Comparison Capital versus Lecture
“The Rabulla Gospels” comprises one of the most beautiful Byzantine works produced in the 6th century (yearn 586). It was written by Rabulla, a monk at St. John Monastery, Syria. It was produced in Asia. The artwork is also significantly alluded to in various art texts because of its clever use of art elements and principles to great effect. For example, the artwork captures the use of balance. The central figure in the upper part of the painting is Jesus, who is surrounded by angels that are arranged equally on either side. Also, the lower part of the painting, Mary is the central figure, and she is flanked on either side by apostles. The painting also provides the perfect balance between the top and bottom parts. It also features the use of color, with bright colors that enhance the drama, movement as well as expressionism. There are repetition and pattern on the frame of the painting where bright-colored and dark-colored geometrical shapes are arranged systematically. The artwork is located at the Monastery of Zagba in Syria, which is located between Apamea and Antioch in modern-day Syria. The artist draws inspiration from Hellenistic art as is evident from the draped figures. The figure features Jesus Christ,with a beard and surrounded by Mandorla as in the transfiguration on Mt. Sinai. However, in this case, the mandorla is lifted by angels. Underneath Christ, Mary and other angels and apostles look on. The artwork captures one of the essential beliefs of the Christian faith regarding Jesus Christ, his crucifixion, entombment and ascension. The artwork features John, Mark, Matthew, and Luke, all surrounding the risen Christ in heaven. It also alludes to key people mentioned in the bible such as Christ, Mary, and the apostles.
The capital 26 comprises of sculptures carved into the top-most areas of architectural pillars. The carvings were initially made of white marble, but with time, they developed a brownish patina resembling sandstone. However, agents of the weather have revealed the white marble underneath in certain areas of the capital, punctuating the artwork with whitish accents around the edges. They are examples of Romanesque sculpture. These sculptures are part of the Monreale Cathedral in Spain. It has a rich set of motifs and forms that capture biblical stories, allegories, and historical events. The capital 26 has four sides. The North side is a sculpture featuring a lion, bull and writer carved from one block of stone. The figures of the lion, bull, and writer are embellished in miniaturist designs on the marble stone. Above the figures, there are wavy floral designs with hole-like inscriptions and gouged lines. There is the use of patterns and repetition in the artwork with repeated floral designs and incisions on the marble. The figures capture symmetrical balance because there seems to be an equal use of materials on either side of the central figure of the writer. The lion and bull are equally sized, giving an illusion of balance. The figures then converge at their bases to join into the cylindrical form of the pillar. The east side of the capital comprises of the figures of monks and priests. The east side is the only face of the capital with all human figures. These figures are also balanced symmetrically on the face of the pillar. The south side of the capital features an eagle, an angel-like man and a bishop. The three sculptures are also balanced symmetrically. However, they are not proportional to size. The man is the smallest in size, and the eagle is unnaturally bigger than the humans. The west side features a bull, eagle, Sirene and the prophet Daniel. This side represents a part allusion to the Bible through Daniel, but it is not clear what the other figures represent. The artwork captures a rich use of texture that is tactile (can be touched)
The two artworks have similarities as well as differences. For the similarities, the two artworks refer to Christianity as a doctrine as well as the bible. The Monreale capital artwork alludes to the Christian concept of angels as is shown by the use of wings on a human figure. Similarly, “the Rabulla Gospels” artwork comprises of biblical angels as well as the figures of Jesus, Mary and the apostles. The two artworks capture the synoptic gospels (Mark, John, Matthew, and Luke). The Monreale artwork features a lion, eagle, an angel-like man and an ox. These figures represent Mark, John, Matthew, and Luke respectively. These are the four apostles also captured in “the Rabulla Gospels” artwork. Another similarity is the use of symmetrical balance in both artworks. The third similarity is the use of repetition and patterns. The Monreale capital has repeated floral designs and incisions on the marble while the “the Rabulla Gospels” has repetitions of geometrical shapes around the painting. There are also other obvious similarities in terms of the art principles used such as texture. The two artworks have real (“tactile”) textural qualities. The paintwork and brush strokes, as well as the material of the parchment used for “The Rabulla Gospels” artwork, have a rough texture that enriches the artwork. Similarly, the Monreale capital features a rough texture that is real. The surface grain of the marble has become rough over the years due to exposure to the elements. Also, the etched floral patterns and incisions also provide rough texture.
The two artworks also have obvious differences. For example, the “the Rabulla Gospels” artwork was created in the 6th century, while the Monreale Capital was built much later in the 12th century. As such, there are obvious differences in style and inspirations. For example, “the Rabulla Gospels” have figures whose body features are not proportional to one another. Another difference is the medium used. “The Rabulla Gospels” artwork is a painting on parchment while the Monreale Capital artwork is a sculpture on white marble. The third difference is the fact that the Monreale Capital is three-dimensional, while “The Rabulla Gospels” artwork is two-dimensional. The fourth difference between the two artworks is the manner in which they depict movement. “The Rabulla Gospels” art highlights movement through placement of the limbs of the subjects. For example, the wings of the four apostles on the upper part of the painting capture a sense of movement. Similarly, on the lower portion of the artwork, the apostles seem to be in a heated discussion (judging by the uplifted hands and facial expressions). In contrast, the Monreale capital art does not capture any sense of movement. The figures seem almost static and passive. It is clear that these artworks have more differences than similarities as a result of their origins and context.
Several factors come into play when making a comparison of artwork such as this one. For example, context is important because it underlines the style and era that influenced the artists. For example, “the Rabulla Gospels” artwork was developed in the 6th century while the Monreale Capital was developed in the 12th century. The two artworks belong to different eras and capture different approaches to art. “The Rabulla Gospels,” for example, belongs to the Vulgar Era. It also has traits that resemble aspects of Middle Byzantine art, which carries on the classical traditions in its use of line, color and form. However, it lacks the illusionism and naturalism that is evident ion Romanesque art. “The Rabulla Gospels,” art was inspired by the Gospels of the synoptic gospels. The Monreale Capital, on the other hand, reveals Romanesque art influences and its age cement this idea. Cathedral architecture incorporates forms and designs that were established in Rome. Overall, the two artworks provide for an interesting comparison on different aspects.
Bibliography
Ceccheli, Carlo. "The Rabbula Gospels Ms.". Sor.Cua.Edu. Last modified 2016. Accessed March 30, 2016. http://sor.cua.edu/Bible/RabbulaMs.html.
Gardner, Helen, and Fred S Kleiner. Gardner's Art Through The Ages. Boston, MA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2010.
Maguire, Henry. "Truth And Convention In Byzantine Descriptions Of Works Of Art".Dumbarton Oaks Papers 28 (1974): 111.
Sacred-destinations.com, "Monreale Cathedral - Monreale, Italy." Sacred-Destinations.Com. Last modified 2016. Accessed March 30, 2016. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/monreale-cathedral.
