Final answer:
Byzantine art is characterized by vibrant colors and a spiritual, stylized appearance that emphasized symbolism, while Western Roman Empire art had a more naturalistic approach with realistic three-dimensional figures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Byzantine art and art from the Western Roman Empire show significant differences, particularly in color use and stylistic representations. Byzantine art is known for vibrant colors and an otherworldly, spiritual aesthetic, a marked departure from the more realistic and three-dimensional representations seen in Western Roman art. Byzantine artists emphasized spiritual symbolism over lifelike accuracy, which led to figures appearing flatter and more stylized, often with oversized eyes and a penetrating gaze. These characteristics provided a distinct, ethereal quality to Byzantine art, further emphasized through the extensive use of gold and rich colors in mosaics and icons.
In contrast, art produced in the Western Roman Empire maintained a stronger connection to classical traditions, with a focus on the naturalistic depiction of figures and spaces. However, as the western regions experienced political fragmentation and the spread of Christianity, artistic styles began to diversify and evolve separately from Byzantine sensibilities, which remained more unified and consistent with the heritage of the Eastern Roman Empire.