Agency of Objects: Icons, Chinese Painting, and Inca Culture

Front

What is the definition of 'Icons' in Byzantine Christianity?

Back

Icons are religious images used in Byzantine Christianity, derived from the Greek word 'eikon' meaning 'image'. They include paintings and sculptures.

Front

What was the function of icons in Byzantine Christianity?

Back

Icons functioned as conduits for divine communication, activated through human actions like offerings and rituals.

Front

What was the Iconoclastic Controversy?

Back

The Iconoclastic Controversy (754–842 CE) was a period of opposition to religious images, arguing that God's formless divinity made figural images idolatrous.

Front

Who supported the opposition to icons during the Iconoclastic Controversy?

Back

The opposition was supported by the Council of Hieria (754 CE) under Emperor Constantine V and the icon ban was reinstated under Emperor Leo V in 815 CE.

Front

Who supported the use of icons during the Iconoclastic Controversy?

Back

Advocates cited Christ's incarnation and acheiropoieta, supported by biblical examples. The Council of Nicaea (787 CE) affirmed icons, with final restoration marked by the Triumph of Orthodoxy (842 CE).

Front

What is the Kamouliani Icon?

Back

The Kamouliani Icon is a 6th-century acheiropoieton credited with saving Constantinople.

Front

What does the Khludov Psalter depict?

Back

The Khludov Psalter (c. 850 CE) depicts the vandalism of a Christ icon during iconoclasm.

Front

What is the significance of the Hagia Sophia Mosaic?

Back

The Hagia Sophia Mosaic (867 CE) commemorates the restoration of icons.

Front

What are key theological concepts related to Byzantine icons?

Back

Key concepts include Incarnation, Salvation, Saints, Veneration, and Prototype.

Front

What was the role of scholar-officials in the Song Dynasty?

Back

Scholar-officials from the Hanlin Academy held administrative roles emphasizing literature and governance.