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Harvesting Grapes mosaic from the ambulatory vault, Church of Santa Costanza, Rome, C350

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Learning Objectives & Tasks: Unit I, module 1 (5 min)

Scope of this Module

During this time Christianity transitioned from an outsider religion to the official religion of the Roman Empire. What had once been simple paintings frescoed onto the walls of secretive catacombs became a grand artistic tradition of Imperial splendor.

While early catacombs were fresh and powerful in their folksy style and used inexpensive limited materials such as earthy tones of paint and sketchy forms.

This example is used to show how early Christian art ( 100-200?)changed dramatically in the 300s-400s- from humble catacomb artworks to grand, expensive artworks. This is a mosaic, which would have taken skilled labor. It was in The Grand burial Church of Santa Costanza which was opulent, elite architectural marvel.

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Map showing Ancient Rome's domination of The Mediterranean ( see green)

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Historical Context: Rome, 100-300CE ( 15mins)

Video lecture by Dr. E

Year 100-Rome had grown into a military superpower rivalled only by the Han Dynasty in China.

Starting as a small village, Rome was the capital city in the boot of Italy. This was their homeland. They went on to occupy to the East-Syria, Palestine, Israel and Turkey and Africa-Egypt ( the Nile area was known as the Jewel of the imperial Crown), to the North and West -France ( then Gaul), Spain ( then Hispania and Britain). VAST TERRITORIES!!!

Multicultural. multilingual peoples mixed together their cultures and population!

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6 Augustus' new imagery: Marble statue of Augustus in cuirass (h. 2.06 m), from the Villa of Livia (Prima Porta), c. 20, Musei Vaticani, Braccio Nuovo. Inv. No. 2290. Throughout his life, and even after his death, Augustus was portrayed as a young man with idealised looks that recall Classical Greek examples

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Jewish & Christian art in the ancient world ( Roman art)

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Jewish & Christian art in the ancient world ( Roman art)

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Historical Context: Rome, 100-300CE ( 15mins)

Video lecture by Dr. E

In 100 CE Rome had grown into a superpower rivalled only by the Han Dynasty in China. It had a massive military power which took over vast territory. The Emperor was regarded as semi divine. This is a sculpture of the emperor?

Political propaganda was shown through art eg. triumphant arches, massive memorials, military victories etc

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The social world at the time: Booming population

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The social world at the time: Booming population

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Historical Context: Rome, 100-300 CE ( 15mins)

Video lecture by Dr. E

Description

The Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built, and is still the largest standing amphitheater in the world, despite its age.

It was built as a form of mass entertainment to control the vast population! Our modern version=the NFL

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Historical Context: Rome 100-300Ce ( 15 mins)

Video: Ancient Rome 101/ National Geographic

REGAL

753 BC-510 BC

Monarchial rule

Romulus (1st king)

Is this when Rome was just a village?

REBUBLICAN

509 BC- 29 BC

Sate ruled by 2 predars, later called consoles

Julius Caesar (famous!)

Transmission of ideas, aqueducts, road sytems etc?

EMPERIAL

27 BC-AD 476

Octavian (peaceful leader)

Nero (known as Romes cruelest leader)

The Rise of the Roman Empire?

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Catacombs

Catacomb of Priscilla Rome video

A catacomb is a burial place some of the earliest Christians ( and Jews ) were buried. It is a labyrinth of narrow passageways with horizontal shelves ( loculi) holding the bodes-often stacked 3 stories deep. The Catacomb of Priscilla was created below the house of a wealthy Roman woman named Priscilla. By the 5th C there were 40 000 tombs held here.

This catacomb in Rome shows remnants of the earliest Christian paintings and shows the invention of Christian iconography through the symbols in the artworks telling of Jesus' miracles.

There are many examples to study and understand eg:

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The Madonna and Child, an example of painting in The Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome

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The Madonna and Child, an example of painting in The Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome

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This is the earliest known representation of The Madonna and Child ever!

A woman nursing, holding a book and someone pointing at her.

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The Good Shepard, painting in The catacomb of Priscilla, Rome

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The Good Shepard, an Example of painting in The Catacomb of Priscilla

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The Good Shepard, an Example of painting in The Catacomb of Priscilla

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Catacombs (15mins)

Catacombs of Priscilla, Rome video

( this image is a screen shot of the video)

This painting is on the shallow dome of the ceiling.

It shows Christ as a young man, no beard. He has one sheep on his shoulders and 2 standing on either side of him. He is dressed as a shepard.

The symbols of Christ as a shepard represent that Christ will care for his followers the way that he cares for his sheep.

There are also peacocks in the surrounding panel-a symbol of eternal life

He stands in a contrapposto pose-showing that the artists must have seen some Roman paintings or sculpture ( as this was a way they used to paint)

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Example of place holder carved out of stone in a catacomb-for people to place their oil lamps

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Fun fact: Oil lamp placeholders in catacombs

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Fun fact: Oil lamp placeholders in catacombs

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Note: The artwork in catacombs was seen ( and made) by oil lamp lighting and not in the way we see them now, with electric light!

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Breaking of the Bread, "The Greek Chapel"

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The Breaking of The Bread, an example of painting in The Greek Chapel ( in? The catacomb of Priscilla, Rome?)

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The Breaking of The Bread, an example of painting in The Greek Chapel ( in? The catacomb of Priscilla, Rome?)

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Catacombs

Catacombs of Priscilla, Rome video

This is a still life painting depicting 7 men dining at a table with fish and baskets ( 3 on the left and 4 on the right)- and references The Eucharist and the multiplication of fishes and bread stories from Christianity. These are not Christs 12 apostles.

Fractio Panis (English: Breaking of Bread) is the name given to a fresco in the Greek Chapel (Capella Greca) in the Catacomb of Priscilla, situated on the Via Salaria Nova in Rome.-Wikipedia

There is clear iconography : ( the language of images). It shows a liturgy: ( a public religious ritual)?

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Imperial Christian Art ( 15min)

Imperial Christian Art video

A time when early Christian art changed DRAMATICALLY! In 313 The Addict of Milan granted the freedom of citizens to practice Christianity. Art changed to become more ambitious, became public and Christian architecture began to develop. The social and political fortunes of Christians had changed!

From simple. fresh, powerful folksy catacomb art- to opulent and grandiose expressions seen in architecture and art. This is an example of Imperial Christian art that shows this:

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Imperial Christian art: Christian architecture. 2 main patterns of building forms

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Imperial Christian art: Christian architecture. 2 main patterns of building forms

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1) LONGITUDINAL STRUCTURE

These structures have a long, rectangular form. In Ancient Rome, these were called a BASILLICA. A long central space ( NAVE) with side aisles. Light poured in from upper story windows called CLERESTORIES. A basilica has a horizontal central axis. Its direction moves along the nave towards the alter. It is a journey.

Examples of longitudinal structure:

1. The basilica Ulpia, Rome 112 CE

2. The Church of Santa Sabina, Rome, 422-432

3. Old St. Peters, Rome, 320-327. This was the burial place of Peter, founder of the Catholic church but it is destroyed by Pope Julius! He made his own, NEW St. Peters in Rome, now called The Vatican.

2) CENTRALLY PLANNED STRUCTURE

These structures are centrally planned. Not a basilica! The vertical axis runs from earth to sky, suggesting a pull towards heaven. These buildings are designed with a central core of open space and a walkway wrapping around is called an AMBULATORY.

Examples of centrally planned structures:

1. The Church of Santa Costanza, Rome, 350

2. Oratory of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, 425-426

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Imperial Christian Art ( 15mins)

Imperial Christian art video

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Church of Santa Sabina, Rome, circa 422-432

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Imperial Christian art ( 15 mins)

Imperial Christian art video by Dr. E

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Longitudinal Example 3: of drawing of the interior of Old St. Peters in Rome

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Longitudinal Example 3: of drawing of the interior of Old St. Peters in Rome

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Imperial Christian Art ( 15min)

Imperial Christian Art video

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Oratory of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, 425-426

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This example is centrally planned but uses 2 rectangular forms to create cross shape structure. A striking feature of this oratory ( small chapel) is the contrast between its exterior ( plain brick) and interior ( glittering mosaic world of color and beauty)-symbolizing the Christian journey from sin into a redemptive, heavenly space

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Centrally Planned Structure example 3 (?)

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Centrally Planned Structure example 3 (?)

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The Vatican used to be the site of Old St. Peters church ( cathedral?). In 320-327. It was the burial place of Peter, the founder of the Catholic church. Pope Julius had it destroyed and replaced by The Vatican. Michelangelo painted the ceiling! No expense spared!

I am confused about how and when Catholicism comes in as a religion?? Is this structure, after being rebuilt still longitudinal or did it become centrally planned?

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The Good Shepard, a mosaic lunette within The Oratory of Galla Placidia, Ravenna 425-426

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We can see from this mosaic that Christianity has now become the main religion.

Jesus is seen wearing a purple robe of an Emperor. Purple was made using rare, expensive shellfish which symbolized IMPERIAL STATUS!

Looking more deeply at this mosaic, from a historical context we see that it was influenced by a carved onyx gemstone that was made to exalt Emperor Augustus. Date?

In the onyx:

He is shown seated on the top row of the gem. Positioned with a muscular bear chest, to appear as a human emmuniation of the God Jupiter.

A victory wreath above his head deafies him ( makes him a deity). The staff he holds symbolizes power.

In the mosaic:

He sits on a pile of rocks as thrown ( same same)

He has a halo -a version of a wreath ( same same)

His staff is a symbol of crucifixion and Imperial power ( same same)

Christianity has moved from an OUTSIDER religion practiced in private to the Imperial state religion. The art expresses that change.

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Political Turmoil across Multiple Cities

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Political Turmoil across Multiple Cities

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Political Turmoil across Multiple Cities (15 min)

Political Turmoil in Ancient Rome video

In 293 CE

Date cited from Google: https://www.google.com/search?q=when+did+emperor+diocletian+create+a+new+system+of+rule%3F&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS1020US1020&oq=when+did+emperor+diocletian+create+a+new+system+of+rule%3F&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRirAjIHCAMQIRifBdIBCjI1MzI3ajFqMTWoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Emperor Diocletian attempts to restore order through a new system of shared rule. He divided the Empire into a TETRACHY ( rule of 4). Like this: 1 x Augustus and 1 x Caesar for the Eastern territories and 1 x Augustus and 1 x Caesar for the Western territories.

Diocletian takes the title of Augustus of the East.

This tetrarchy divides the Roman Empire! Rome is no longer the central capital!

Eastern capitals:

Thessaloniki, in Greece

Nicomedia, todays Turkey

Western capitals:

Milan, in Northern Italy

Trier, todays Germany

He thought that this would better strategically manage The Empires borders. Better centers for control.

The tetrarch system collapses once Diocletian retires, plunging Rome back into civil war as rival structures fought for power.

( Before him was....????Then its other Emperors-Commodus ( delusional disaster. His reign ended the peace and civil war began again.)

Then Emperor Caracala ( looks like a gangster. See statue of his face)

Then Diocletian )

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Commodus as Hercules, c 191-192 CE, Marble, Height: 46 1/2"

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200 Stability begins to crumble and crack

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200 Stability begins to crumble and crack

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Political Turmoil across Multiple Cities (15 min)

Political Turmoil in Ancient Rome video

Stability starts to crumble. A horrible Emperor named Commodus was an evil, corrupt disaster for Ancient Rome. Dressed up here as Hercules. His reign ended the long reign of peace.

Political art of the time records this sense of violence, mistrust. He cause The Empire to fall into civil unrest and civil war.

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Constantine The Great coin, 325-326 CE, height of head 8'6"

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305: The Roman Empire is in political turmoil and civil war. Constantine seizes power over Maximillian. Famous for legitimizing Christianity and unifying Rome.

313: Edict of Milan: Ending the persecution of Christians and other minority religious views

He established his capital in the Eastern Mediterranean-called it Constantinople.

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Ravenna and Thessaloniki: Provincial Capitals of Rome

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Ravenna and Thessaloniki: Provincial Capitals of Rome

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Political Turmoil across multiple cities

Video:

Ravenna: is on the NE coast of Italy. Closer to Venice than Rome. Close access to the Adriatic sea.

Thessaloniki: is further east , close to what we now call Turkey, which is also close to Istanbul ( then called Constantinople-after Constantine)

In 395 Emperor Theodosius split the empire into Eastern and western empires , with each of his sons ruling an empire?

In 200 The Roman empire starts to crumble. Emperor Theodosius rule ends.

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Sarcophagus Grande Ludovis, Battle scene on sarcophagus, carved relief, marble, date?

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Political turmoil across Multiple cities ( 15 mins)

Video: Galla Placidia and the Goths

This carved relief is an example to show how Romans depicted themselves as victors at a time when they mocked the Goths by calling them BARBARIANS. The Romans are depicted wearing their loose, comfy clothing and clean cut hairstyles with cleanly shaven faces. The Visigoths and Ostragoths are depicted as wearing pants and long beards. They are shown to be trodden on, in grotesque poses, dying.

The word Barbarian comes from the Greek word for mocking. They were mocking the Goths speech.

Romes political situation is becoming chaotic. The Goths take advantage of Romes vulnerability.

Northern " Barbarians" ( Celtic and German tribes) migrate to Rome in 300s-400s.

Visigoths attack Rome in 410 ( Pope and Emperor had retreated to Ravenna)

This artwork was carried off by Visigoth King as a "war prize" after the Roman King gets murdered.

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Villa of Livia, garden frescoes, short southern wall, plan with birds, fresco painting, Ancient Roman times (?)

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Thinking about Style: Naturalism and Stylization ( 10 min)

Video: Naturalism Stylization

NATURALISM

Example: Fresco painting made for the dining room of Livia, wife of Roman Emperor Augustus

This example shows us the power of naturalism. The leaves and branches are true to life. It is easy to identify as an oak. The fence recedes into the background space. The birds look almost like they are in flight. You can almost forget that it is a painting. It looks realistic.

Naturalism was used in Ancient Rome by early Christians because they worshipped IN NATURE-to deities they believed were from nature. Stylization becomes more seen as new Christians started to worship in churches and understood God to transcend the world. Stylization was used to best describe that!

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Mosaic from Beth Alpha Synagogue in Israel, 6th century

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Thinking about Style: Naturalism and Stylization ( 10 min)

Video: Naturalism Stylization

Stylization plays an important role in spiritual art across many religions.

STYLIZATION in Judaism:

This is an example of how stylization was used in Judaism in the 6th century. We see in the lower registrar-flat figures, depicting Abraham sacrificing Isaac. It reflects the concern " THOU SHALT NOT MAKE UNTO THEE ANY GRAVEN IMAGE". The artist didnt want to make the figures look realistic and break this commandment from the Jewish Bible. The figures are representational as symbols and abstract signs. Sneaky loophole!

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Thinking about Style: Naturalism and Stylization ( 10 min)

Video: Naturalism Stylization

Stylization plays an important role in spiritual art across many religions.

Stylization in Islamic tradition...

Also avoids depictions of holy figures. Graceful lines and flat patterned images harmonize with the beauty of calligraphy.

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There were several periods of persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire, including:

Neronian persecution: The first documented persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire, under Emperor Nero (54–68). Nero blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome.

Persecution of Emperor Decius: A widespread persecution under Emperor Decius (249–251).

Persecution of Emperor Valentianus: A widespread persecution under Emperor Valentianus (257–258).

Persecution of Emperor Diocletian: The final general persecution of Christians, under Emperor Diocletian (283–305).

Persecution of Emperor Domitian: Emperor Domitian (81–96) authorized a new persecution against Christians.

Cite: https://www.google.com/search?q=early+christian+persecution+dates&rlz=1C1VDKB_enUS1020US1020&oq=early+christian+persecution+dates&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIHCAEQIRigATIHCAIQIRigATIHCAMQIRigATIHCAQQIRigAdIBCTg0NTVqMWoxNagCCbACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

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early christian persecution dates - Google Search

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According to cherished church tradition and popular belief, before the Emperor Constantine made Christianity legal in the fourth century, early Christians were systematically persecuted by a brutal Roman Empire intent on their destruction. As the story goes, vast numbers of believers were thrown to the lions, tortured,…