Jewish, Early Christian, and Byzantine Art Answers

Christian art most commonly depicted the Good Shepherd (Christ). Christian symbols, such as the cross were included in most works of art. Mosaics freely covered church walls, ceilings. Artists used bright colors and shading. Examples: Sarcophagus of the church of Santa Maria Antiqua Good Shepherd Rabbula Gospel Virgin of Vladimir The Old Testament Trinity

#1: Menorah - It is a symbol of paradise and the end of exile for the Jewish people. #2: Ram’s Horn - It was considered sacred and used during ceremonial occasions. #3: Citron - It symbolized prosperity and good fortune for harvest.

In 313, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan granting all people in the Roman Empire freedom to worship whatever god they wished. Because Christians could worship freely, Christian art could now also be shown publicly.

This is the Sarcophagus of the church of Santa Maria Antiqua. A sarcophagus is similar to a coffin. It is made of stone and is adorned with relief sculptures. The man in the middle of the relief is the teacher, and is suppose to symbolize Christ. He is baptizing a young boy, although because the pagans did not know this was happening, since they didn’t understand what baptism was.

This piece is entitled, Virgin of Vladimir. Art was visually powerful during the Middle Byzantine period. Much of the art reflected the strongly spiritual focus of the wealthy leadership. Artists painted icons of religious figures were thought to have miraculous powers. Also, the face of Christ has adult-like features, which was prevalent during this time period.

This is the Wall of Torah Niche. It depicts a story form the Jewish Torah (sacred scripture). The wall depicts common stories to the Jewish people. The artist has used strong outlines and flat colors.

This is a mosaic, entitled, The Transfiguration of Christ with Sant’Apollinare from 549 BCE. Its is a Christian composition. In the center is a cross, surrounded by sheep (God’s people) and a shepherd (Christ). It tells the story of Christ transfiguration from man into messiah, as told by the gospels. The colors are vibrant and glorifying.

Before the Edict, Christian art was still made, but rarely seen. The most rare type of Christian art was sculpture since it was the hardest to hide. Most sculptures before the Edict were made of marble and depicted the Good Shepard (Christ). Christian artist would attempt to place images in works of art that would be symbolic to the Christian people, but would go unnoticed by pagans.

Early Byzantine art presented Christian stories and the Gospels through multi-leveled symbolism. Many church murals and mosaics were created. Most works of art were painted on sheets of vellum, which is a thick papyrus material. Artist most often use bright colors, although many have faded through the years.

This is entitled, The Old Testament Trinity. It shows the three angels who visited Abraham in the Old Testament. This painting shows the ideal geometry invented by artists during this time period for human forms. The geometric figures are simple and similar in features. The subjects’ are elongated, meaning their necks and arms are long, and in general they are tall and slender. The composition of the figures is also geometric, for they are placed in a triangular form.