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The Middle Byzantine artist assimilated classicism's simplicity, dignity, and grace and synthesized it with Byzantine piety and pathos. Which of the following follows this formula?

A) Iconoclasm
B) Macedonian Renaissance
C) Justinian Code
D) Crusader Art

User FidEliO
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Final answer:

The Macedonian Renaissance follows the formula of assimilating classicism with Byzantine piety and pathos. This period in Byzantine art witnessed a revival of classical forms with a deep integration of Byzantine artistic traditions, reflecting both a connection to the past and an innovative Byzantine spirit.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Middle Byzantine artist incorporated aspects of classicism—simplicity, dignity, and grace—into their art, merging them with Byzantine piety and pathos to create a unique style. When examining the various options provided, the one that best aligns with this synthesis of classicism and Byzantine artistry in the Middle Byzantine period is the Macedonian Renaissance. This period is characterized by a revival of classical aesthetic principles, as seen in artworks like the ivory Veroli Casket that hearken back to Late Roman artistic models. The patron of the Paris Psalter, for instance, may have aspired to equate themselves with great emperors of the past by adopting this revived style, aiming for an association with a 'golden age'. Such artistic decisions were often laden with deeper meaning within the sophisticated context of Byzantine society.

Contrarily, Iconoclasm represents the opposite—an era when religious images were destroyed because they were considered idolatrous; the Justinian Code is a collection of laws rather than an art movement; and Crusader Art relates to the influences and productions of the Crusaders, which were not particularly aimed at blending classicism with Byzantine artistic sensibilities. Furthermore, Byzantine influence on art not only persisted in religious contexts but also inspired secular artworks and spread to Western Europe, where the affective properties of Byzantine icons were admired and emulated. The production of miniature mosaic icons and the adoption of Byzantine style by Eastern European polities like Kiev further underscore the far-reaching impact and aesthetic excellence of Byzantine art during this era.

User Amr Hossam
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