Unit 3 - Early Europe and Colonial Americas

Question 1

Catacomb of Priscilla

Answer 1

IDENTIFICATION

• Catacomb of Priscilla
• Rome
• Late 2nd century- 4th century C.E

FORM

• Passageways made of Tufa (soft natural stone)
• 3 Stories deep
• Cibiculum (large rooms) full of loculi (shelves for bodies)
• Terracotta casing for poor, Marble casing for wealthy

CONTEXT

• Land donated by a wealthy woman for her family burial site
• Earliest Christian art found here; Sacrifice of Isaac (shows change in Christian iconography), Symbolism for Christ in anchor/fish

Question 2

Basilica of Santa Sabina

Answer 2

IDENTIFICATION

• Basilica of Santa Sabina
• Rome
• 432 CE

FORM

• Columns incorporated to create the visual effect of weight/solidarity; don’t actually support the building
• Glass tiles and clerestory windows provide a lot of light; a symbol of divinity; weightless feel
• Dominant central axis to the apse (altar) called the nave, flanked on either side by side aisles.

CONTEXT
- Bascilias used by Romans for many functions including courts; Constantine adapted them for Church use

Question 3

Vienna Genesis

Answer 3

IDENTIFICATION

• Vienna Genesis; The fall of man and God’s covenant with Noah
• Folio
• 6th century

FORM

• Tempera; gold and silver on purple vellum
• Idiosyncratic copy of Greek translation of the original Hebrew

CONTEXT

• Illustrated codex’s desired by wealthy Byzantine people; either for reading or display, the material was intended to display wealth
• Ancient pictorial techniques to appeal to a Christian audience

Question 4

San Vitale

Answer 4

IDENTIFICATION

• 547 C.E
• Ravenna, Italy

CONTEXT