1. Gardner’s Art Through the Ages, 12e
Chapter 11
Pagans, Christians, and Jews:
The Art of Late Antiquity

2. Europe and the Near East in Late Antiquity

3. Syncretism: the adoption of a motif, trait or characteristic from a
Figure Interior of the synagogue at Dura-Europos, Syria, with wall-paintings of Old Testament themes, ca. 245–256. Tempera on plaster. Reconstruction in National Museum, Damascus.
Syncretism: the adoption of a motif, trait or characteristic from a
previous period to allude to the power of the established tradition.

4. Figure 11-2 Reconstruction of the Christian community house at Dura-Europos, Syria, ca. 240–256.

5. More syncretism: the shepherd in Greek Archaic sculpture was the one offering the sacrifice
-here he becomes the sacrifice. The meaning has shifted-but the image is very similar.
Figure The Good Shepherd, the story of Jonah, and orants, painted ceiling of a cubiculum in the Catacomb of Saints Peter and Marcellinus, Rome, Italy, early fourth century.

6. Language of propaganda begins to shift
to be a propaganda for a religion-not an empire.
Figure Sarcophagus with philosopher, orant, and Old and New Testament scenes, Santa Maria Antiqua, Rome, Italy, ca Marble, 1’ 11 1/4” X 7’ 2”.

7. Figure 10-72 Sarcophagus of a philosopher, ca. 270–280 CE
Figure Sarcophagus of a philosopher, ca. 270–280 CE. Marble, approx. 4’ 11” high. Vatican Museums, Rome.

8. The uniting of new and old testament imagery to strengthen the faith
Figure Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, from Rome, Italy, ca Marble, 3’ 10 1/2” X 8’. Museo Storico del Tesoro della Basilica di San Pietro, Rome.
The uniting of new and old testament imagery to strengthen the faith

9. Imperial portrait language
Influence of old Roman
Imperial portrait language
Influence of new evolving
Christian narrative language
These are rare-to avoid
Idolatry
Figure Christ seated, from Civita Latina, Italy, ca. 350–375. Marble, approx. 2’ 4 1/2” high. Museo Nazionale Romano—Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Rome.

10. Figure Restored view (a), plan (b), and section (c) of Old Saint Peter’s, Rome, Italy, begun ca (The restoration of the forecourt is conjectural.)

11. Figure 11-8 Interior of Santa Sabina, Rome, Italy, 422–432.