Art HistoryChapter Seven

Jewish, Early

Christian, and

Byzantine Art

Old Saint Peter’s Basilica

Old Saint Peter’s Church was build as a protector to Saint Peter’s remains, his tomb. The church was replaced in the sixteenth century. Our knowledge of Old Saint Peter’s Church is based off of what people had written of it and pictures drawn of it before it was torn down.

The Good Shepherd Mosaic

The Good Shepherd was a figure that represented Christ, the Shepherd, and His followers, the sheep. It was a concept of how Christ takes care of His people as a shepherd takes care of his flock.

Archangel Michael

Diptych of the Archangel Michael carved in ivory in the early 6th century. Michael was the divine messenger.

Symbols of Christianity

The dove is a symbol of purity, peace, and the Holy Spirit.

The fish was one of the earliest symbols of Christ because the first letters of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior (JCSGS) spell the Greek word for fish.

The lamb symbolizes Christ’s sacrifice because lambs were traditionally sacrificial animals while flocks of sheep represent Christians, Christ’s followers.

The Cross represents Christ’s suffering and triumph of the Crucifixion and Resurrection.