early christian, byzantine, and islamic art chapter 13 lesson one
TRANSCRIPT
Early Christian paintings
Purposes of Early Christian painting
to illustrate the power and glory of Christ
to tell the story of Christ and his life
Early Christian paintings
Found in the catacombs of Rome on the stone walls◦catacombs: underground passageways built for religious services and to bury the dead
◦Due to persecution of Christians by Roman emperors.
Lack depthUsed symbolism
Early Christian Paintings
Symbolism in Paintings◦Used familiar figures or signs to represent something else.
◦Examples:dog = loyaltycandle = light of Christivy = eternal life
BasilicasPurpose of Basilica for Christians◦gathering for large number of people to worshipAfter Constantine permitted Christian worship
Exterior of Basilica: plain◦ added campanile (bell tower) to original design
BasilicasInterior: Dramatic decoration◦Walls decorated with mosaicsmosaic: small pieces of glass and stone set in cement.
placed so that light causes flickering on images = Houses of Mystery
Growth of Byzantine Culture
Constantinople: capital in the Eastern part of the Roman empire◦Roman, Greek, and Eastern influences blended to produce art.
Hagia Sophia
“Holy (or Divine) Wisdom”Dome
◦Measures 200 feet across, 31 feet higher than the Pantheon
◦Use of 4 piers (massive vertical pillars that support the arches) allowed them to erect thinner walls and add more windowsCreates appearance of lighter weight.
Mosaics of the Hagia Sophia
Walls of stone and marble decorated with gold, silver, ivory, and gems
Bright colors necessary Mosaics large to see from afar.
Mosaics of the Hagia Sophia
Madonna and Child with the Emperor Justinian and Constantine◦symbolize that the Church and the State are dedicated to the Virgin and Child.
San Vitale Basilica
Sant’ Apollinare in Classe Features 2 mosaics on opposite sides of the apse
Artwork is flat, stiff, more abstract and formal than early Christian art work◦pictures serve as religious lessons for ALL