Early Christian Flashcards
Early Christian, The Good Shepherd, the story of Jonah, and orants, early 4th century- Catacomb of Saints Peter and Marcellinos, Rome, Italy
catacombs: vast subterranean networks of galleries out of bedrock- used for Christian burial outside walled city; loculi- shelf-like openings for bodies, cubiculum- mortuary chapel (wealthy families)
painting- 4 lunettes- Christ in center as Good Shepherd- 1st representation of Christ- surrounded by OT Jonah story and surrounded by praying orants
use familiar language and imagery for new religion- Greek ketos- “sea dragon” and Classical motif of shepherd from Elysium
Early Christian, Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, ca. 539
Roman prefect & Christian convert, upper-class
Sarcophagus with scenes reflected in other forms of art, high relief- typology- alternating between Old Testament and New Testament episodes
Christ enthroned b/w Peter and Paul, as teacher, heavenly triumph over earthly triumph below- sky god (under Christ’s foot)= Christ as ruler of universe
Christ on horseback (earthly triumph)- Roman emperors entering cities- familiar image of power
Christ=Roman philosopher type- tunic, toga, sandals, scroll; Roman iconography- educated philosopher king- long, curly hair, images-earth and sky- allegories
Sacrifice of Isaac- father sacrifices son= God sacrifices Son- exemplars of faith
Early Christian, Old Saint Peter’s, ca. 319-390
capable of housing 3000-4000 people, nave= central longitudinal axis with aisles; like Roman forum but transept is unique- Latin cross shape- separates priest from laity; crossing marks relics of St. Peter
plain exterior, richly adorned interior- like the Christian-opposite of small pagan temples with cella
would have had colored marble, golden mosaics, composite order capitals, nave arcade
