved through reduction and oblivion, and that the sole persistent understanding of the Greek image has been stereotyped as the icon of the Mother of God.

Format: Hardback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2023
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

Vernacular art can become foreign in various ways, and the term "Greek manner" can have different meanings in regions far beyond the Mediterranean. In Byzantine paintings from the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the study explores these questions by contextualizing them with evidence from Poland, Serbia, Russia, and Italy. The research follows developments in artistic practices and the reception of these images, distinguishing between the Greek manner, based on visual qualities, and the style favoured by the devout, sustained by cults, and altered through stories.

One of the key findings of the study is that tradition is repetitive order achieved through reduction and oblivion. This means that the Greek image has been stereotyped as the icon of the Mother of God, with little attention paid to its historical and cultural context. The study argues that this understanding of the Greek image has been perpetuated by a narrow interpretation of the Bible and a lack of understanding of the artistic traditions of the Byzantine Empire.

To address this issue, the study proposes a new approach to the study of Byzantine and pseudo-Byzantine art in Europe's Catholic East. It suggests that tradition is not just a static order but a dynamic process that is constantly evolving and being shaped by new ideas and experiences. This approach recognizes the importance of the Greek manner in Byzantine art but also emphasizes the role of the devout and the cults in shaping the style.

The study also explores the stories that images need to tell. It argues that images can convey a wide range of emotions and meanings, and that narratives can shape the way that images are interpreted. The study provides examples of Byzantine paintings that depict various stories, including the birth of Jesus, the crucifixion, and the resurrection. These stories are often interpreted in a religious context, but the study also shows how they can be interpreted in a secular context.

In conclusion, the study of Byzantine paintings from the former Grand Duchy of Lithuania provides valuable insights into the history and culture of the Byzantine Empire. It challenges the stereotypical understanding of the Greek image as the icon of the Mother of God and proposes a new approach to the study of Byzantine and pseudo-Byzantine art in Europe's Catholic East. By recognizing the importance of the Greek manner and the role of the devout and the cults in shaping the style, the study helps to promote a more inclusive and diverse understanding of Byzantine art.

Weight: 532g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789462982666