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How Did Classical Roman Art Influence Architecture

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Learning Journal Unit 3
How much did classical Roman art and architecture influence the development of Christian art and architecture, and in what ways did it exhibit its distinctiveness?
Christian art and architecture were influenced by the art and architecture of classical Rome to a significant extent. Early Christian art borrowed many motifs and styles from the art of the Roman Empire, such as the use of mosaic, fresco, and sculpture, as well as the depiction of figures in a frontal and hieratic manner (Buis, n.d.).
For example, the use of the cross in Christian art was derived from the Roman crucifixion and the depiction of Christ as a beardless young man was inspired by the idealized images of Roman youth. The use of the apse in Christian …show more content…

Basilicas were originally Roman public buildings used for administrative and judicial purposes, but they were adapted for use as Christian churches because of their large, open spaces and central aisles. Early Christian basilicas often had features such as an apse (a semicircular recess at the end of the church), a nave (the central aisle of the church), and a transept (a cross-shaped aisle that intersects the nave) (Farber, n.d.).
Christian art and architecture were unique in many ways despite these influences. For example, Christian iconography emphasizes depicting religious narratives and figures, such as Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints. In contrast, Roman art often celebrated secular and political themes, such as emperors and military conquests (Buis, n.d.). Christian art also often depicted Jesus and other figures more abstractly or symbolically rather than in a realistic or naturalistic way, as was common in classical Roman art (Farber, n.d.).
Moreover, Christian art and architecture were often designed for liturgical purposes and aimed to convey a sense of piety and devotion to God. This is evident in the use of elaborate decoration and symbolism in churches and other religious buildings, such as the use of stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings (Buis,

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