HUM 145 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Chrismation, Lifesize, Christian Art
Document Summary
Early christian art dates back to the 1st century ad. Until about the 6th century ad born as a cry for freedom, to understand early christian art, we have to know that, during its beginnings, the. Its practitioners often performed their rites in caves and catacombs adorned with symbols and paintings that expressed their need to freely communicate and exalt their religion. Early christian art: the main symbols of the forbidden religion. The first centuries after the death of jesus offered christians little opportunity for artistic or architectural expression. Christianity was often oppressed by the roman empire. Christians often saw their properties confiscated and could even be burned alive if they revealed their faith. In such a hostile environment, large representations of christian art would have proven to be a disadvantage, yet a number of symbols emerged as a stifled representation of the beliefs of the new religion.
