Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
APAH: Early Christian Art Period of Persecution: 1st C. A.D. to A.D. 325 Small, hidden sects throughout Empire Cappadocia, Turkey Rome Dura-Europos Roman garrison city – Persian border 2nd – 3rd century Jewish & Christian Christian gatherings in homes (no churches) Pax Romana & expansion Communication, travel, language, safety, martyrs Alternative to Roman state religion Religion of conversion Catacombs Underground cemeteries ~4M tombs in Rome alone Tunneled out of tufa Surrounding gallery Loculi – opening for dead Cubicula – small mortuary chapel Some decorated w/ frescoes Catacomb of Priscila Villa of wealthy Roman Both Latin and Greek writing Large number of martyrs Early development of Christian iconography Fish (Ichthys – ΙΧΘΥΣ) Christ as Good Shepherd Madonna and child Jonah Adoration of Magi Men in the fire [No Crucifixion/ No Resurrection] Period of Recognition: A.D. 325 to A.D. 500 Edict of Milan in 313 – religious freedom in empire Imperial support for Church in 325 Constantine captures Eastern Empire Building programs Official religion by decree in 380 Theodosian Edicts All must convert Council of Nicaea (325) Convened on Constantine’s authority Consolidating control – eliminating threats Statement of Christian beliefs Attack on Arian heresy Appropriation Intentional borrowing To hide in plain sight To take over another culture To adapt meaning Christ as Sol Invictus Image of Jesus Changing status/role Persecution – teacher, philosopher, good shepherd Recognition – imperial, ruler of heaven/earth 4th – 5th C questions about image – theological questions Church construction Classical temples housed cult statue Sacrifices/celebrations outside New churches Congregations gather inside Plain exterior Decorated interior Christian ideal Old St. Peter’s (c. 320-350) Rome One of the largest structures Built quickly – wooden features Basilica design Roman administrative center now religious center Narthex – vestibule – point of transition Nave Aisles (movement of people) Transept Apse Entrance opposite the apse – Focuses attention Basilica of Santa Sabina (422-432) Rome Sense of early Christian churches Carved wooden doors (c. 5th century) Scenes of Old / New Testament Crucifixion scene ? Spolia columns References to Eucharist (Holy Communion) Santa Costanza (c. 4th century) Rome Centralized plan – round or polygon Ambulatory Constantine’s patronage – mausoleum for his daughter Appropriation of Roman bacchanalia imagery Porphyry sarcophagus Symbols of Christianity Ravenna (east coast of Italy) Emperor Honorius relocates capital to Ravenna Galla Placidia (Daughter of Emperor Theodosius) Rome falls to Odoacer (Goths) – End of Empire Theodoric (Ostrogoth) – Rules Italy from Ravenna Belisarius (Byzantine General) – Retakes Ravenna Justinian Byzantine control until 751 Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (c. 425) Ravenna Small, cruciform Unadorned exterior / mosaic rich interior Christ as the Good Shepherd mosaic Regal Relaxed/informal Purple/gold Shadows – Roman devices of depth 423 423 – 450 476 493 – 539 539 Illuminated Manuscripts Constantine’s patronage Scholars Library Manuscripts/copying Move away from scrolls (Egyptian/Greek/Roman) Continuous narrative Codex – book Replaced papyrus Vellum – veal skin Parchment – Lambskin Durable Sculpture Decline of monumental sculpture after 4th C. (until 12th C.) Links to false gods Move to smaller carving Sarcophagi, book covers Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus (359) Elites converting to Christianity Display of wealth in death Adapting Roman Imperial iconography Sarcophagus of Archbishop Theodore Symbols – no human forms Chi-rho – symbol for Christ Α/Ω – Alpha and Omega – beginning and end Peacocks – symbol of eternal life Vines – grapes…wine…blood of Christ Wreaths – victory Message Archbishop Theodore has gained victory over death through the body and blood of Christ