AP Art History - Early Christian Art

Study Notes

Catacomb of Priscilla

Located in Rome, Italy, dates back to c. 200-400 CE, constructed with excavated tufa and fresco.
Contains approximately 40,000 tombs primarily for early Christian martyrs and saints.
Tunnels extend about 5 miles, meticulously hand-carved from tufa stone, featuring "liccoli" or narrow passages.
Entryways showcase various painting orders; the site was gifted by a wealthy Christian, Priscilla, who is interred there.
Early Christians used underground catacombs for safety amid Roman persecution; rich iconography and symbolism reflect their faith.

Santa Sabina

Constructed in Rome, Italy from 422-432 CE, using brick, stone, and wooden roof.
Named after Saint Sabina, a martyr who was executed for her Christian faith; the church represents rising Christian influence.
Features an elongated, rectangular plan and sophisticated decoration, highlighting public expression of Christian values.
Established on a hill following Constantine’s legalization of Christianity, with distinctive panel doors influencing church architecture.

San Vitale

Situated in Ravenna, Italy, built between 526-547 CE from brick and marble veneer.
Employs a central plan structure with three levels, incorporating clerestory and early flying buttresses.
Retains Italian architectural influence alongside innovative designs of the Byzantine era.
Ravenna served as a pivotal capital during the decline of the Western Roman Empire, later taken by Justinian for restoration efforts.

Justinian and Theodora Mosaics

Created in San Vitale, Ravenna during c. 526-547 CE, utilizing intricate mosaic techniques.
Aims to evoke spiritual fervor and demonstrate imperial power through vivid patterns and colors.
Features Emperor Justinian at the center, displayed in dark robes, alongside a mosaic of his wife, Theodora.
Theodora's rise from humble beginnings as a performer to a powerful figure in the Byzantine court underscores her significance in history.

Hagia Sophia

Found in Constantinople (now Istanbul), built by Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus from 532-537 CE, using brick, ceramics, and mosaic details.
Merges early Christian, Byzantine, and Islamic influences in its architectural design, reflecting a confluence of cultures.
Characterized by multiple half domes, clerestories, and vibrant interior featuring Christian imagery and Islamic calligraphy.
Originally constructed as a church by Justinian, it symbolizes the religious and cultural fusion within the Byzantine Empire.

Description

Test your knowledge of Early Christian Art with this flashcard quiz focusing on the Catacomb of Priscilla. Discover its significance in late antique Europe and its role in the worship of martyrs and saints. Perfect for AP Art History students preparing for exams.