Reflection of social, political and teological arguments on Komnenos art

Iconaclast era is one of the most important periods in Byzantine history. Afterthis period, Byzantine art is constrained by rigid rules. Figures and pictures inchurch decorations are performed within strict iconographic schemes.Intellectual movements in the middle of eleventh century and revival ofneoplatonist ideas prevent religious concerns about icons. Effects ofphilosophers, such as Michael Psellos, on Emperors, and penetration ofneoplatonist ideas into the Church can be seen as turning points in ByzantineArt. Another event that changes the course of art is the diffusion of iconoclastheretic movements in the reign of Alexios I. In order to attack iconoclastic ideasand odd teological interpretations of heretic movements, Orthodox Churchdecoration is altered. Komnenos era (1081-1185) is known by a new artmovement that is signified by creative and natural pictures. In this thesis, social,political and teological events that affect Komnenos art are examined within thecourse of history.