Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preface. -- List of Illustrations -- List of Abbreviations -- Introduction...1 -- 1. Imperial Costume.11 -- 2. Official and Aristocratic Costume...51 -- 3. Military Costume...101 -- 4. Furniture and Furnishings...159 -- 5. Implements...198 -- 6. Commentary...218 -- Synopsis...290 -- App. 1. Monasteries and Churches Mentioned in the Text and the Captions of the Plates...293 -- App. 2. Portraits of Byzantine Emperors and Their Families (Ninth to Fifteenth Centuries)...313 -- App. 3. Portraits of Byzantine Officials, Aristocrats, and Commoners (Tenth to Fifteenth Centuries)...325 -- .Tables.342 -- .Glossary...344 -- .Bibliography...350 -- .Index...375.

This volume examines the occurrence of secular contemporary artefacts (realia) in Middle and Late Byzantine religious painting. It explores the potential of Byzantine art as a source of information on material culture and inquires into the semiotic function of realia in religious pictorial contexts. The first part of the book comprises five case studies dedicated to imperial, official, aristocratic, and military dress, furniture, furnishings, and implements. The creative processes that led to the introduction of realia into religious iconography are discussed in the commentary. The book conveys a wealth of information especially on Byzantine dress and provides valuable new insights into the workings of Byzantine art. It is an original and thorough investigation of a fascinating, yet surprisingly little-studied subject.

Description based on print version record.