early christian

Question 1

The Good Shepherd, Orants, and the Story of Jonah, painted ceiling fresco in catacombs, Rome, late 3rd- early 4th cent

Answer 1

form: fresco, a mural painting on ceiling of a catacomb
function: funerary context: provide religious comfort and instruction for living and honor the deceased
symbolism: the good shepherd→ common early christian motif, symbolizes christ’s care and protection for his flock (the christian community)
orants: shows the orants : figures with outstretched arms in gesture of prayer
story of jonah: jonah coming out of the whale, given a second chance after disobeying God
theme of repentance and redemption in theology→ foreshadowing christ’s death and resurrection
this period saw persecution of christians : catacombs allowed for discreet place for christian burials (edict of milan comes into place in 313)

Question 2

Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, ca 350 CE, Marble, Vatican, Rome

Answer 2

Old testament and new testament scenes: adam and eve, abraham and isaac
Junius one of the earlier christians in the roman government
Daniel and the lions den story: when daniel was thrown in a lion den for continuing to pray to god
Christ is stepping on a roman god– to showcase how he is more superior - Christianization of Rome

function: funerary context: serve as burial container for Junius Bassus, A Roman senator and Christian
sarcophagus: a burial container or stone coffin
intricate high relief sculpture and marble→ showcase how he was a prestigious figure in Roman society
the lower register showcases Christ’s entry into Jerusalem → this reflects on the christianization of rome, as Junius Bassus held a prestigious position in Roman society (urbi) he belonged to a Roman senator elite family
Another formula derived from Roman arta muscular bearded man who holds a billowing veil spread over his head
→ the feet of christ upon this figure. This figure likely represents Caelus or the heavens, as shown in the Augustus of Primaporta (another previous artwork)
this showcases Christ’s rule over the heavens (as he is stepping on the figure Caelus’s head)
also the visual narrative of salvation: this is showcased by the relief of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac

Question 3

Church of Santa Sabine, Rome, 400 CE

Answer 3

Church of Santa Sabina. Rome, Italy. c 422 CE.
form: follows the basilica plan→ common for early christian churches
long nave with a central aisle & flanking side aisles
basilica includes a semicircular apse
function: basilicas serve as a place for Christian worship + communal gatherings
basilica form allowed for large congregations
Religious/ historical significance: church dedicated to St. Sabina, a woman martyred killed for her faith
emphasizes axial alignment towards apse → focus on Eucharist celebration (this is what occurs at the altar which is at the apse)
columns repurposed from earlier Roman buildings→ integrating elements from classical past into early Christian architecture
Location: provides a commanding view of the city→ the church of Santa Sabina’s location in Rome merely showcases how they were establishing Christian worship in prominent areas of Rome → christianization of rome
Historical significance: a product of the Post Constanian era: marked by the increasing acceptance of Christianity (this piece created in 422, the Edict of Milan, issued by Constantine, taking place in 313)

Question 4

The Good Shepherd, Mosaic at the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, ca 400 CE

Answer 4

in a lunette: a crescent-shaped space above a door or window , in this case the west entrance
funerary context: located in the final resting place for Galla Placidia: the mosaic in a Mausoleum had a dual purpose: commemorate the deceased and convey christian theological messages
the good shepherd: story that Jesus took care of the lost sheep, symbolizing Christ’s care and guidance for his followers
sheep: represent Christian community : Christ carrying the sheep on his shoulders showcases theme of salvation : The Good Shepherd, leading and caring for the faithful
pastoral landscape: meant to be symbolic of the heavenly realm, reinforces Christian hope for peaceful afterlife
technique: traditional technique of tesserae, small pieces of colored stone→ allows for intricate details
Galla Placidia was the daughter of emperor, which explains why the mosaic was so detailed in its craftsmanship , as she was a valuable figure in society