early christian culture
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Early Christian Culture. Christianity and the Arts. Music Associated with paganism so banned from Christian worship Vocal music Gregorian chants Plainchant (plainsong) Monophonic until the 12th century. Theater Actors could not be baptized - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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