Early Christian and Byzantine Art Lecture Notes

Time Periods

• 30 CE to 300 CE overlaps with the Byzantine period.
• Constantine is a key figure straddling Roman and Christian eras.

Focus Areas

1. Evolution of Church Floor Plans
   • Understanding changes from Roman temple designs to Christian church layouts.
2. Early Christian Iconography
   • Identifying symbols and distinguishing between early Christian and Byzantine icons.
   • Recognizing early Christian religious spaces vs. Byzantine spaces.
3. Art-Making Processes
   • New methods and restrictions in early Christian art.

Themes and Motifs

• Christians adapted existing Roman pagan symbols.
• Use of religiously neutral images repurposed with Christian meanings.
• Narratives from popular Bible stories.
• Development of Christ, Mary, and saints' images over time.
• Transition from persecution to acceptance (~300 CE).

Constantine's Influence

• Converts to Christianity, aiding its spread and acceptance.
• Christianity becomes the Roman Empire's official religion during the Pax Romana.

Importance of Images

• Used for communication and shared understanding among illiterate populations.
• Early Christian art is simple and humble.
• Prominent locations:
  • Roman catacombs (wall paintings)
  • Relief carvings on sarcophagi (pre-Constantinian)

Christian Symbols in Art

1. Roman Catacombs and Sarcophagi
   • Use of marble plaques to cover remains in niches.
   • Examples include symbols like the Alpha and Omega, Cairo monogram, dove with olive branch, and fish with anchor.
2. Fish Symbol (Ixus)
   • Greek letters forming an acrostic: I (Jesus), C (Christ), Theta (Son of God), Upsilon (Savior).
   • Bread symbolism linked to Christ and communion.

Iconic and Aniconic Practices

• Variations in depiction of holy figures; fluctuating prohibitions on replicating human forms.
• Use of symbols to identify fellow Christians discreetly.

Catacomb of Priscilla

• One of the catacombs examined, highlighting the evolution of early Christian symbols and art.