Early Christian, Byzantine, and

Islamic ArtChapter 13 Lesson One

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

Emperor Justinian and Attendants

Empress Theodora and Attendants