The development of Christian art and architecture during the early Christian period was heavily influenced by the art and architecture of classical Rome. As noted by Kitzinger (1967), many of the early Christians lived in Roman territories, and the Christian artists and architects of the time were exposed to the artistic and architectural traditions of Rome. The influence of classical Roman art and architecture is evident in the use of symbolism and classical motifs in Christian art. One of the most significant ways in which classical Roman art influenced Christian art was through the use of symbolism. The use of symbols in Christian art, such as the cross, the fish, and the dove, has its roots in classical Roman art and mythology (Kitzinger, …show more content…
For example, the use of perspective, which was a hallmark of classical Roman art, was employed by Christian artists to create a sense of depth and realism in their works (Cormack, 2000). This can be seen in the use of perspective in early Christian mosaics, such as the mosaic of Christ in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna, Italy. While classical Roman art had a significant influence on Christian art and architecture, there were also several ways in which Christian art was unique. One of the most significant ways in which Christian art was unique was its focus on religious themes and narratives. Christian artists sought to convey the teachings and stories of the Bible through their art, creating works that were both beautiful and meaningful (Cormack, 2000). Another way in which Christian art was unique was in its focus on the spiritual and the divine. While classical Roman art often depicted secular subjects, such as portraits and scenes from everyday life, Christian art was primarily concerned with the representation of religious figures and events. Christian art was also often used in the service of worship, as it was believed to help communicate the teachings of the faith to the illiterate (Cormack,