Early Christian & Byzantine Art

Early Christian & Byzantine Art

• Professor Will Adams

The Shift From ‘Realism’ to ‘Religion’

• Post-Fall of the Western Roman Empire, art transitioned from realism to religious narratives and symbolism of Christianity.

• Two prominent Christian Church layouts: Central Plan and Basilica Plan, designed to cater to the needs of the Christian faith.

Late Antiquity / Early Christian Timeline

• 330 CE: Constantine relocates capital to Byzantium (Constantinople).

• 395 CE: Division of Roman Empire into Eastern (Byzantine) and Western Empires by Theodosius I.

• 410 CE: Sacking of Rome by Visigoths.

• 476 CE: Romulus Augustulus, last Western Roman emperor, is deposed.

• 527 CE: Justinian becomes emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire.

• 532-537 CE: Construction of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople under Justinian.

• 726 CE: Byzantine Emperor Leo III orders destruction of all icons in the empire.

Early Christian Art

• Art pieces often referenced Christ's life along with Roman mythology or governance.

• Jewish synagogues typically lacked representational sculpture due to prohibitions against idol worship; decorative elements included paintings and mosaics.

Major Categories of Christ’s Life in Art

1. Incarnation: Events surrounding Christ’s conception and birth.

2. Ministry: Key events include calling apostles, performing miracles, and teachings.

3. Passion: Events of arrest, trial, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.

Catacombs and Early Christian Worship

• Christians practiced their faith in secret catacombs to avoid persecution in the first three centuries CE.

• Catacombs extended up to 90 miles and were five levels deep; they contained decorative frescoes highlighting Jesus’ teachings.

Notable Early Christian Artistic Works

• Good Shepherd Fresco: Depicts Christ as a shepherd from the Catacomb of Priscilla, showcasing early Christian iconography.

• Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus: Combines Christian themes with classical art styles; features panels depicting Old and New Testament narratives.

• Baptism Representation: Early artwork showing Jesus' baptism emphasizes the significance of adult conversion in early Christianity.

Iconography in Late Antiquity

• Ivory Plaque: Displays the narrative of Judas' suicide and Christ’s crucifixion, emphasizing Jesus' strength in contrast to Judas's demise.

Architectural Developments in Early Christianity

• Old St. Peter's, Rome: Built around 324 CE; represented the shift in church architecture.

• Basilica and Central Plan Churches: Early Christian architecture evolved into these prominent layouts.

Byzantine Architectural Achievements

• Hagia Sophia: Built under Justinian, renowned for its vast dome and architectural innovations involving pendentives.

• Santa Costanza: Examples of central plan architecture, showcasing how Eastern designs evolved from earlier Christian styles.

Byzantine Art Characteristics

• Byzantine figures are characterized by flatness, golden backgrounds, and a lack of volume unlike Classical Art, focusing on spiritual rather than naturalistic representation.

Noteworthy Byzantine Art Examples

• Church of San Vitale: Displays intricate mosaics and octagonal structures, completed during Justinian's reign.

• Barberini Ivory: Connects Justinian’s conquests with peace in Christianity through symbolic representation.

• Virgin and Child Icon: Shows the significance of icons in prayer, often depicting the Virgin Mary with Baby Jesus.

• Harbaville Triptych: Examples of portable devotional art used for private worship, illustrated with Christ and saints.