Byzantine Architecture Analysis Essay

In this paper I will take a look at the Saint Mark Cathedral of Venice and examine its architectural components. The main problem examined in my paper is significance of the decorative details the church and its surroundings express. More commonly known as Saint Marks Basilica, it can be said that it is one of the most famous city churches in Europe and one of the most known examples of Byzantine architecture. The church’s lavish interior structural design, golden color mosaics, has earned the nickname Chiesa d’Oro (Church of gold). In this term paper I will also intend to interpret how the decorative details the church and its surroundings intent to express the power and Venice’s strong sense of citizenship and religious bonds. Patriarchal
The author's thesis displayed in the chapters is that the church uses diverse styles, sources, meanings, and significance of this art, individually and as a whole rather than representing the specific value of the region. Although roots are drawn to the representation of Byzantine culture, especially that of the thirteenth and fourteenth century within the design of the church, the authors explains how the diverse influences were what finally shaped the facades of the church to represent the Venice life. The plethora of authors use examples of how Byzantine material was brought in and exclusively used to construct the church to localize the church. The author of the chapter uses the likeness of mosaics, sculpture, metalwork, and relics within the church to express the different Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, or Venetian imitation of Byzantine designs captured in the church. The church and its decoration are studied in relation to Venice’s interests abroad and on mainland Italy. Overall, the book chapters offer new ideas into the inspiration, purposes, and innovative perspectives of San Marco and the myths that inspired and motivated the people of