Learning Journal Unit 3
How much did classical Roman art and architecture influence the development of Christian art and architecture, and in what ways did it exhibit its distinctiveness?
Christian art and architecture were influenced by the art and architecture of classical Rome to a significant extent. Early Christian art borrowed many motifs and styles from the art of the Roman Empire, such as the use of mosaic, fresco, and sculpture, as well as the depiction of figures in a frontal and hieratic manner (Buis, n.d.).
For example, the use of the cross in Christian art was derived from the Roman crucifixion and the depiction of Christ as a beardless young man was inspired by the idealized images of Roman youth. The use of the apse in Christian
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Basilicas were originally Roman public buildings used for administrative and judicial purposes, but they were adapted for use as Christian churches because of their large, open spaces and central aisles. Early Christian basilicas often had features such as an apse (a semicircular recess at the end of the church), a nave (the central aisle of the church), and a transept (a cross-shaped aisle that intersects the nave) (Farber, n.d.).
Christian art and architecture were unique in many ways despite these influences. For example, Christian iconography emphasizes depicting religious narratives and figures, such as Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints. In contrast, Roman art often celebrated secular and political themes, such as emperors and military conquests (Buis, n.d.). Christian art also often depicted Jesus and other figures more abstractly or symbolically rather than in a realistic or naturalistic way, as was common in classical Roman art (Farber, n.d.).
Moreover, Christian art and architecture were often designed for liturgical purposes and aimed to convey a sense of piety and devotion to God. This is evident in the use of elaborate decoration and symbolism in churches and other religious buildings, such as the use of stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings (Buis,
This piece of evidence is also important because it shows how Roman art and architecture were “conquering the globe,” meaning other civilizations took some inspiration from Rome and integrated it into their art. Certain characteristics were identified as distinctive, such as realism in portraiture or spatial illusionism, continuous narrative, and historicity in relief. However, it became clear that all these elements were present in some way in ancient Greek art.6 This is important because it shows how the Romans did not invent this type of art themselves, but this type of art was around before they came. Although Rome was not the first civilization to use this type of art, they expanded this culture and influenced other civilizations in this way. In contrast, the Han Dynasty was extremely talented in art and architecture.
Almost everyone in that time looked at the Catholic Church to explain the world around them and had faith completely in the churches. Most of the art in this era were focused on Jesus Christ and had deep religious
Additionally, Greek art and architecture have left an indelible imprint on Western aesthetics and design. The Greeks were famous for their creative accomplishments, which included massive sculptures, architectural constructions, and decorative arts (Woodford, 2000). Greek art and architecture have had a significant impact on the development of Western creative traditions, with many Western painters and architects deriving inspiration from Greek forms, themes, and aesthetics. The use of columns, pediments, and friezes in Greek architecture, for example, has been widely copied in Western architectural styles, such as neoclassical architecture, which originated during the Renaissance and is still employed in modern Western structures (Woodford, 2000). The ideals of Greek art and design, with their emphasis on harmony, proportion, and balance, have impacted Western creative traditions such as painting, sculpture, and decorative arts.
Mary Margaret Hagood Ms. Katharine Hutson and Ms. Mary Webb English and Humanities ODP May 22, 2023 The Silver Dish of Constantius II Depicting religion in art was common throughout the 4th century CE. Prior to the reign of Constantine, polytheistic gods were portrayed in art as having human attributes and motives. Christian art depicted the godlike features of Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit without intertwining them with human flaws. Christians believed that God was unlike previous gods because God valued each person's well-being.
Classical Roman art was
While art varies in many ways, one can also easily identify many similarities between cultures. These similarities and differences have been seen and identified throughout history as art has continued to evolve. Architecture is no different, meaning although two grand structures were built on different sides of the world, similarities can be drawn between them. These similarities are consist of symbolism, architecture, and materials used in the structures. For example, the Hagia Sophia and Charlemagne’s Chapel both share similarities and differences through their histories and the architecture and decorations that make these structures so grand.
Roman painting styles went through a fascinating evolution, drawing inspiration from different sources and reflecting the changing styles and cultural influences of the time. From its humble beginnings in the early Republic to the height of the Roman Empire, Roman painting transformed into a unique and dynamic art form. During the early Republic period, Roman painting was heavily influenced by the Etruscan tradition. Frescoes found in tombs, such as those in Tarquinia and Chiusi, featured scenes of everyday life and mythological history. The figures were depicted in bold, vibrant colors, showcasing a strong Etruscan influence.
The Fayum funerary portraits were predecessors to icons in their medium. Both use either tempera or the encaustic painting technique (Cite). Likewise their functions were quite similar. Funerary portraiture was used as a way to memorialize the deceased, the viewer was supposed to recall the life of who was being depicted, while a Christian icon’s purpose was for the viewer to remember the saint and more importantly the deeds which made them a saint (Cite). It is clear to see why early Christians would have turned to this type of funerary portraiture as they began making icons.
Ancient Rome copied a lot of art. Some examples are the Romans learned their love of art from the Greeks (Bingham 54). A big part of art that the Romans copied was architecture. Romans would collect Greek art and Greek sculptures to set up studios. In the art studios Rome artists created marble and bronze copies of the famous Greek
It was more childish and spiritually based compare to the Greek art or the old Roman art. Nonetheless, as the early Middle Ages passed the Gothic period emerged the architecture and painting started to once again resemble the old aspects of Roman art. As people started to finally settle down, lost knowledge
. Early Christians, like the Romans, appreciated the use of art for personal and cultural expression. They took inspiration from the Roman art that was all around them, believing that artistic forms and motifs could help them express and develop deeper their Christian faith (Relationship Between Roman & Early Christian Art & Architecture, 2015). Christianity appeared during the Roman Empire, which makes it clear that classical Roman art and architecture had a significant influence on Christian art and architecture.
Basic topics for artistic pieces were about God and the holy people, and were made fundamentally for the congregation. In any case, it was amid the Late Antiquity, when Christianity got to be indispensable to the European society. The life of Christ turned into a key educating in chapel. This provoked the expanded selection of the scenes throughout Christ's life on art pieces. This period in the medieval time laid a ton of accentuation on religion and obliged specialists to deliver medieval religious art pieces.
Have you ever looked at a sculpture and thought to yourself, why was this made? For what amazing purpose could this item have been created. Well during the ages of Ancient Greece and the Byzantine era, works of art were made for many purposes, one of which was to honor their religions. During the Greek era, they had a polytheistic religion based off the twelve Olympian gods that ruled Olympus, but those were they big ones there were also the minor gods like the god of decisions Janus and the goddess of victory Nike who was also sculpted into art but over time was partly destroyed. Also during the Late Byzantine empire there was also art being created based off the religion and belief in Christianity and the trinity of one God, and how a virgin
Churches were modeled after Greek churches. One notable example would be architect/Sculptor
The art and architecture of classical Rome had a profound impact on Christian art and architecture. In many ways, Christian art and architecture were shaped by the cultural and artistic traditions that had developed in Rome during the classical period. The Romans were known for their monumental architecture, vast public works, and intricate mosaics and frescoes. These techniques and styles were adopted and adapted by Christian artists and architects.