Early Christian Culture

Early Christian Culture

Christianity and the ArtsMusic Associated with

paganism so banned from Christian worship

Vocal musicGregorian chantsPlainchant

(plainsong) Monophonic until

the 12th century

Theater Actors could not be

baptized Theater virtually

disappeared until the 10th century

Gregorian Chant “Alleluya, vidimus stellam”

What to listen for:Monophonic textureNo instrumentsWavelike tonesNarrow rangeResponsorial (solo followed by

chorus)

“O Successores”Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179)

O successores fortissimi leonisinter templum et altare— dominantes in ministratione eius

—  sicut angeli sonant in laudibus,

et sicut adsunt populis in adiutorio,

vos estis inter illos, qui haec faciunt, sempter curam habentes in officio agni.

You successors of the mightiest lion  

between the temple and the altaryou the masters in his householdas the angles sound forth praises

and are here to help the nations,you are among thosewho accomplish this, forever showing your carein the service of the lamb.

Early Christian Art

Painted Ceiling, 4th C. AD. Catacombs of SS. Pietra

Early Christian art found mostly in catacombs Similar to Roman painting, but more symbolic Circles suggest the dome of heaven Old & New Testament imagery

Catacombs

Sarcophagus of Julius Bassus, 359 CE

Sculpture took a secondary role during early Christian art

Old St. Peter’s, Begun 333 CE

Roman Basilicas served as a model for new Churches

• Large, uninterrupted interior• Imperial feel that linked Christianity

with its new role as state religion

San Vitale of Ravenna, ItalyByzantine in designMosaic representations of Bible

storiesChrist depicted as royaltySecond story gallery for female

worshippersMosaics of Justinian and TheodoraCombines Royal power and Church

power

San Vitale

Justinian with Bishop Maximian, clergy, courtiers, and soldiers.

Theodora with courtiers

Christ as the Good Shepherd Mosaic, Ravenna.

Vienna Genesis, 6th C, CE

Illuminated Manuscripts Prototypes of

mosaics were illustrated manuscripts

Duplication of holy text on a vast scale

Vienna Genesis, 6th C. CE

Illuminated Manuscritps Written in silver

(now turned black) on purple vellum

Brilliantly colored illustrations

The Ascension, folio 13v, Rabbula Gospels, 586.

Scenes from the Book of Kings, folio 1 r, Quedlinburg Italia, c. 425-50.

Aberdeen Bestiary

Aberdeen Bestiary. (Left – Jesus; Right – Phoenix rising).

Hagia SophiaArchitects: Anthemius of Tralles and

Isidorus of MiletusBuilt in 6 years.Domed basilica – rectangular hall

with a dome in the center Pendentive construction.

Dome: 180 feet in height

Hagia Sophia

Christ6th centuryPainted wooden panelSt Catherine's Monastery,

Sinai

Image of Madonna and Child