Early Christian Art, also known as Paleo-Christian art of Primitive Christian art, dates back from the 2nd century to the 6th century. Before Constantine made Christianity the official religion of Rome (4th c.), Christian’s were persecuted because of their faith; therefore, Christian
art was not as openly prevalent until after 313. Until that time, newly
converted Christians, who have been brought up on the values of images in their
previous religion, were forced to express Christian art secretly.
Aside from frescoes paintings, other types of art found in
catacombs were:
- Sarcophagus - a marble coffin (Greek: flesh-eater) with carvings
- Inscriptions
- Text written in Greek or Latin
- Symbols/ signs such as the Ichthus fish.
An example of early
Christian art is the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, who was a Christian and a
high-ranking Roman government administrator. Junius Bassus chose to openly
express his Christian beliefs centuries before churches and cathedrals would
become marked with such carvings.
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| Top (L-R): the sacrifice of Isaac; St. Peter being arrested; Christ enthroned over Caelus (the Roman God of the sky) between Peter and Paul; Christ being arrested and judged by Pontius Pilate. Bottom (L-R): the distress of Job; Adam and Eve; Christ's triumphal entrance in Jerusalem; Daniel in the lion's den; St. Paul being arrested. |
Reference: http://thingsofhistoricalsignificance.tumblr.com/post/12484085255/junius-bassus-sarcophagus
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