Inferences In Early Christian Art

1. In the examination of early Christian works, one can make inferences concerning their beliefs in addition to the distinct implications that are found. Such inferences can be made by exploring major concepts relating to early Christian art, markedly the lack of images portraying crucifixion, resurrection, and the nativity of Christ. One can infer that due to the lack of these three concepts as well as the religion still being considered a cult, they were required to hold congregations in private locations and therefore could not openly depict their beliefs. Another prominent detail that can be noted about early Christian art would be the lack of faces on many of the figures from the narratives. Such portrayal of figures can be directly linked
Constantine converted to Christianity overnight, mainly on account of a vision and a dream. Converting from pagan to Christian struck multiple uncertainties as a result of how Christians were originally treated. In the vision, Constantine saw a light in the form of a cross, to which the symbol represented the phrase “you will conquer.” He then rested with his army the night before the major battle of the Milvian Bridge; during his slumber he dreamt of a god, reiterating the symbol previously seen in his vision. Constantine believed this to be a sign and made his men paint crosses on their shields, ultimately walking into battle with a new faith. This new faith change created the “Edict of Milan,” an agreement with Licinius of Milan. Such agreement granted the free exercise of religion to Christians and all others. This was a significant change that strengthened the entire empire and altered the once secretive society to a more accepted standard way of
Byzantium, or the Eastern half of the Roman Empire, was considered the “New Rome”. This up-and-coming force combined multiple classical influences, including Hellenistic, Christian, and Latin traditions as well as more eastern cultural aspects from Persia. Such strong influences enabled the preservation of Roman law and aspects of ancient Greek culture, even going as far as reestablishing the study of Greek as a core subject in their schools. One of the most notable emperors of this time period includes Justinian (527-565), who presided over the conquest of multiple lesser countries, i.e. Italy and Spain in attempts to renew Roman power in the West along with spreading Christianity. Many considerable achievements hailed from his reign, including architectural feats such as the Hagia Sophia, the Church of San Vitale, and St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice along with the promotion of the Christian religion through crusades. While numerous tactics utilized in the Christian campaign were less than favorable, the Byzantine army was rather diminutive and recognized for their intellect rather than their brawn. These considerable factors influenced the ever-growing Western culture, which in itself is a myriad of societal standards, including traditions, political opinions, religious affiliations, and