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Early Christian Art William V. Ganis, PhD Christianity is the best established and widely accepted religion at the time of the collapse of the Roman Empire. Even though for a time Christianity was outlawed and meetings were held in catacombs. Catacomb showing loculi Rome 3rd-4th centuries Good Shepherd, Orants, Story of Jonah Catacomb of Pietro and Marcellino, Rome, Italy early 4th century fresco • First Christian Art known to exist are frescoes decorating ceilings and walls of chapels in the catacombs. Early Christian Art was symbolic art. Christ was always shown as a beardless Roman youth in early Christian art Good Shepherd Catacomb of Pietro and Marcellino, Rome, Italy early 4th century fresco Other Christian symbols peacock – immortality, phoenix – Christ’s resurrection …. • Because 313 Edict of Milan – Written when Emperor Constantine became a Christian -Christianity became the official religion. • Churches were built ad modeled after the Roman Basilica Old Saint Peter’s Basilica (restoration drawing) Rome, Italy ca. 320 1. Nave 2. Aisles 3. Apse 4. Transept 5. Narthex 6. Atrium Old Saint Peter’s Basilica (plan) Rome, Italy ca. 320 Old Saint Peter’s Basilica (section) Rome, Italy ca. 320 Aula Palatina (basilica) Trier, Germany early 4th century Aula Palatina (basilica) Trier, Germany early 4th century Aula Palatina (basilica) Trier, Germany early 4th century • Most Basilicas had a plain brick outside and the insides were highly decorated mosiacs of colored glass or frescoes and gold covered walls. Santa Sabina Rome, Italy ca. 422-432 Santa Maria Maggiore Rome, Italy 432-440 tessera mosaic Drowning of the Egyptians in the Red Sea Santa Maria Maggiore Rome, Italy 432-440 tessera mosaic Hospitality of Abraham Artwork also included Illuminated manuscripts Vienna Genesis Early 6th century tempera, gold, silver on purple vellum 12 1/4 x 9 1/4 in. Rossano Gospels early 6th century tempera on purple vellum 11 x 10 1/4 in. All work in the Early Christian time period was meant to enrich the spiritual lives of the owners rather than to enhance their material possessions.