In the first of two conversations in this edition of Soundings, Robert Nelson discusses the response of medieval audiences to Byzantine art, especially to icons and to illustrations in manuscripts.
In the second segment [13:57], Raymond Van Dam discusses the Cappadocian Fathers, especially Basil the Great, and notes that their writings give insight into the the workings of the Roman Empire in the region, which now includes Turkey, including the interaction of imperial and local authority.
At the time of the interview, Nelson, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1986-87), was professor of art history at the University of Chicago.
Van Dam, also a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1986-87), was professor of history at the University of Texas.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
