In the earliest stages of development Christian art drew heavily from pagan prototypes. Christianity had not yet been adopted by the Roman people, and they had to be secretive, or face persecution. Christian dogma also limited works of art by not allowing graven images to be created. It has been difficult for historians to differentiate early Christian art from Roman art before the year 100. Constantine would change all of that by adopting Christianity as the official religion of Rome, but until then Christians had to be secretive and careful. (1)
The image above is an Ancient Greek sculpture known as the Moschoforos or Calf bearer. This statue is attributed to the Greek sculptor Phaidimos.It is thought that the statue is of a young wrestler named Rhombos. He is carrying a calf to the sacrificial altar of Athena Pallas. Does this imagery look familiar? (2)
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Good_Shepherd_Catacomb_of_Priscilla.jpg
The next image is of a fresco that was found in the Catacombs of Priscilla, Rome. As you can see,in this early Christian piece, the iconography is almost identical to the statue found in Ancient Greece. The main difference in these two artworks is that the calf in the former has been substituted for a ram in the latter. Similarly, both the males appear young and fit. Neither of the individuals are dressed elaborately. There is a quality of humbleness and simplicity to both works. The symbol of Christ as a shepherd is well known to us, but this is not a new theme. (3)
The Christian image found in the catacombs is indicative of what we find of Christian art during this time period. Remember, graven images are frowned upon by the believers. What little artworks identified are often hidden away, and is heavily influenced by the Greco Roman art. It seems that the early Christians found a way around their edict of no graven images all while blending in with the rest of the populous.
Notes
Art History, "A Ancient Christian Art," accessed September18, 2020, http://www.arthistory.net/christian-art/
Wikipedia, "Kriophoros," accessed September 18, 2020, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kriophoros
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI thought you wrote a very well thought out blog post this week regarding Christian art. I found it super interesting that until Rome adapted Christianity as their official religion, that Christians were persecuted. I can totally understand why it must be hard for historians to distinguish the “Christian art from roman art before the year 100.” I also like how you can see the resemblances in the different art pieces.
Hi Ashley! Great Job! I find it really interesting that Constantine is the reason Rome adopted Christianity. I wonder what the world would be like if that never happened. Early some Christianity pieces are really pretty, the early Virgin Mary pieces are kind of Gothic, hence the time period. I really in joyed how you compared the two pieces, you are right they do really resemble each other. Hope you have a great week.
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteI thought your blog was very thorough on the topic. I find it really interesting that the christians were persecuted throughout the Roman empire prior to Christianity becoming their official religion. It was also really interesting that historians have had a hard time differentiating early christian art between Roman art before the year 100. The fact that they cant distinguish the two is mind blowing.