Final answer:
The major difference between the art of the Eastern and Western Roman Empires was their focus, with the East emphasizing religious-themed frescoes and illuminated manuscripts, while both sides shared a deep appreciation for Greek-influenced sculpture, with the Western Empire featuring more prevalent and expressive sculpture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The biggest difference between the art of the Eastern and Western Roman Empires was b. The focus on frescoes and illuminated manuscripts. In the Eastern Roman Empire, or the Byzantine Empire, art was heavily influenced by the Christian religion, which had been favored by Emperor Constantine. This influence is seen in the iconic Byzantine mosaics and the emphasis on religious iconography, as well as in the construction of churches, which borrowed from the Roman basilica style. Conversely, in the Western Roman Empire, Latin was the predominant language, and there was a greater variety in local languages and cultures.
Regarding sculpture, both empires admired Greek art and the Classical Greek style was influential in Roman art across the board. In the West, realistic portraiture in sculpture was favored, whereas in the East, art became aligned with the Christian faith. Roman artists in the West worked to impress and display the majesty and power of leaders, emphasizing expression in sculptures' faces. They replicated and even adapted Greek aesthetics into their own artworks, reflecting a robust interplay between Roman and Greek culture. While both the Eastern and Western empires shared similarities in their appropriation of Greek art, the Western Empire was marked by a richer utilization of sculpture compared to the Eastern Empire's stronger focus on religious-themed mosaics and frescoes.