Late Antique and Early Christian art in the Mediterranean World
Late Antique and Early Christian art in the Mediterranean World
Prof. Irene Baldriga, IES ROME
(Head of St. Paul))
Description of the course - Course objectives - Syllabus - Readings - Visits and Field Trips - Grading&Assessment - Research Paper and clues
Pre-requisites (read this carefully!)
Instructor's Profile - Virtual Classroom
The
course:
Considering the area of the Mediterranean world, with emphasis on the cities of
Rome and Ravenna, and focusing on the period included between 4th and 6th
centuries A.D., the course will trace the pivotal mainstreams of visual art
determined by the crisis of the Roman Empire and
the birth of a specific Christian art. Lectures will examine the dialogue/contrast
between pagan and Christian art, by paying a particular attention to the
mechanisms and to the strategies of translation and transformation of visual
languages. The structure of the course will be, thus, centred on lines of
internal communication (among different social, political and religious spheres)
and of geographical communication (between Western and Eastern Empires).
By
the end of the course students will have:
-
an outline of the history and geography of the later Roman Empire;
-
a familiarity with the principal works of early Christian art and
architecture (with particular attention to the cities of Rome and Ravenna);
-
an awareness of the interaction of cultures which is on the basis of the
birth of Christian art (understanding of the differences between classical and
sub-antique languages and ability to identify their principal stylistic patterns);
-
a comprehension of the phenomenon of cultural translation during the
period examined;
-
an awareness of the meaning of the concept of
the “loss of centre”;
- a basic knowledge of the main artistic techniques used in the later Roman Empire (mosaics, wall painting, etc.);
- a basic knowledge of early Christian iconography.
Part
I – Introduction to the course. The age of Constantine. (3 weeks)
Introduction
to the scope and material of the course. Historical introduction to the age of
Constantine. It will follow a deep analysis of the building and decoration of
the Constantine Arch as a major example of the ascendance of “sub-antique”
style to an official importance. The discussion on the style used in the
bas-reliefs representing the “Liberalitas” and the “Oratio” of the
Emperor will involve political and social aspects concerning Constantine’s age,
stressing the reasons which brought to such a radical (and conscious) change in
the artistic language. A particular attention will be given to the concept of
the “loss of centre” as a leit-motif of early Christian art (comparisons
with previous examples of “official” Roman art will allow students to better
understand such a substantial phenomenon).
Part
II – From Catacombs to Basilicas. (2 weeks)
Short
analysis of the first spaces destined to liturgy and of the use of subterranean
areas for funeral purpose (Catacombs). A deeper attention will be given to the
creation of the first basilicas as a translation of a typical Roman building
into the ideal place devoted to Christian liturgy. The creation and symbolic
meaning of the first St. Peter’s Basilica will be examined with particular
attention.
Part
III - From mimesis to message: iconographic themes in early Christian Art. (2
weeks)
This
part of the course will examine the growing importance of symbolic themes in
early Christian Art. Visual references to a number of examples taken from
sarcophagi’s decorations and wall paintings will strengthen students’
knowledge to this regard (from “colloquial” Christ to “basileus” Christ:
the apse mosaic in the church of Santa Pudenziana in Rome; the evolution of the
symbol of the Cross). With regards to the transfer of pagan themes into
Christian decoration, the mosaics of the Mausoleum of Santa Costanza will be
also examined. Textual reading will
also help to better understand the meaning of signs and symbols. A particular
attention will be given to the translation of classical themes and subjects into
Christian iconography (a discussion of Matthew’s book “The Clash of Gods”
(1993) will be suggested during the lessons).
Part
IV – Byzantine Italy. From narrative space to transcendental space: the
relation architecture-decoration in Ravenna at the time of Galla Placidia,
Teodorico and Giustiniano. ( 3 weeks)
The subject will be introduced by a short historical presentation of the period corresponding to the division of the Roman Empire and to the critical times which followed. Political contacts between Ravenna and Constantinople will be explained in order to contextualize the diffusion of the Byzantine language in the visual art. The emergence of a new concept of decoration, meant not just as an addition to the building, but on the contrary as the access to a super-natural dimension will be explained by examining pivotal monuments such as Galla Placidia’s Mausoleum and the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. Monuments in Ravenna will be also examined in order to compare their architectural structures with the most important buildings raised in Constantinople in the same period (Basilica of Haghia Sofia, SS. Sergius and Baccus). Focus on minor arts will be also offered, by examining major examples such as Massiminiano’s ivory throne in Ravenna.
Part
V – Teaching by Art: the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. (1
week)
The coexistence of sub-antique elements (such as symbolism, absence of perspective) and classical space in the mosaics decoration of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome makes particularly clear the didactic – but also political - use of art during the Vth century. A comparison with the art of illumination (Virgilius Vaticanus’ codex) will permit a deeper comprehension of the concept of naturalism and symbolism in the visual technology of that time.
Part
VI – Rome and Constantinople: the resistance of Roman Aristocracy and the
progressive corruption of classical language. (1 week)
The
stylistic analysis of minor arts items (ivory objects such as diptycs and silver
items) will permit to discuss the resistance of a part of the leading social
population against the dramatic linguistic and cultural transformation of the
Empire. A particular importance will be given to the production of ivory diptycs,
where the stylistic change (meant
as a different conception of the relation between space and figure and as a
progressive loss of proportional consciousness) appears clearly. Objects of
study will include: Nichomacorum and Symmachorum diptyc; Lampadio’s
diptyc; Boetius’ diptyc, and so forth.
REQUIRED
READINGS
Kitzinger,
Ernst, Byzantine Art in the Making. Main Lines of Stylistic Development in
the Mediterranean Art, 3rd-7th Century, Cambridge,
Mass., 1977.
Mathews,
F. Thomas, The clash of Gods. A reinterpretation of Early Christian Art,
Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1993.
READER
containing the following articles:
- Extract from P. Brown, “The world of late antiquity”, London 2002 (1971), pp. 49-68;
- Extract from Fiocchi-Nicolai-Bisconti-Mazzoleni, “The Christian Catacombs of Rome. History, Decoration, Inscriptions”, 1998, Chapter II, pp. 71-144 (in the Italian Edition);
- Extract from F. Mancinelli, “The Catacombs of Rome and the origins of Christianity”, pp. 3-16; 21-25; 33-38; 49-51.
- Extract from Jh. Lowden, “Early Christian and Byzantine Art”, 1997, Chapter I, “The formation of Christian Art”, pp. 11-60; Chapter III, “Ravenna and the West”, pp. 103-144.
- Extract from Honour-Fleming, “The Visual Art. A history”, London, 2002, Chapter VII, pp. 300-325.
- Texts from Internet sources:
Margherita Guarducci, The Remains of Peter
The Edict of Milan
Tertullian, Apology of Christianism, CHAPTER xxxix
Letter of Gaius Plinius to the Emperor Trajan
ADDITIONAL
SUGGESTED READINGS
Elsner,
Jas, Imperial Rome and Christian Triumph, Oxford-New York: Oxford
University Press, 1998.
Aurea Roma. Dalla
città pagana alla città cristiana,
edited by Serena Ensoli & Eugenio La Rocca, exhibition catalogue,
Rome, 2000/2001.
Cameron,
A. The Mediterranean World in Late Antiquity (AD 395-600), London:
Routledge, Routledge History of Ancient World, 1993.
Elsner,
Jas, Art and the Roman Viewer. The Transformation of Art from the Pagan World
to Christianity, Cambridge University Press, 1995.
Grabar
A., Christian Iconography: A Study of its Origins, New York, 1968.
Jensen,
Robin M., Understanding Early Christian Art, New York: Routledge, 2000.
J.
Lowden, Early Christian and Byzantine Art, London: Phaidon Press Limited,1997.
N.B. : read this carefully
This is a 330 level course. Students are expected to have already acquired at least a basic historical and art historical knowledge concerning Classical time (Greek and Roman civilization). Newers to the discipline are welcome, but they have to be aware that they might need to make an additional effort. In order to understand the principles of Christian iconography, it is extremely important that you have a quite detailed knowledge of Christ's life and preaching.
To test yourself, try to answer the following questions:
1) Why was Constantine the Great a crucial character in the history of Christianism? When did he live?
2) Who were the "barbarians" and where did they come from?
3) Why were the Christians persecuted by the Roman Empire?
4) Could you mention at least five masterpieces of Classical art?
5) What do we mean by "classical" art?
6) Where was situated Constantinople?
7) Could you mention at least 5 main episodes told in the Gospels?
8) What happened in 476 A.D.?
Hints for newers:
Suggested additional readings:
M. Henig (ed), "A Handbook of Roman Art", Phaidon Press.
or
D. Emrys Strong, J.M.C. Toynbee, Roger Ling, "Roman Art", Pelican History of Art.
and
P. Brown, The World of
Late Antiquity, Library of European Civilazation
Once you
are in Rome, visit at least the following sites: Museo Nazionale Romano di
Palazzo Altemps (near Piazza Navona); the Roman Forum.
Santa Costanza’s Mausoleum and Sant’Agnese fuori le Mura; Church of Santa Pudenziana and Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore; Vatican Necropolis (if allowed); Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano and Basilica of San Clemente.
Changes to this list of field trips might be made on the basis of the possibility to get special permissions to visit sights usually closed to the public. Priority will be given to monuments and sights not easily accessible. For field trips requiring special permissions, students will be asked to sign in advance a sheet of reservation.
Students are strongly encouraged to visit on their own sights and monuments treated by the course which, for evident didactic reasons and lack of time, it will not be possible to visit together.
Format,
Method, Grading, Assessment
Course
format: since the
work of art will be the central focus of the course, classes will be held –
partly – in situ (see the list of visits below).
Method
of presentation:
lectures, seminar discussions, visits to monuments and sights, slides, use of
multimedia and internet resources (selected by the instructor).
Class
time:
Monday and Wednesday, 15,45-17,30 (Link
Campus, Via Nomentana)
Required
work and form of assessment:
Class attendance and participation (15%); midterm (20%); research paper (30%);
final exam (35%). Final exams will be based on both the course lectures and the
assigned readings.
Research paper: the research paper will be focused on the
presentation of a work of art (very likely a church) to be chosen from a list
suggested by the teacher. By examining a specific work of art, main goal of the
student should be making logical connections to the main topics treated in
class. It is mandatory to know directly the building or work of art which is the
object of the paper. The research paper may be of approximately 4-5,
pages, possibly typewritten and double spaced with footnotes, bibliography and (if
possible) illustrations. An elementary bibliographic research is required.
Presentations of the paper in class are welcome and may involve the attribution
of extra-credits to be considered in the final grade. Be careful in quoting your
sources: plagiarism is punished and considered as a very serious offence.
For information concerning art history libraries in Rome click here
Photo Gallery from previous courses
A Virtual Classroom has been created to promote discussion among the group. Students are strongly encouraged to participate, sending materials and sharing thoughts and opinions about the topics treated in the real class, assignments and readings. Proposals are welcome.
You can join the Virtual Classroom from the site www.nicenet.org, typing the code you will be provided by the Instructor after the add-and-drop period.
| Contents:
- Absences - Participation Assignments, Readings - Exams |
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| Absences
1. How many absences are tolerated without being penalized in the final grade? But for the justified absences (due to illness or very serious personal or logistic problems) a maximum of three absences is tolerated. As a general rule, it is necessary to communicate absences in advance, especially when students are missing field trips which often requires reservations. 2. How is it possible to communicate absences? Oral communication or e-mail to the teacher, if possible, or phone call to the Office. |
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Participation, Assignments, Readings. 1. With regards to the "participation" expected, what is exactly taken in consideration? Attendance to the course, active presence and demostration of interest by posing pertinent questions and by taking part to discussions in the real and in the virtual classroom. 2. Are students supposed to study the assigned readings on the basis of the schedule provided at the beginning of the course? Yes. A fruitful discussion would otherwise impossible. 3. Is the additional material provided in class considered as a part of the required readings for the mid-term and the final exam? Yes. |
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1. Is it mandatory to present the research papers in class? No, but once you have enrolled to do it you are expected to keep your commitment. 2. Is it possible to extend the lenght of the research paper (more the 5 pages suggested)? As a general rule, no. 3. Is it possible to use also internet resources for the research paper? Yes, provided that the information given are reliable (ask to the Instructor). 4. Is it mandatory to insert images in the research paper? No, but it is strongly recommended (you can use also postcards, digital images, photos, etc.). 5. Is it possible to propose a different topic from those suggested by the Instructor? Yes, if you can adduce some good reasons and if the topic proposed is worth a research. 6. Which are the assessments applied to the research paper?
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1. Are there pre-requisites required to attend the course? The course is a 331 level. It would be necessary to have at least a general idea of the art-historical method. and a general knowledge of the historical context taken in consideration . Newers to the art historical field are welcome, but they must be aware that an additional effort will be required to them in order to acquire the very basic tools of the subject. Additional readings might be necessary to them. For further information click here. |
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1. Which is the format of the mid-term and of the final exam? Written test, consisting of 15 multiple choice questions (awarded 2 points each), 10 true-false questions (awarded 1 point each) and 5 short anwers (awarded 5 points each). 2. Which are the assessments applied to the short answers?
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1. Will the contents of the Field Trips to Monuments and Sights be included in the exams? Sure. Field Trips are not for amusement, but they are meant to be a crucial part of the course. That's why it is extremely important that students do their best to don't miss them and try to take notes of the explanations given. 2. What does it happen if a field trip overlaps with classes of other courses? Should something similar occur, this will be considered as an exception and absences justified by other teachers. Field trips always require the Director's approval. 3. Who does cover the costs of the fields trips (tickets to museums)? IES will do, under the decision of our Director. 1. How do I join the Virtual Classroom? Go www.nicenet.org and type the key you will be provided by the Instructor. 2. Is it mandatory to join the V.C.? Yes. You can use the PC at our Office in Corso Trieste. 3. May I simply peep at the classroom, without sending messages? Sure. Although an active participation would be welcome. 4. May I propose topics of academic discussion in the virtual classroom? Yes, that would be perfect. |
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