Module 4 Flashcards
Catacombs
Early Christian cemeteries
Confraternities
Burial associations
Cubicula
Chambers in catacombs
Galleries
Passageways in catacombs
Loculi
Shelves where the dead were placed in catacombs
Medallion
Circular frame
Lunette
Semicircular frame
Orants
Figrures with their arms raised in a gesture of prayer
Prefiguration
Earlier version. Jonah was a prefiguration of Christ.
Catacomb of Priscillla
Young, beardless Christ, Old Testament account of three men thrown in fire by Nebuchadnezzar, fish commonly used to represent Jesus Christ and religion. Buried underground. Land donated by a wealthy lady Priscilla, first to her family, the extends to other Christians. Contains Good Shephard fresco, orant frescoes, and Greek Chapel.
Why was sculpture uncommon in Christianity?
They did not want to be confused with pagan religions, cults, carved idols, and architectural sculptures.
Old Saint Peter’s
Built by Constantine starting in 319. Replaced with Santa Sabina 100 years later.
Nave
Central walkway in a basilica
Apse
Where the alter was located in a church
Side Aisles
Aisles on each side of the nave and seating
Transept
A horizontally-intersecting aisle that intersected the nave before the apse
Relics
Objects of religious importance; important in early Christianity
Atrium
Opening; roof is open
Narthex
Entrance hall before the church
Spolia
Recycled or repurposed building materials
Baldacchino
Large 4-columned canopy. One stands over the tomb of Saint Peter
Santa Sabina
Replaced Saint Peter’s with a more modern basilica. Contains clerestory windows, marble columns on the lower floor, a painted apse ceiling. Light used as symbol of divinity and removes weight. Simple brick exterior.
Central-Plan
Parts of the building are equidistant from a central point.
Ambulatory
Side aisle on a central-plan church