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How classical was Byzantine art? Byzantine art was developed in the Eastern Roman Empire between 330AD and 1453AD. It was the first ever Christian empire its capital was Constantinople, now known as Istanbul. This period produced remarkable works in history, fine poetry, much religious prose, and the visual arts flourished too. The term, however, refers more to a style associated with Byzantium than to its area. Byzantine art was a religious art, the orthodox subjects were chosen according to traditional themes and theological meanings. Early Byzantine art must be considered in relation to the Early Christian condemnation of pagan worship, and the following reluctance to depict sacred Christian figures and stories. Although many notable exceptions exist, figural scenes were usually avoided and were presented in an allusive symbolic mode or were embedded in complex programs that made the worship of single images nearly impossible. Christianity had an immense influence on Byzantine art. Most of the artists remained anonymous working as servants of the court or belonged to religious orders. Panel painting, frescoes, Ivory carvings, Byzantine crosses, illuminations, metal work and mosaic decoration attest to their skill