Byzantine Fashions

An exotic blend of east and west, clothing styles in the Byzantine Empire were rich in color, fabric, and ornament. This carefully researched and scrupulously rendered coloring book by Tom Tierney features more than 80 Byzantine garments, as depicted in ancient mosaics and sculptures.Clothing styles from all classes are represented — from simple fourth-century tunics worn by early Christian commoners and the body armor of fifth-century Roman warriors to a pallium decorated with crosses worn by a priest of the tenth century, and the finely brocaded robes of Emperor Constantine.Here also are examples of royal wedding garb, heavily embroidered with jewels; a shepherd in a short tunic, long stockings, and leather boots; a court dancer wearing a brocaded silk gown with bell sleeves; as well as a lavishly attired court dignitary, a merchant, and a naval officer. Informative captions accompany each finely detailed illustration.