Survey of Western Art I - Final Exam Review
LATE ANTIQUITY / EARLY CHRISTIAN - 4th & 5th centuries AD
*note artworks in highlighted italics
Ø Rejection of the polytheism of Pagan Rome
Ø Bible: 2nd commandment prohibits worshipping of idols
o By 4th century AD - popularity of monumental sculpture decreases
o Associate freestanding statues with paganism
o Accused by Christians of worshiping statues as gods (paganism)
Ø Enduring Pagan Traditions still exist!
o Still find signs of pagan themes / patrons of the classical style.
Ø Sculpture:
o Christ Enthroned (350-375 AD)
o Sarcophagus with Philosopher
Ø Architecture:
o Churches built (under Constantine)
o Growing numbers of worshipers
o Basilica design
o Old St. Peter’s Church (Rome - basilica design)
o Santa Sabina
o Santa Costanza (Rome – central plan)
o Ravenna - new capital in 404 AD
o 410 Sack of Rome
o Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (Ravenna, 425 AD)
§ Christ as Good Shephard * (mosaic)
o Use of mosaics becomes important
§ Pictorial medium rather than only flooring
§ Sparkling, glittering effect
§ Seen from a distance
§ Carry the Christian message
· Simple, readable designs
o St. Apollinare Nuovo (Ravenna, 504 AD)
§ Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes
Ø Illuminated Manuscripts
o Illustrated texts with Greek, Roman, Hebrew & Christian themes
Ø Terms to Note
o Basilica design
o Central plan
o Nave
o Aisles
o Apse
o Transept
o Ambulatory
o Mosaics
o Catacombs