Publication details
From Conception to Practice: Medievalism, Catholicism, Colonialism, and the Neo-Byzantine Style in France (1830–1900s)
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| Year of publication | 2024 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
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| Description | This paper explores the development and significance of the Neo-Byzantine architectural style in 19th-century France, emphasizing its intersections with medievalism, Catholicism, and colonialism. While initially met with skepticism due to Enlightenment-era biases against Byzantine art, the style gained traction through scholarly debates, archeological discoveries, and restoration projects, such as the reimagining of Saint-Front in Périgueux by Paul Abadie. Key projects like the Sacré-Cour in Paris and the Marseille Cathedral exemplify how Neo-Byzantine architecture was utilized to symbolize religious renewal, national identity, and cultural synthesis, linking France’s past with its modern aspirations. Additionally, the paper examines how the style extended beyond France, shaping colonial and missionary endeavors in North Africa, China, and the Caribbean. Notable examples include the Notre-Dame d’Afrique in Algiers, the Tianjin Cathedral, and the Balata Basilica in Martinique. Through these case studies, the Neo-Byzantine style is shown not merely as a historicist revival but as a tool for asserting French cultural and religious influence across diverse geographies, underscoring its complex role in 19th-century architectural discourse and colonial policy. |
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