Byzantine
The State recognition of Christianity had a great influence on art in that there was a return to symbolism. Various pagan elements associated with the earlier decoration that were unsuitable to the feeling of the time were eliminated. Eastern influence is evident, in not only the architecture but in the treatment which is known as Byzantine, of the foliage, which resembles that of the archaic Greek, the leaves being more stiffly lobed, and severely channelled with V-shaped grooves, in place of the subtle modelling of those of the Roman period.
The stem or growth line is comparatively absent, and the prevalence of the circle as a shape or in the arrangement of details is evident. Decoration displays more regard to profile than to variety of relief, which was practically uniform.
No. 238. Gothic Spandril. Carved Stone. Geometric basis obvious in central circle uniting angular shape with minor circular forms occupying angles.
The Byzantine influence is evident in the succeeding Romanesque.