The Greco-Roman Influence on Early Christian Art
Start Date
29-4-2022 3:00 PM
Location
Alter Hall 308
Abstract
This thesis examines how early Christian communities used familiar and non-familiar Greco-Roman symbols, images, and icons in their own ways. Familiar images include the anchor, fish, dove, and olive branch. Non-familiar images include the crucifix and crown of thorns. I argue that by making use of both familiar and non-familiar symbols, images, and icons, early Christian communities were able to situate their new religion among the already existing Greco-Roman culture, which allowed Christianity to establish a cultural cohesiveness and identity. To do this, I will consider Christian art from the third to the late fifth century, especially in the catacombs at Rome.
The Greco-Roman Influence on Early Christian Art
Alter Hall 308
This thesis examines how early Christian communities used familiar and non-familiar Greco-Roman symbols, images, and icons in their own ways. Familiar images include the anchor, fish, dove, and olive branch. Non-familiar images include the crucifix and crown of thorns. I argue that by making use of both familiar and non-familiar symbols, images, and icons, early Christian communities were able to situate their new religion among the already existing Greco-Roman culture, which allowed Christianity to establish a cultural cohesiveness and identity. To do this, I will consider Christian art from the third to the late fifth century, especially in the catacombs at Rome.
