4.1 Early Christianity and Byzantine

Time Frame: 200 - 700 AD
Context: Coincides with Late Roman Art during the decline of the Roman Empire.
Political Climate:
- Civil wars in the third century
- Emperor worship and persecution of Christians
- Diocletian's suppression contrasted with Constantine's support for Christianity
Architecture Development: Emergence of church architecture during this time.
Fall of Rome: Many treasures lost as Rome fell into barbarian hands in 476 AD.

Cultural Preservation: Early Christians helped preserve Roman culture among barbarians.
Art Forms:
- Early Christian art reflected the Church's history and endured through persecution.
- Art predominantly utilized Greco-Roman styles with rich symbolism.
- Emotional expressions in human figures depicted calm trust and deep suffering.

Development of Representation: Shift from symbols to figure representations for didactic purposes due to widespread illiteracy.
Subject Matter:
- Biblical themes illustrating Jesus as a savior; covers events like:
  - Annunciation
  - Nativity
  - Crucifixion
  - Resurrection
  - Ascension

Definition: Catacombs were underground cemeteries used by early Christians in Rome.
Burial Practices:
- Communal sepulchres as per Roman traditions
- Galleries formed intricate underground towns
- Dark, narrow galleries occasionally lit by shafts of light.

Sepulchres: Featured long and deep niches for burials, sealed with marble or stone slabs with inscriptions.
Significance: Increased importance during persecutions; martyrs' tombs were ceremonially honored.

Artistic Similarities: Decorative mural paintings reflect both Roman and Christian themes.
Common Symbols:
- Grapevine: Represents unity between the soul and the Savior.
- Dove: Symbolizes innocence and the Holy Spirit.
- Lamb: Represents Christ as the Redeemer.

IXTUS (Fish): Acrostic for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior"; symbolizes believers born into divine life.
Cross: Initially avoided due to its association with crucifixion but became a powerful symbol of victory under Constantine.

Persecution Impact on Architecture: Early Christians met in secret within private homes or catacombs.
Public Worship: Freedom in the 4th century led to the building of churches, primarily basilicas.

Structure: Basilicas designed in a long rectangle with apse on the eastern side.
Features:
- Apse: Semicircular recess for altar.
- Atrium: Gathering place with a covered court, often incorporating a fountain.
- Nave: Central aisle, flanked by lower aisles divided by columns.

Altar: Central, stone table reminiscent of the Last Supper, elevated on a platform.
Ciborium: Canopy typically supported by marble pillars, marking tombs of martyrs underneath.
Transept Addition: A cross-shaped layout emerged as transepts were added, symbolizing eternal life.

Campanile: Tall towers were built with windows and bells for summoning worshippers.
Baptistery: Separate buildings for immersion baptisms, typically circular or octagonal with large central basins.

St. Peter’s Basilica, Rome: Constructed around 333 AD under Constantine; notable features include colonnades, clerestory windows, and a triumphal arch adorned with mosaics.
Basilica of St. Paul Outside Rome: Built in the late 4th century over St. Paul's tomb; similar architecture to St. Peter's, significant for its mosaics.

Sarcophagi: Wealthy Christians used decorated sarcophagi, often featuring figures and thematic carvings.
Evolution: Decoration grew from simple carvings to more complex designs by the 4th century, often framed by columns.

Cultural Shift: Transition from fresco paintings to mosaics in churches, employing tesserae for decoration.
Tesserae Characteristics: Larger for backgrounds, smaller for facial features; glass tesserae added vibrancy and reflective qualities.
Example: Mosaics in Santa Costanza illustrate the move from naturalist to stylized art.

Santa Pudentiana: Early Christian thematic mosaics featuring a majestic Savior, St. Peter, and St. Paul on the apse's half-dome.