Early Christian Art (300 Ce)

1. What is the name for these paintings and which features can be identified in them?

Byzantine Mosaics. The figures are saints arranged in a halo.

Catacomb Paintings.The people are Orans figures. The entire circle is a lunette.

The Last Supper. The people are apostles seated around a table.

Fresco Paintings. The individuals are angels standing in rows.

Catacomb paintings typically consist of Orans figures in a lunette shape, providing a distinct feature for identification.

Explanation

Catacomb paintings typically consist of Orans figures in a lunette shape, providing a distinct feature for identification.

2. What is depicted on the Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus and what is its purpose?

Ludovisi Battle SarcophagusJesus as a shepherd, because Christianity was illegal. Grapes shown ("pigs," or Greeks, see it as Dionysus, but Christians see it as sacred wine, or blood of Jesus)

A depiction of a pagan god, possibly Dionysus, associated with wine and revelry.

A scene from Greek mythology involving gods and goddesses in a conflict.

A battle scene illustrating ancient Roman warriors in combat.

The Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus actually depicts Jesus as a shepherd, not a battle scene or pagan god. The grapes shown are interpreted differently by various cultures and religions, with Christians viewing them as sacred wine representing the blood of Jesus.

Explanation

The Ludovisi Battle Sarcophagus actually depicts Jesus as a shepherd, not a battle scene or pagan god. The grapes shown are interpreted differently by various cultures and religions, with Christians viewing them as sacred wine representing the blood of Jesus.

3. Identify this Roman piece of art.

Sarcophagus of Junius BassusChristianity still illegal.Two famous scenes: Jesus handing Peter the Word of GodAdam and Eve at the tree with the serpentTwo registers and many niches

Parthenon Frieze

Venus de Milo

Laocoon and His Sons

The Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus is a well-known Roman sarcophagus with Christian imagery that showcases scenes such as Jesus handing Peter the Word of God and Adam and Eve at the tree with the serpent. It is distinguished by its two registers and many niches. The other options provided are famous pieces of Greek and Roman art but do not match the description of the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus.

Explanation

The Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus is a well-known Roman sarcophagus with Christian imagery that showcases scenes such as Jesus handing Peter the Word of God and Adam and Eve at the tree with the serpent. It is distinguished by its two registers and many niches. The other options provided are famous pieces of Greek and Roman art but do not match the description of the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus.

4. What church is this and what plan is it?

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul - Byzantine plan, with a central dome

St. Paul's Cathedral, London - Gothic plan, with a central spire

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris - French Gothic plan, with flying buttresses

Old St. Peter's, RomeBasilica plan, with an atrium

The correct answer is Old St. Peter's in Rome, which follows the Basilica plan with an atrium. St. Paul's Cathedral in London follows the Gothic plan with a central spire, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris follows the French Gothic plan with flying buttresses, and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul follows the Byzantine plan with a central dome.

Explanation

The correct answer is Old St. Peter's in Rome, which follows the Basilica plan with an atrium. St. Paul's Cathedral in London follows the Gothic plan with a central spire, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris follows the French Gothic plan with flying buttresses, and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul follows the Byzantine plan with a central dome.

5. What architectural marvel is located in Rome and features mosaics made with tesserae?

Pantheon

Santa Costanza, RomeCentral planIt has mosaics made with tesserae (uneven facets which glimmer in the light)Ambulitory (walking space around a central altar)

Trevi Fountain

Colosseum

Santa Costanza is known for its central plan and ambulatory, making it a unique architectural structure in Rome. The mosaics made with tesserae add to its beauty and historical significance.

Explanation

Santa Costanza is known for its central plan and ambulatory, making it a unique architectural structure in Rome. The mosaics made with tesserae add to its beauty and historical significance.

6. Where is the Christ Enthroned with Apostles mosaic located?

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City

Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

Hagia Sophia, Istanbul

Christ Enthroned with Apostles, Santa Pudenziana, RomeEarliest surviving mosaic, located in apse.Since Christ has a halo, it shows He is becoming more important. Not just a shepherd anymore.

The Christ Enthroned with Apostles mosaic is located in the apse of Santa Pudenziana in Rome, making it the earliest surviving mosaic of its kind.

Explanation

The Christ Enthroned with Apostles mosaic is located in the apse of Santa Pudenziana in Rome, making it the earliest surviving mosaic of its kind.

7. What is the oldest painted manuscript Classicizing, Greek known as?

The Mona Lisa

The Canterbury Tales

The Vatican Vergil, the oldest painted manuscriptClassicizing, Greek

The Magna Carta

The Vatican Vergil is a famous manuscript dating back to the 5th century, known for its classical Greek style of painting.

Explanation

The Vatican Vergil is a famous manuscript dating back to the 5th century, known for its classical Greek style of painting.

8. What is the Vienna Genesis?

A collection of poetry from the Middle Ages.

A famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci.

Vienna Genesis, the oldest BIBLICAL painted manuscript

An ancient Greek sculpture.

The Vienna Genesis refers to the oldest BIBLICAL painted manuscript, not a painting by Leonardo da Vinci, an ancient Greek sculpture, or a collection of poetry from the Middle Ages.

Explanation

The Vienna Genesis refers to the oldest BIBLICAL painted manuscript, not a painting by Leonardo da Vinci, an ancient Greek sculpture, or a collection of poetry from the Middle Ages.