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The Byzantine Empire succeeded the Roman Empire. The artwork of the period focuses mainly on religious subjects that were portrayed conservatively and with little room for artists' personal expression. Domed churches and decorative mosaics were characteristics of Byzantine architecture.

Byzantine art originated in Eastern Roman Empire, specifically Constantinople, present day Istanbul. Based on the Orthodox Church, it was primarily seen in the painting of icons and in church decorations, frescoes, and mosaics. The Byzantine style fell out of fashion when Constantinople fells to the Turks in 1453. However, it continued to have some influence in other Orthodox nations such as Russia.

Byzantine paintings are identified by their rich colors and flat, large-eyed figures. Backgrounds were typically painted gold. The intention of Byzantine artists was to teach the viewer religious lessons, therefore the images were clear and easily understood