Arts of the Byzantine Empire

Online course

+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Discover more about the arts of the Byzantine Empire and its centre Constantinople (present day Istanbul).


  • Learn from our world-class experts wherever, whenever: watch lectures live or view the recording later in your own time.

  • Time to explore: 12 hours of lectures over six weeks.

  • Consolidate your learning: download lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials from our secure Microsoft Teams learning environment.

  • Join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.

  • Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials are available for six weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a minute.

course photo

Course Leader
Dr Cecily Hennessy and Dr Sally Dormer

Dr Cecily Hennessy was Academic Director at Christie’s Education, London with a doctorate in Byzantine Art History from the Courtauld Institute, London. Dr Sally Dormer is Course Director at the V&A Academy and specialist medieval art historian and lecturer, with a Ph.D. on Medieval manuscript illumination from the Courtauld Institute.

Wonderful and illuminating! Previous V&A Academy Student

Course overview

The Byzantines were famed for their craftsmen for over a thousand years, from the foundation of the capital by the emperor Constantine in 330 to its fall to the Ottomans in 1453. Focusing on the ninth to fourteenth centuries, this short course explores the luxury arts: mosaics, goldsmiths work, enamels, illuminated manuscripts and ivories, and draws on the wealth of objects in the V&A’s collection. Objects are set into their historical context and issues such as patronage, techniques and iconography are explored.

photo

V&A Academy Online. A learning environment you can trust.

V&A Academy Online courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live, or catch up later on demand. Download handouts and presentations. Join the discussion in a secure, closed class environment, wherever you are.

Enrol now

Online course: Arts of the Byzantine Empire

30 May 2023 - 4 July 2023

£120.00

Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000

Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:

+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)