Early Christian art: c. 33 – 325 C.E.

Christianity in its first three centuries was one of a large number of mystery religions that flourished in the Roman world. Persecutions of Christians ended in Rome with Emperor Constantine. Fourth-century churches, tombs and catacombs decorated with Christian imagery can still be visited.

What decline? Far from breaking with earlier styles, these objects blend classical idioms with Christian symbols.

Classicism and the Early Middle Ages

The Vienna Genesis — Silver ink on purple parchment—what luxury! This is the oldest surviving illustrated biblical text.

The Vienna Genesis

An earthquake buried this early Roman church. Recent excavations exposed layers of wall painting.

Santa Maria Antiqua

Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome - thumbnail — Below Rome’s streets lie shelves of tombs. Buried among the dead are early examples of Christian art.

Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome

The Story of Jacob from the Vienna Genesis - detail — A family outing begins with a river crossing and ends with Jacob wrestling an angel. This story twists and turns.

The Story of Jacob from the Vienna ...

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, 425 C.E., Ravenna (Italy) — An unassuming brick exterior belies the luminous mosaics within. In one, a young, beardless Christ tends his flock.

The Mausoleum of Galla Placidia

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome — A colonnade draws our eye to the altar—or is that the emperor? The church mimics earlier imperial buildings.

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

Rebecca and Eliezer at the Well, folio 7 recto from the Vienna Genesis, early 6th century - detail — One image, two episodes—and three cultures. This narrative of Rebecca contains multitudes.

Rebecca and Eliezer at the Well, Vienna ...

Basilica of Santa Sabina — This impressive church borrowed its plan and its columns from ancient pagan buildings.

Basilica of Santa Sabina, Rome

Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, marble, 359 C.E. (Treasury of Saint Peter's Basilica) - detail — Made for a member of the Roman elite, this early tomb features Old and New Testament scenes in a classical style.

Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus

Pediment above the door of Santa Pudenziana, 4th century C.E., Rome — A mosaic proclaims Christ’s rule over the Heavenly Jerusalem. Gesture, toga, and book signal imperial authority.

Santa Pudenziana

Santa Maria Antiqua Sarcophagus — The images on this stone coffin mingle Old and New Testament scenes—among the oldest examples of Christian art.

Santa Maria Antiqua Sarcophagus

Colossus of Constantine, c. 312-15 (Palazzo dei Conservatori, Musei Capitolini, Rome) — Even before Constantine converted to Christianity, his architects adapted imperial designs for Christian use.

Early Christian art and architecture after Constantine

Christ and the Apostles, Catacombs of Domitilla, 4th century C.E., Rome — Themes of death and resurrection recur in the first Christian images. But where are scenes from the life of Christ?

Early Christian art

Two figures, the apostle Paul and the Emperor Constantine, brought Christianity to the Greco-Roman world.

Early Christianity, an introduction