Quiz 15 - Early Christian Art

The depiction of Christ's Entry in Jerusalem on the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, 359 CE, is based on which of the following?

A formula derived from Roman imperial art - the triumphal procession of the victorious emperor.

Which of the following contributed to the creation of early Christian art and architecture? All apply

Constantine's Edict of Milan in 313 C.E. which creates religious tolerance for Christians. The presence of Constantine the principal patron of Christianity who commissions the building of churches in Rome, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem. The spread of Christianity among converts brought up on the value of images in their previous culture.

The earliest example of an early Christian house church is which?

Dura Europos, Syria c. 240 C.E.

True or False. Early Christian churches were different than Roman temples because Christian churches put greater emphasis on the exterior.

False

What were the funerary practices of early Christians of the Greco-Roman culture?

Inhumation - burial outside the city walls of Rome in catacombs.

Imagery of early Christian art include which of the following?

Old Testament and allegorical images that allude to the life of Christ, salvation, and Christ as a teacher.

Which type of building was adapted by Constantine's architects to serve as the basis for Christian churches?

Roman Basilica

Which of the following is thought to be one of the reasons early Christian style and appearance changed from Classical art, or the art of Greece and Rome?

Style and appearance changed in order to be more compatible with the new theology so images were not viewed as pagan idols.

Choose all of the following statements that correctly apply to Christ's Entry in Jerusalem on the Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus. All apply.

This dates to 359 CE This object depicts scenes from the Ole and the New Testament. This object uses iconography and represents figures in a formula derived from classical, Greek and Roman art. This work was commissioned by an Early Christian from the upper class. This is a sarcophagus

It is possible that the early Christian depictions of the Apostles with beards, such as Paul, is based on the convention of the philosopher from Greek and Roman art.

True

Some scholar believe that the reason Early Christian art begins to move away from naturalism toward abstraction is because artists wanted to create art that was compatible with the new theology against idol worship and pagan traditions of representing deities.

True