In this episode, Mr. Bruns explores the rise of early Christianity, and how it used art to survive, communicate, and eventually, transform the visual world of the RomanEmpire.
Two topics to explore:1. How early Christianity - its beliefs, tenants, and cultural practices influenced the development of art.
2. How early Christian iconography carried dual meaning so Christians could avoid persecution.
Works of art:
i. The Good Shepherd, Orants, and the Story ofJonah, Painted celiling of the Catacombs of SS. Peter and Marcellinus,Rome, 3rd-early 4th century
ii. The Good Shepherd with Adam and Eve After theFall, lunette fresco from Christian house-church, Dura-Europos, Syria
iii. The Good Shepherd, sculpture, EasterMediterranean, possibly Anatolia second half of the 3rd century, marble.
