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Learning Journal Unit 3

This is an Art History Assignment from the University of the People. This is the Learning Journal Unit 3

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17 views

Learning Journal Unit 3

This is an Art History Assignment from the University of the People. This is the Learning Journal Unit 3

Uploaded by

abelkakraba
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Learning Journal Unit 3

University of the People

AHIST 1401: Art History

Stephen Ababio (Instructor)

July 03, 2023

Although classical Rome's art and architecture had a significant influence on the development of
Christian art and architecture, it also contained distinctive aspects that arose because of the new
religious setting (Farber, n.d).

According to the (Farber, n.d), "Early Christianity: An Introduction," the existing aesthetic and
architectural traditions of the Roman Empire served as an influence for the early Christian artists
and architects. Early Christian buildings were able to blend into the urban landscape since many
churches were built inside already-existing Roman buildings or converted from Roman
structures thanks to the use of Roman architectural forms and motifs (Farber, n.d). For instance,
early Christian churches were modeled after basilicas, which were common in Roman municipal
architecture (Farber, n.d). They were modified for Christian worship by adding features like
apses, where the altar would be located, and narthexes, the congregation's entrance spaces
(Farber, n.d).

Furthermore, the use of Roman architectural techniques and materials, such as brick and stone,
enabled the construction of durable and monumental Christian buildings (Farber, n.d). The
influence of Roman architecture is particularly evident in the construction of grand basilicas like
Old St. Peter's Basilica in Rome (Farber, n.d).

While early Christian art and architecture did draw inspiration from Roman models, they also
displayed distinctive qualities that arose from the new religious environment (Farber, n.d). One
notable difference from ancient Roman art was the change in subject matter, as was highlighted
in the Khan Academy article (Farber, n.d), "Early Christian Art." Images of saints, biblical events,
and scenes from Christ's life are only a few examples of the religious themes and storytelling that
were prominent in early Christian art (Farber, n.d). This was a deviation from the common
emphasis in classical Roman painting on mythological and secular topics (Farber, n.d).

Early Christian art also had an abstract and symbolic aspect (Farber, n.d). Early Christian art used
symbols with special theological significance, such as the anchor or the fish symbol (ichthys), to
express ideas visually (Farber, n.d). Additionally, to transmit spiritual thoughts and stress the
otherworldly nature of Christian beliefs, early Christian artists used abstract forms and reduced
depictions (Farber, n.d).
In conclusion, classical Rome's art and architecture had an impact on the development of
Christian art and architecture (Farber, n.d). Early Christian constructions were built on Roman
architectural principles and methods, while the visual elements' adaption was influenced by
Roman artistic traditions (Farber, n.d). Early Christian art differed from ancient Roman art in that
it also had distinctive qualities, such as its emphasis on religious themes and the use of symbolic
and abstract motifs (Farber, n.d).

References:

 Farber, A. (n.d.). Early Christianity, an introduction. Khan


Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/early-christian-art/
beginners-guide-early-christian-art/a/early-christianity-an-introduction

Farber, A. (n.d.). Early Christian Art. Khan Academy.


https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/early-christian-art/beginners-guide-
early-christian-art/a/early-christian-art

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