3.1 Early Christian and Byzantine Art

• What is Early Christian Art characterized by?

  Symbolism and narrative representation
• Early Christian Art emerged from the second to the fifth centuries CE, reflecting a shift from pagan to Christian beliefs
• Early Christian Art aimed to educate the largely illiterate population about the scriptures.
• Where was Byzantine Art primarily centered?

  Constantinople
• Byzantine Art is defined by its highly stylized, rich colors, and spiritual focus
• Match the art period with its key characteristics:

  Early Christian Art ↔️ Symbolism and narrative representation

  Byzantine Art ↔️ Stylized, spiritual focus, rich colors
• Byzantine churches, such as the Hagia Sophia, are adorned with mosaics and frescoes.
• Steps in the development of Early Christian Art symbolism

  1️⃣ Adoption of simple symbols like the cross

  2️⃣ Use of narrative scenes from the Bible

  3️⃣ Incorporation of Roman artistic styles

  4️⃣ Focus on educational and religious purposes
• What does symbolism in Early Christian Art aim to convey?

  Religious stories and concepts
• Early Christian Art often depicted biblical scenes to educate believers
• Early Christian designs were intricate and detailed, focusing on complexity.

  False
• What material was extensively used in Byzantine Art?

  Gold
• Byzantine Art often used geometric shapes and elongated figures
• Byzantine Art retained the naturalistic figure style of Early Christian Art.

  False
• Match the art style with its period:

  Early Christian Art ↔️ 2nd to 5th century CE

  Byzantine Art ↔️ 4th to 15th century CE
• What is one key characteristic of Early Christian Art?

  Symbolism
• Early Christian Art uses symbols like the cross and lamb
• Early Christian Art often depicts biblical scenes and the life of Jesus.
• What type of composition is common in Early Christian Art?

  Simple composition
• Early Christian Art adapts styles from the Roman
• What is one purpose of bright colors in Early Christian Art?

  Enhance visual storytelling
• What is a characteristic of Byzantine Art?

  Highly stylized
• Byzantine Art often uses gold backgrounds and geometric shapes
• Byzantine Art frequently features elongated figures.
• During which period did Early Christian Art flourish?

  2nd to 5th century CE
• Byzantine Art uses gold extensively, whereas Early Christian Art uses it minimally
• Byzantine Art is characterized by its highly stylized and spiritual focus.
• Byzantine Art spans from the 4th to the 15th century CE.
• What material was extensively used in Byzantine Art for backgrounds and details?

  Gold
• Early Christian Art emerged during the 2nd to the 5th century CE.
• Early Christian Art includes frescoes in the Catacombs of Rome depicting biblical scenes.
• The Catacombs of Rome contain early examples of Christian art using symbols like the fish and the anchor.
• What type of representation is characteristic of Early Christian Art?

  Narrative
• Match the key characteristic with its description in Early Christian Art:

  Symbolism ↔️ Use of symbols like the cross and lamb

  Narrative Representation ↔️ Depiction of biblical scenes

  Simple Composition ↔️ Clear and straightforward designs
• Early Christian Art adapted Roman styles in its designs.
• Early Christian Art used bright colors to enhance storytelling.
• What is one symbol commonly used in Early Christian Art to represent religious messages?

  Cross
• What is a key characteristic of Early Christian art?

  Symbolism
• Early Christian art often depicted biblical scenes and the life of Jesus in a narrative style.
• What type of composition is commonly found in Early Christian art?

  Simple composition