1. Early Christian, Byzantine, and Islamic Art
Chapter 13 Lesson One

2. Early Christian paintings
Purposes of Early Christian painting
to illustrate the power and glory of Christ
to tell the story of Christ and his life

3. Early Christian paintings
Found in the catacombs of Rome on the stone walls
catacombs: underground passageways built for religious services and to bury the dead
Due to persecution of Christians by Roman emperors.
Lack depth
Used symbolism

4. Early Christian Paintings
Symbolism in Paintings
Used familiar figures or signs to represent something else.
Examples:
dog = loyalty
candle = light of Christ
ivy = eternal life

5. Purpose of Basilica for Christians
Basilicas
Purpose of Basilica for Christians
gathering for large number of people to worship
After Constantine permitted Christian worship
Exterior of Basilica: plain
added campanile (bell tower) to original design

6. Interior: Dramatic decoration
Basilicas
Interior: Dramatic decoration
Walls decorated with mosaics
mosaic: small pieces of glass and stone set in cement.
placed so that light causes flickering on images = Houses of Mystery

7. Growth of Byzantine Culture
Constantinople: capital in the Eastern part of the Roman empire
Roman, Greek, and Eastern influences blended to produce art.

8. “Holy (or Divine) Wisdom” Dome
Hagia Sophia
“Holy (or Divine) Wisdom”
Dome
Measures 200 feet across, 31 feet higher than the Pantheon
Use of 4 piers (massive vertical pillars that support the arches) allowed them to erect thinner walls and add more windows
Creates appearance of lighter weight.

11. Mosaics of the Hagia Sophia
Walls of stone and marble decorated with gold, silver, ivory, and gems
Bright colors necessary
Mosaics large to see from afar.

13. Mosaics of the Hagia Sophia
Madonna and Child with the Emperor Justinian and Constantine
symbolize that the Church and the State are dedicated to the Virgin and Child.

14. Sant’ Apollinare in Classe
San Vitale Basilica
Sant’ Apollinare in Classe
Features 2 mosaics on opposite sides of the apse
Artwork is flat, stiff, more abstract and formal than early Christian art work
pictures serve as religious lessons for ALL

15. Emperor Justinian and Attendants

16. Empress Theodora and Attendants