Provincial art in the Balkans
(6th - 7th century)

Miniature painting

	1. The Rossano Gospel, page showing Jacob, late 6th c. (Rossano: Mus. del Arc.) This is one of three major codices of the period. It was painted with originally silver letters on purple vellum. Popular expressionism mix with some revival of the Mediterranian aesthetic as seen in plastic values, sense of body, individuation and proportion.
	2. The Rossano Gospel page showing Christ and Barabbas before Pilate, late 6th century (Rossano: Mus. del Arc.) 30.7 x 26 mm. The vivid gesture and contour effect reflect a local popular tradition, while the surface composition which lacks free narrative and depth reflect a late Mediterranean tradition.

Mosaic

1. Mosaic representation of Saint Demetrius, the protector of children. 6-7th c. A.D. (Church of St. Demetrius, Salonica). A mosaic meant to edify pilgrims to the shrine of Demetrius at this church in Salonica, Greece. While the sober cool colors and two-dimensional curtain and drapery folds create an effective austere composition based on juxtaposed verticals, the heads are not abstract, but lively and human. The resulting tension between plastic and hieratic values in this work suggest a sub-Roman aesthetic rather than an early manifestation of a feudal synthesis.

The Bulgar Renaissance

	1. Panel painting of two martyrs (?). No provenance, but perhaps Bulgar, 6-7th century (Kiev, City Museum of Eastern and Western Art). Encaustic painting over gesso on sycamore wood. Central cross (set with stones illumined by heavenly rays), rays and halos are all raised. Inscription is in Greek. The panel has been extensively restored.
	2. Repousé gold cup from Burazzo, Albania, 6-7th c. (New York: Metropolitan Museum). 8.75" tall. Rome personified is a classical subject, but the style is provincial.