The term, however, refers more to a style associated with Byzantium than to its area. Byzantine paintings and mosaics are characterized by a rich use of color and figures which seem flat and stiff. The figures also tend to appear to be floating, and to have large eyes.
Backgrounds tend to be solidly golden or toned .
Intended as religious lessons, they were presented clearly and simply in order to be easily learned. Byzantine architects favored the central plan covered by a huge dome . See sarcophagus . Byzantium, Constantinople, beginning of the 12th century, St. Demetrios, Medallion , gold and enamel , diameter 8.4 cm, Louvre. This icon was created for the Monastery of the Pantocrator on Mount Athos.