Πολύχρωμα μάρμαρα σε μεσοβυζαντινά τέμπλα της Ελλάδας

Abstract

The flourishment of architectural sculpture in Middle Byzantine Greece was hugely based on the use of white marble. However, in a small group of templon screens dated mainly to the 10th and 11th centuries, there are several colored marbles and stones in use. The majority of these screens belong to great scale, luxurious churches, founded or sponsored by persons directly connected with Constantinople or even the Byzantine emperor himself. The study of the cases proves that these screens followed Constantinopolitan models and taste and probably used material imported from the capital. The imperial seat is also recognized as the place where rare and precious colored marbles were gathered and then send abroad.