Art of The Catacombs - Christian Art History

The Christian Period From c. 200-313 AD

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1) Introduction To The Christian Period From c. 200-313 AD
2) Art of The Catacombs
3) Sarcophagi

Art of The Catacombs*

Burials were central to Christian belief and were linked to the concept of Christ's Second Coming: The hope of resurrection on Judgment Day was fundamental in Christian belief, and that is why cremation of the body was forbidden.

From the middle of the second century, areas outside the city walls of Rome were reserved for burials. Here the deceased were, at first, buried above ground between two rows of tiles which formed a roof. These graves were marked by an inscribed stele or by a plain monument. Alternatively, they were buried in stone sarcophagi, or in vaults dug into hillsides or rock faces. Here sarcophagi were carved out of rock under arches called arcosolia. Around Rome a network of narrow subterranean tunnels, known as catacombs, was later developed as a form of cemetery. At first, the land of the faithful was put at the disposal of the community but, by the third century, Christian rituals were generally recognised and tolerated by the Romans and the ground used for burials openly became Church property.

The art in this underground labyrinth of arcosolia or burial chambers was modest and simple. It was probably derived from the sketchy, decorative art in the Roman houses at Pompeii. On white or cream backgrounds (to reflect as much light in the dark of these tunnels) rapid sketches in light brushstrokes were made of biblical scenes, mingled with cupids, floral decorations, animals and personifications of the four seasons. Figures are, on the whole, small, lively and full of movement, and stand out clearly on their light background. Thin lines in red or green were used to separate such scenes. Although their exact chronology is uncertain, the earliest catacomb paintings date from the third century. This tradition of painting burial chambers continued well into the fifth century.

The biblical themes depicted were simple and symbolic - a basket full of loaves of bread, representing the Eucharist, as in the Chamber of Velatio, Catacomb of Priscilla (mid-third century), Christ as the Good Shepherd, a theme borrowed from pagan art, is represented in the Catacomb of Domitilla (third century). Christ is surrounded by his flock and plays a bucolic pipe. The Orans figure, a woman praying with raised arms, also has its origin in pagan art. Old Testament scenes such as The Three Hebrews in the Fiery Furnace; Jonah and the Whale; Daniel in the Lion's Den and the Sacrifice of Isaac were considered to prefigure Christ's Passion and symbolise Salvation.

Also related to the cult of the dead were the martyria or commemorative buildings over the tombs of martyrs which, in their ultimate complex form, were influenced by pagan mausoiea and were also adorned, very often, with paintings.

*Based on notes compiled by Karin M. Skawran for the University of South Africa.

Contemporary Christian Oil Paintings by Christian Artist Rudi Carstens