Jesus was depicted as the Good Shepherd.
Stemming from a time when Christianity was in its infancy and was a prosecutable offense, early Christian art first surfaced around A.D. 200. The entombed bodies of Christians found in the Roman catacombs had highly carved figures on their rock sarcophagi. An offshoot of Judaism, early Christianity forbade graven images of religious figures. This was later interpreted to exclude images of God, but allowed other religious symbolism and personification in painting and relief sculpture. Paintings of Jesus did not appear until the fifth century.
Earliest Symbols
Disguising their art to avoid prosecution, the earliest Christian carvings show fish separated vertically with a trident shape. The trident may be interpreted as an image of the cross. Recorded writings by Clement of Alexandria (A.D.153-217) suggest that Christians used signet ring seals of doves, fish, ships in the wind or lyres to remember apostles and other Christian themes.
Pagan Roots
Most carved or painted Christian symbols were adaptations of pagan art but included Christian interpretation. Paintings of traditionally pagan mythology were adapted to depict the passage from this life to the afterlife. Jesus was symbolized for three hundred years using images of the Good Shepherd in carvings and frescoes painted onto walls, gravestones, and ceilings of the catacombs and temples.
Paintings' Characteristics
Catacomb paintings were quickly produced and done in the prevailing style of Rome, which utilized free, fluid brushstrokes. The unfinished appearance of these paintings may be attributed to conditions including low lighting, cramped quarters and low budgets.
Common Objects
Oil lamps are some of the oldest art objects recovered. Lamps with inscribed or painted pastoral scenes were common. Exceptional bowls have been discovered dating back to the third century. One bowl's images depict twenty-four columns surrounding the cosmos while four nudes blow trumpets. Inside the bowl is a winged snake protected by fire and sixteen more nude worshipers. The mystery of revelation was believed to be unveiled while drinking from the cup during the sacrament.
Dura-Europos
The oldest surviving examples of art in early church life were found in a synagogue in the town of Dura-Europos, in what constitutes modern Syria today. Its walls are painted with animals, people and objects. It is a fine example of planned selection and the use of an arrangement of images to tell a complete story or theme across the wall, including Jesus' miracles.
Legalization of Christianity and its Effect on Art
In A.D. 313, the Edict of Milan was drawn and agreed upon between Roman emperor Constantine and Licinius, his co-emperor in the east, opening up religious freedom for everyone. Early Christian architecture flourished under Constantine's sponsorship. Although the exteriors of Christian buildings were plain, the interior halls were elaborate, often including marble floors and walls. Walls and domed ceilings were decorated with frescoes, mosaics and metal works. Altar pieces were made of gold and silver.
