Midterm II: Early Christian Art Flashcards
Know the importance of Constantine
know it
Know the origins of basilica, and central type structures
Early Christian Architecture: Know the origins of basilica (or longitudinal) and central type structures Santa Costanza: originally dedicated as a mausoleum. Became/ redirected as a church.
Know the development os early christian iconography
We always make the appearance of Christ that means the most to us. Each piece of art or architecture showed symbols in ways that certain events pertained or affected them.
Old and New – how do you create a new symbolism for Christianity? - Use and iconography of the Christian Catacombs, paintings, mosaics
Right in the center is Christ as the Good Shepherd. He should be the center of our lives. The sign of Jonah: Jonah was in the belly of a whale for 3 days like Christ in the tomb for 3 days. Both come back: Jonah gets thrown up, Christ’s resurrection.
Know the ways in which the early Christians adopted and adapted the symbols of Roman might.
They adopted the same connotations of the color purple, where purple meant royalty. For example, in the Good Shepherd mosaic Christ is wearing gold and purple. It was what emperors wore in Rome. Also, in the Symmachi Diptych the drapery and paying offerings to the gods is a Greek and Roman throwback of similar activities in art and meaning.
illuminated manuscript
Know the origins and evolution of the Illuminated manuscript, a product of Rome.
In which ways does paganism persist in the art following the fall of Rome?
The halo was originally used for Apollo; Mary had dark blue with red shoes is an imperial costume;
Chi Rho Edict of Milan St. Helena Sol Invictus
Dura Europas: abandoned early 3rd century. Now east Syria. The narrative matters most The Christian House ChurchChi rho Chi rho Edict of Milan When Constantine officially recognized Christianity, 313 AD Constantine St. Helena Sol Invictus
Catacombs Jonah cycle Christian Mosaics Basilica plan church central plan church greek cross latin cross
Catacombs Jonah Cycle: perfect example of repentance Christian Mosaics basilica-plan church central-plan church: dome right in the center Greek Cross Latin Cross
Tholos Narthex Nave Aisles Rotunda
tholos: a small, round building sometimes built underground (like a Mycenaean tomb) narthex: where you enter (porch area) nave: center of church aisles: passage or open corridor of a church that parallels the main space rotunda: any building constructed in a circular shape, usually producing a large open space crowned by a dome
apse altar transept clerestory
apse: center of attention altar: before the apse transept: perpendicular element clerestory: the topmost zone of a wall with windows, extending above the aisle roofs. Provides direct light into the nave
liturgy ravenna visgoths ostragoths
liturgy: customary public worship done by a specific religious group, according to its particular beliefs, customs, and traditions Eucharist: the central rite of the Christian church, from the Greek word Thanksgiving. Also known as the Mass or Holy Communion, it reenacts Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and commemorates the Last Supper. According to traditional Catholic Christian belief, consecrated bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ Ravenna Visgoths - sack Rome in 410 Ostragoths
Syncretization the bishop of rome
syncretization: adoption of artistic styles. by incorporating all types of art you therefore have power over the people Julian the Apostate the Bishop of Rome: Sylvester made Bishop in 314 AD. Peter considered the first Pope of Romen
Early Christian Art The Good Shepherd, Orants and Jonah Cycle (Catacomb painting) (Old) St. Peter’s Basilica Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus Santa Costanza Parting of Lot and Abraham Christ as Good Shepherd (Mosaic) Symmachi Diptych (Pagan)
Early Christian Art The Good Shepherd, Orants and Jonah Cycle (Catacomb painting) (Old) St. Peter’s Basilica Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus Santa Costanza Parting of Lot and Abraham Christ as Good Shepherd (Mosaic) Symmachi Diptych (Pagan)
