The development of Christian act and architecture University of the People
Abstract
The aim of this essay is, through my understanding of the development of Christian art and architecture, to describe how was it unique, and explain to what extent was it influenced by the classical Roman art and architecture . Key Words: Christian art and architecture, Classical Roman art and architecture
To begin with, the mere mention of Christian art and architecture was reminiscent of Christian times in Rome, and in my opinion, those non-conformists have not carried the torch of Greek legacy, but also tried to make some exciting artistic breakthrough in the fields of painting, sculpture and architecture. Additionally,
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One typical example was, in the third century, "Wealthy Romans would also have sarcophagi or marble tombs carved for their burial. The Christian coverts wanted the same things"(Farber, n.d.). For me, stylistically, Christian art was treading a similar path to that of Romans, and it owed much to the art of classical Rome. Besides, according to Encyclopedia.com, "in Early Christian architecture a distinct emphasis was placed on the centralized plan, which was round, polygonal, or cruciform shape"(n.d.). In light of this fact, it not only happened to coincide with Romanesque art, but also established a unique distinct way of expressing their ideas, and developed a reputation for being …show more content…
Although these buildings and the Roman Catholic churches have got certain features in common, such as marble columns, fantastic design, and iconic grandeur etc., but the Christian ones were known for their splendid interior decoration along with careful coordination, fine details and craftsmanship. Unlike Roman cathedrals, the basilicas were rectangular in shape and had a rounded end. Most importantly, as Dr. Farber suggested, "...the new Christian churches needed to be visually meaningful. The buildings needed to convey the new authority of Christianity"(n.d.). Further, if I have to explain in simple terms how the Christian art and architecture was unique, I think a good share of my answer rests in my impression that Christian art and architecture offered a subtle blend of traditional Roman charm with Christian art producers' innovation. To conclude, though I have no superficial knowledge of those periods of art history, in my humble opinion, Christian artists and architects did not just borrow Classical Roman's ideas, rather, they were revolutionary in both practicability and beauty, together with the initiative of developing their own. To me, the art and architecture of classical Rome is one of the very foundation of European art history, whereas Christian art and architecture is a curious mixture of ancient and
...understandable of making use of perfect architectural form as geometry, in terms of believe and as well as architecture. His design was straight to the point , making use of geometrical shape and it’s magnificent meaning which itself emphasises a perfect form and perfect centre point at its middle, which itself is a powerful remark on the focus point of the building (crucifixion spot at Tempietto and the pulpit at the Basilica) this achievement is more effective rather than using of coloured and expensive material ,gold ,sculpture ,painting ,large windows and light or other architectural elements which Baraque architecture used to bring about the attraction and highlight it’s point in the building.(the Alter of Grace at Church of Vierzehnheiligen)
Art was viewed in a different sense in the fourteenth century. It had a more active role and was not just decoration, but a vital component of worship and pr...
...ral (138 ½ feet), Michelangelo’s St. Peter’s (137 ½) and Wren’s St. Paul’s (109 feet). Until steel and concrete technology advanced in the 19th century, no single spaces were larger than these. Bibliography Dirimtekin, Feridun. [1964]. Saint Sophia Museum. Istanbul: Touring and Automobile Club of Turkey. Fossati, Gaspare. 1852. Aya Sofia, Constantinople : as recently restored by order of H. M. the sultan Abdul-Medjid. London: R. & C. Colnagni & Co. James Stevens Curl. Classical Architecture: an introduction to its vocabulary and essentials, with a select glossary of terms. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1992. ISBN 0-442-30896-5. NA260.C87. interior photo of circular space (photo of the prostyle octstyle portico of the Pantheon) William L. MacDonald. The Architecture of the Roman Empire I. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1982. ISBN 0-300-02818-0. LC 81-16513
The Byzantine mosaic was an early Christian predecessor whereby it clear cuts the religious tales drawn from the bible. There was a combination of forces between the political and religious authority which gave the emperor power over the architecture and art of Byzantine Empire. The Roman Empire was collapsing due to the interruption by German tribes hence they were not able to teach manners and morals according to the artistic and cultural ways of the mosaics hence they were unable to determine art of the early Christianity while the art of Byzantine
...hard times of both time periods neither tended to lose their light in standing in what they believed in spiritually and physically. The expression and love for art seemed to grow more and more as the years went on. Although Pagan and Christianity practices had their fair share of difference they were similar in some ways. Both religious theologies believed in standing your ground, protecting what is yours, and helping thy neighbor. In contrast, Pagans believed in a more hostile aspect of protecting what was theirs, while Christians liked to take a more compromisable approach. As Leonardo Da Vinci once said, “Where if the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art.” The wonderment of the human form, the confidence within oneself, and the different views of religious preference made the Greek/Roman vs. the Renaissance time periods differential but similar.
About eighty years after Divine Comedy was written, a surge of architecture and sculpture had risen. Three prominent artists in the later Middle Ages were famed for their original designs that held Roman, Greek, and Christian influences within their work. Donatello and Brunelleschi contributed to an era that perpetually changed Western art and it was due to
The Christian Church was absolutely instrumental in the art of the Renaissance. It was the driving force behind every inspiration; without the Church, there would have been no art. The Church was the only institution powerful enough to be able to support the commissions of all of the artwork, and it was the only institution, in which people had enough faith and devotion to spend so much of their time and money creating pieces that—although beautiful—were not necessities. The role of religion in art actually began during the Byzantine era. During this time, all artwork was religious in nature, and most of it was done in a consistently similar style so that figures from the Bible could be easily recognized by everyone and so that people had a consistent view of religious matters. Art during this time was largely iconic, meant to inspire the awe of God in the viewer. Along with various versions of the crucifix, one of the most popular images of the Byzantine style was The Pantokrator, an image of Jesus Christ as shown from above. An example of one of these pieces was done in the twelfth century in the abbey church of Monreale in the city of Palermo. Jesus is a monumental figure that takes up much of the space across the apse of the Church. One of his hands forms a mudra as the other holds the scripture. His fully frontal and direct stance along with the glimmering gold background serves to strike awe and fear into the viewer. Clearly this piece was done with the intent to impress the value and mightiness of religion first and attention to the detail and technique of the art second.
The Romanesque architecture style, which occurred during the late 11th century to the middle 12th century, literally means “roman-like” architecture. The Romans, who were inspired by the Etruscans, used barreled and groined vaulting. Romanesque architects later adapted the use of rounded arches, giving the style its name. The Romanesque style, being inspired by the Roman architecture, used the plan of the basilica style. Romanesque cathedrals were not originally designed for aesthetic purposes. Romanesque style replaced flat wood ceilings with stone vaulting. It was one of the first styles to use mainly all stone, but the walls of the Romanesque cathedrals were built very thickly. They were almost like a fortress. Romanesque cathedrals had few windows as a result of their thick walls so the churches were very dark. In a sense, this echoed the life that was outside of these sanctuaries’ walls during the Middle Ages.
History plays a very important role in the development of art and architecture. Over time people, events, and religion, have contributed to the evolution of art. Christianity has become a very common and well established religion, however, in the past it was hidden and a few people would worship this religion secretly. Gradually, Christianity became a growing religion and it attracted many converts from different social statuses. Christian art was highly influenced by the Greco-Romans, but it was immensely impacted by the establishment of the Edict of Milan in the year 313 AD. The Edict of Milan was so significant that scholars divide Christian art into two time periods, time before and after the Edict of Milan of 313.
Early Christian and Byzantine art started after Jesusí death in the first century ranging and ending to the fourth century AD. The art produced during this period was secretive because Christianity was not a formal religion but as a cult; the Romans and rest of Europe persecuted Christians so the artist disguised their work with symbols and hints of Christian aspects. Christianity was the first cult to not involve rituals of sacrifice of animals and refused to worship an Emperor causing the Roman Empire to make Christianity illegal. Byzantine art excelled in the Justinian period in the east during 520-540 AD. The art was produced in Ravenna, Byzantine, Venice, Sicily, Greece, and Russia. The difference between Christian and Byzantine is that Christian was earth beyond realism and Byzantine was more spiritual than worldly style. This art period was sectioned off into three different periods. The first was persecution from the first to the third century. The second was due to Constantine making Christianity legal in the fourth century. The last period is known as New Christian style starting in the fifth century. Most of the art from this period was frescoes, mosaics, and architecture.
...ll as the Early Christians had many things in common but for sure we know the impressions of classical Roman features in early Christian art. Indeed, one can see how Roman Art and Greek Art have influenced naturalism on sculptures from Early Christian Art. We also see similar compositions and influences on the tombs and churches, the ideal design and styles were directly adopted from the Roman Art style.
We do tend to expect certain things when we enter a place of worship, or peruse an active ministry, and truthfully, when taking in Christian oriented art. There are a couple reoccurring emblems, symbols, well-worn themes, and subjects which have been deemed safe, coming under overuse, carrying the weight of a saltine in the impact it makes on people, including us. While intentions are almost always well meaning, these conventions appear to the secular as a genre of its own in culture and art, quite often ringing with an unsavory note of incompetence. That’s already an unpleasant attribution to a faith that has changed the world, having built the infrastructure of empathy that has survived ages and permeates the social development of our western culture. It speaks to a deeper issue within the Church itself, which is a woeful lack of inspiration.
The introduction of Christianity as a major religion followed the pattern of other ancient religions. Many of the great works of art were done for religious purposes. Some of the most famous artworks in history are religious. Just a few that come immediately to mind are The Last Supper, the ceiling of the Cysteine Chapel, and the Statue of David. Even during the period known as the Dark Ages art was inspired by religion. True, the art was generally dark and full of death and demons, but the art was based upon religious themes, mostly from the book of Revelations. As with the art that preceded it, the religious art of Christianity is full of symbolism. For example, a painting where the man is standing with two fingers upraised on his right hand is generally a religious leader such as a pope or Jesu...
Jacobsen, Aaron H. Art and Architecture of the Middle Ages. Barbarian Art of Christian Europe, Romanesque Art, Gothic Art.
Christian art was the next big leap for art. This art was more colorful and displayed vivid images and scenes. The introduction of the mosaic was probably the greatest contribution of the period. In the fifteenth century, the Renaissance period involved brighter colours and new mediums that the world had never seen before.