Learn about early Christian art and sculptures. Discover the special characteristics of early Christian art, see early Christian art, artists, and a timeline.
Updated: 11/21/2023
Early Christian Art & Sculptures | Timeline & Characteristics
Table of Contents
- What is Early Christian Art & Sculptures?
- Characteristics of Early Christian Art
- Early Christian Artists
- Lesson Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important characteristics of early Christian art?
Early Christian art includes mosaics, frescoes, sarcophagi, etc. They mostly depict biblical narratives and scenes from the life of Jesus. These artifacts are characterized to be universal and abstract.
Was drawing is allowed in Christianity?
Christianity did not allow drawing. The Bible has instructions in the Old Testament that prohibit people from making images. Christianity did not allow artists to draw Jesus Christ as there is no description of his physical characteristics.
What are some famous Christian sculptures?
Some famous Christian sculptures include the funerary sculpture, the Image of the Good Shepherd. Some other famous examples of early Christian sculptures are the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus of 359 CE, The Dogmatic sarcophagus, the "Two Brothers" Sarcophagus, and the Teaching Christ.
What are some examples of early Christian art?
Some examples of early Christian art are the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus made in 359 AD., Ravenna Mosaics, wall paintings such as "Three Youths in the Fiery Furnace" in the Catacomb of Priscilla, and "Noah Praying in the Ark" in the Roman Catacombs. The frescoes in the Sistine Chapel are also examples of early Christian art.
What does early Christian art refer to?
Early Christian Art began when Christianity was illegal. The first evidence of Christian art was the wall and ceiling paintings of the Roman catacombs. The style continued, and many other classic paintings were painted on the walls of basilicas and altars.
Table of Contents
- What is Early Christian Art & Sculptures?
- Characteristics of Early Christian Art
- Early Christian Artists
- Lesson Summary
Early Christian art refers to the Christian art, architecture, paintings, and sculptures that belong to the timeline from the foundation of Christianity to the early 6th century. This art is also known as Paleo Christian art or Primitive art. This art was mostly eminent in Italy and the western Mediterranean region. The art confined to the eastern Roman Empire is considered a part of Byzantine art. It is similar to its contemporary Pagan art, and just like it, encompasses mediums of expressions such as fresco, mosaics, sculptures, and manuscript illumination.
Initially, Christianity was followed by the lower classes of society. After the death of Jesus, Christians faced hostility and oppression under the Roman Empire. There was a lack of opportunities for artists to express their arts. The only Christian iconography of this early age was the secret symbol of Ichthys, or the "Jesus fish." The earliest image of the Virgin Mary with the newborn Jesus in her lap was found in the Roman Catacombs and dated back to the middle of the second century. Later the painting "Madonna and Child" became the central icon for the representation of Mary with Jesus.
Early Christian Art Timeline
The early Christian art timeline is divided into the Pre-Constantine or Ante-Nicene period and the First Seven Ecumenical Councils period. It is difficult to say when Christian art came into existence because, before the first century, Christians were an inferior group and not properly represented in society. Due to the lack of financial support and the Old Testament's restrictions against the portrayal of graven images, Christians were hesitant to express themselves through the medium of art.
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The early Christian art timeline can be understood by the table,
| Early Christian Art | Time Period | Characteristics | Famous Artwork |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roman art | 150-450 C.E. | frescoes, sarcophagi, mosaics | Roman catacombs, mosaics of Santa Maria |
| Byzantine art | 450- 1450 C.E | mosaics, murals, icon paintings | mosaics of Ravenna churches |
| Medieval Christian art | 450-1200 C.E | illuminating manuscripts on the bound codex | Cathach of St. Columba (610 C.E.), Book of Kells (800 C.E.) |
| Renaissance | 14th to 17th century | religious paintings, murals, sculptures | The Last Supper (1495-98), by Leonardo da Vinci, Sistine Chapel frescoes by Michelangelo |
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The earliest Christian artists indulged in iconography secretly to avoid persecution. Iconography refers to the use of an artist's imagery and symbols in his art. This secrecy gave rise to an underground culture in art. The main characteristics of early Christian art were mosaics that decorated the interior of churches, frescoes, sarcophagi adorned with Christian sculptures, and manuscript illumination. Their art forms were inspired by Pagan art but had Christian themes. The rise of the Byzantine Empire helped Christian art to flourish. The main purpose of Christian art was to depict the Christian faith. The absence of direct images depicted the mystic side of Christianity. Iconography was used in creating images. Biblical narratives were a common subject. Themes like death, resurrection, hope, salvation, and prayer were prominent. Death and resurrection were presented through a series of pictures derived from the Old Testament. The early representation of Christ and the apostles was expressed artfully as Jesus with a group of disciples in the Catacomb of Domitilla, thus depicting Jesus as a true teacher. He was also represented in Ad Locutio's art as a philosopher. Sarcophagi were popular amongst people, as rich Christians paid well for these stone coffins.
Frescoes & Mosaics
The fresco in early Christian art was a technique in which watercolors are used on a wet lime-based plaster called Arriccio. It is durable and beautiful.
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Frescoes that were created on the walls of churches became a part of worship for the Christians. When Christianity was legalized, there was a huge need for religious art. Magnificent churches were built with basilicas, domes, and baptisteries-the part of a church used for baptism. There were many fresco painters like Michelangelo. The most beautiful religious building with Christian-themed frescoes is the Sistine Chapel.
The legal status of Christianity brought their art to the public domain. Christian artists got the opportunity to enhance their art. Mosaics emerged in this era, which are images created from hundreds or thousands of glass pieces and colored stones fitted together in perfect alignment. Mosaics were mostly used in decorating the walls of basilicas. A team of artisans had to work on a mosaic, as it was much larger than a fresco. Important religious figures, such as Jesus and the Virgin Mary, were the subjects of mosaics. They were generally colorful and detailed.
Christian Sculptures
Before 313, Christianity was evolving underground. During this time, the use of iconography and symbolism were eminent. Early Christian sculptures were most likely to use motifs from Greek mythology.
Christ was often portrayed as the Greek god Zeus. Gradually the dominance of the Bible increased, and the art shifted to Biblical texts and iconography. The early Christian sculptures were used for obituary purposes. Sarcophagi had relief sculptures in which the carved figures stood out from the flat surface like a 3D image. It is mostly used for elaboration and beautification on the coffins. Wealthy Christians spent a great amount of money to get buried in them. This allowed the sculpture artists to flourish.
Freestanding sculptures that were smaller had subjects such as Jesus the shepherd and Jesus the philosopher. Later, artists also began to do delicate ivory carving. The scenes from the life of Jesus such as crucifixion, miracles, etc. were depicted through sculptures. Examples of sarcophagi are the Santa Maria Antiqua Sarcophagus made in 270 CE and the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus made in 359 CE.
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Early Christian Art & Sculptures | Timeline & Characteristics
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