Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

- This book is the catalogue for an exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (March 23 to July 4, 2004).

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Both lavish and hefty (it weighs almost seven pounds), this book has been issued in conjunction with New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art's recent exhibition of the same name. The text covers the 300-year period starting with the restoration in 1261 of Greek Orthodox rule in Byzantium and demonstrates the artistic and cultural importance of this period primarily through the arts of the Orthodox Church. The book focuses on objects in the exhibit-350 examples of Byzantine art from 26 countries and the Vatican-with detailed descriptions written by over 100 scholars and curators drawn from around the world. The radiant gold iconic Virgins, frescoes, textiles, illuminated manuscripts, gilded metalwork, and other liturgical objects are beautifully reproduced, many for the first time. Expertly edited by Evans, curator of the museum's Department of Medieval Art, this comprehensive and scholarly work is highly recommended for academic libraries and larger public and high school libraries where there is a serious interest in religious art and world history.-Ann D. Carlson, Oak Park & River Forest H.S., IL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publishers Weekly Review

Covering an eponymous Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition that runs from March to July 2004, this massive catalogue examines almost 300 years of history. It begins in 1261-when Christianity and remnants of the Roman Empire's power structure were brought back to dominance in Constantinople-and ends in 1557, when the region formerly known as basileia ton Rhomaion (Greek for "The empire of the Romans") was changed to Byzantium. Evans, curator at the Met's department of medieval art and The Cloisters, has brought together a stellar collection of scholars and works for the volume. There are 17 essays in all, covering everything from liturgic instruments to the reach of byzantine icons into northern Europe. The layout is text-heavy. The 150 b&w photos and 450 colorplates are clear, and represent the works without ostentation or ornament, but they are also often reproduced at a scale that seems designed not to overwhelm the arguments being waged around them. Yet some piece, like Simon Marmion's The Mass of Saint Gregory or the early 14th century Two-Sided Icon with the Virgin Psychosostria and the Annunciation, come through in a way that approximates the depth and beauty of the originals. As catalogues go, this one is rather less accessible to laypeople, but for scholars, it will be a feast. (Apr.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

CHOICE Review

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has, through three exhibitions and their accompanying catalogs, provided fuller understanding of the compelling religious and artistic tradition of the Eastern Orthodox Church. This volume is the last in the series begun in 1978 with Age of Spirituality (CH, Apr'80), documenting the earliest centuries of Christianity; the second volume, The Glory of Byzantium (CH, Oct'97), focused on the golden age of Byzantine art in the 9th through 13th centuries; and, finally, this volume elaborates on the latter years of Byzantine creativity. Enriched with scholarly essays by such luminaries as John Lowden on illuminated manuscripts, Annemarie Weyl Carr on images, Jannic Durand on revetments, and Robert Nelson on influences, the catalog includes some 350 entries on individual paintings, textiles, metalwork, medals, sculpture, and objets d'art (again by scholars), reproduced in sumptuous color. Documentation of the whole work is extensive, with references to each piece illustrated, along with an extensive bibliography and glossary. There is no question that this book will be the standard reference on the period for years to come, particularly since the Mt. Sinai icons prominently featured here have finally emerged from the depths of their monastic retreat. This major undertaking involved the collaboration of so many learned people in such diverse areas of esoteric knowledge--a feat in itself--that one should not quibble with minor errors or flaws. ^BSumming Up: Essential. All levels. L. Doumato National Gallery of Art