Final answer:
Byzantine art is characterized by its emphasis on spirituality and symbolism, using abstract representations and brilliant color to convey religious meanings, and making extensive use of icons in various materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
A characteristic of Byzantine art is its emphasis on spirituality and symbolism. Unlike the naturalism and realistic portrayal of subjects found in Roman art, Byzantine art favored a more abstract or caricature expression. This art form often depicted figures with large eyes and a penetrating gaze, giving them a stern look. The three-dimensional form was shaped into a spiritual, ethereal look, enhanced by brilliant color. Faces and figures were standardized with less emphasis on individual features and more on the symbolic representation of the divine or holy figures.
Byzantine art also saw a shift from large sculptures to smaller personal pieces, suitable for both churches and private devotion. The use of icons became highly significant, as these were not only painted but also created in various materials like stone, ivory, mosaics, metals, and enamels. The architecture during this period experienced a transformation as well, as flat or 'A' shaped roofs evolved into more complex dome structures, such as those seen in Saint Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy. These domes provided spaces for elaborate fresco and mosaic decorations, further accentuating the religious and iconographic themes characteristic of Byzantine imagery.
Byzantine artists were less concerned with naturalism, and they did not typically employ the techniques of perspective and shading as was later seen in the Early Renaissance. Therefore, the correct answer to the initial question is C) Emphasis on spirituality and symbolism.