Religious Art: Jewish Art Christian Art, Byzantine Art, Islamic Art

Important Architecture

1. The Catacombs 4th Century, 2. Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, 425 (Ravenna, Italy). 3. Old St. Peter's, Rome, 4th centuryCE

Christian Art

1. As Christianity begins to affect art the expression moves away from observed realism or intellectual reason. 2. Artworks expressed that which was felt, or the spiritual, and the power of faith was ultimately exalted. 3. Christian artworks essentially use images to tell a narrative, or for symbolic importance. 4. Before Constantine tolerated Christianity millions of Christians had been persecuted and put to death. 5. A labyrinth of burial chambers and pathways (the catacombs) had been constructed under the streets of Rome for the Christian burial chambers. 6. Secret meetings were held and rituals developed using existing imagery as new symbols. 7. The early frescoes were painted in these chambers. 8. Later, as the religion spread, elaborate mosaics were used to decorate mausoleums and churches.

Byzantine Art

1. Byzantine art, named after Byzantium, has an architectural style of rather plain exteriors and ornate, detailed mosaic interiors.

Mosaic Artworks

1. Christ as The Good Shepherd ( Early Byzantine, c. 425 CE.

Islamic Art

1. Islamic Art is influenced by the sacred scriptures of the Koran and exhibits an expressive, exquisite design and pattern of arabesque form. 2. The sophisticated calligraphy used to create the holy writings is considered the highest form of Muslim art. 3. Because the Holy word is praised and not the likeness of God, Islamic Art is often purely abstract. 4. This is similar in other societies, such as China, Korea, and Japan, where calligraphy - an art of beautiful writing is used.

Important Examples of Jewish Art

1. Menorahs and the Ark of the Covenant. 2. Wall with Torah niche. 3. Floor mosaic.

Byzantine Art Examples

1. San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy, mosaic; 2. Justinian and Attendants c. 547CE. 3. Theodora and her Attendants, mosaic. 4. Hagia Sophia, Constantinople, ( Istanbul, Turkey) 5. Anthemius and Isodorus, architects.

Islamic Art Examples

1. Shazi Pen Box 1210-11. 2. The Prophet Muhammad and His Companions Traveling to the Fair, Istambul, Turkey 1594. 3. Architecture, Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, 687- 692CE. 4. The Great Mosque, Tunisia, 836-875, 5. Great Mosque Cordoba, Spain 8th-10th centuries, 6. Mecca, 7. Koran page.

Jewish Art

1. Traditions for Jewish Art have references in the holy scriptures of the Torah. 2. Later styles exhibit influences from both Near Eastern and Roman sources. 3. Jewish themes, mainly religious, have been discovered in catacomb fresco paintings from 244ce. 4. Some of the depictions include daily life and images of menorahs and the Ark of the Covenant.