Sunday, January 24, 2010

Early Roman Christian Art as seen in 4th Century Sarcophagi


Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, ca. A.D. 359
(Image source)


Detail of Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus showing Christ flanked by Ss. Peter and Paul


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Segment of a 4th-century sarcophagus with the Chi-Rho.
"Here the Greek monogram of Christ is lifted up like an imperial ensign and men come to it bringing wreaths as a mark of honour."
(Image and Commentary by Br. Lawrence Lew, O.P.)

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The Sarcophagus of Domatilla, mid 4th century
(Image source)


Detail from the Sacrophagus of Domatilla

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Good Shepherd Sarcophagus, ca. A.D. 390


Detail from Sarcophagus of the Good Shepherd, found in the Catacomb of Praetextatus, Rome, ca. A.D. 390

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