Remember this?What is it?Why?

Remember Greek and Roman Sculptures?What are some of the key characteristics?

How do you describe architectural characteristics from the Greek and Roman period?

Early ChristianConstantine the Great legalized Christianity

with a law called the Edict of Milan in 325 AD.

Before the Edict of Milan, the Christian faith had to be practiced in secret to avoid persecution (punishment by torture or death).

Christians would meet in each other’s homes or catacombs.

TerminologyFresco – painting on wet plasterTessarae - the little pieces of coloured glass,

that are used to create an image.Mosaic – a work of art made from small

pieces of marble or tessarae.Catacombs – underground burial placesSarcophagus – a stone coffin, often

elaborately decorated.Façade – Front of a building

on terminology handout

The Basilica

• Basilica – a long rectangular hall, used by Romans as public meeting places – adapted to churches.

• Apse – semi-circular chapel at the end of the nave used for the throne of the bishop and the altar.

• Nave – centre aisle of the church.

• Arcade – a series of arches and columns supporting them (supporting the walls).

• Side Aisle – Walkway of a church running parallel to the nave, separated by piers or columns.

• Clerestory – Upper part of a nave containing windows that illuminate the interior of the church.

on terminology handout

Early Christian Characteristics1. Medieval artisans were interested in the soul, NOT the beauty of the body like the Greek and Romans.2. Nudes were forbidden.3. Plain on the outside but beautiful on the inside.4. Art was symbolic / realism was not important5. Earliest Christian art found are in Catacombs6. Compared to Roman mosaics these mosaics are reflective, found on the ceiling, placed uneven so they would sparkle.

Exterior Facade of St. Apollinare in Classe.

Interior of St. Apollinare in Class.

Another Interior image of St. Apollinare in Class.

1. St. Apollinare in Classe. (522-549) Ravenna, Italy.

Plain on the outside but beautiful on the inside symbolizes their belief that the soul is more important than a person’s exterior.

Forms of decoration:• mosaics• images are symbolic • (realism was not important)• symbol of the Good Shepard

Borrowed Architectural Features:• rounded arches• columns

New Architectural Feature: • Bell Tower

2. The Good Shepherd. (4th century) Catacombs of St. Peter’s and St. Marcellinus. Rome, Italy.

The Good Shepherd is a commonly used symbol to represent Christ.

Meaning: Christ will leave his flock in order to help the one who has gone astray.

Forms of decoration:-this image is a marble statue-images are always symbolic during this time period-also seen as a fresco (painting on wet plaster)

Tell me what you see.What do you think this is?

3. Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus. (359) marble.

Purpose:•a stone coffin•the deceased shows his faith

Forms of decoration:•high relief•images of the Old and New Testament

Borrowed Architectural Features:•rounded arches•columns