What are the notable physical characteristics often depicted in Byzantine figures?

In Byzantine art, figures are often depicted with tall, slim bodies and elongated features, which create a sense of elegance and otherworldliness. This stylization emphasizes the spiritual rather than the physical, aligning with the theological goals of the art, which aimed to convey a divine and transcendent quality. The long faces and noses of these figures are deliberate choices that result in an iconic visual language unique to the period, contrasting significantly with the more naturalistic representation seen in earlier periods, like those of Classical Greece and Rome. This distinctive approach was not merely aesthetic but served to elevate the figures to a higher spiritual plane, reinforcing their status as holy or divine subjects.

The choices that describe robust forms, short and stout figures, or dynamic gestures do not accurately represent the characteristics typical of Byzantine art, which focuses on an idealized representation meant to inspire contemplation and reverence rather than convey realistic human characteristics.