The art in the Catacombs of Pricilla is composed of fresco paintings among the architectural elements of the Roman tombs. Through symbolic religious iconography, the artisans of the 3rd century visualized multiple biblical stories in each room of the catacomb. Among other Roman structures, the Pricilla Catacombs hold a valuable first-hand interpretation of the life of the Early Christians. “The art of the catacombs was symbolic in every sense of the word” (Lamberton. 1911). The fresco paintings, architectural carvings, and plaster mosaics contain the historical life of the Early Church. The artistic visuals in the catacombs show the primary lifestyle of the Romans in the church.
Throughout the Catacombs of Pricilla, the mix of small and large fresco paintings depict biblical stories that impacted the culture of the 3rd century. Through the dimly lit hallways and cubiculum that hold art from the Early Church. These iconographies include the Good Shepherd and images of what it meant to live eternally. The iconography fresco paintings are visible throughout the entirety of the Catacombs of Priscilla. However, there is a large amount located in a particular cubiculum that I will discuss in this journal entry. The room is called the Greek Chapel. The cubiculum holds plaster panels composed of Greek writings and signs, discovered partially broken yet showing visible and readable words. Including the panels are fresco paintings located on the top of the domed-like ceiling.
The fresco paintings in the Greek Chapel include visuals of peacocks, doves, olive branches, the example of eternity and prosperity, and the story of the good shepherd. The dim-lit passageway ending holds paintings that had become critical to the Romans during the Early Christian church. While these stories are important in Scripture, noting these in the Catacombs of Priscilla indicates their level of importance in the Early Church. For example, death and the afterlife were meaningful in the Early Church. To create the visuals of these stories matched the importance of the burial ceremonies and process. Furthermore, the iconography includes symbols or examples of Scripture told during the 3rd century.
The paintings indicate the Early Church and the art that reflected their beliefs. “All that they can be said to do is indicate the link connecting Christian art with pagan art historically and to mark the beginnings of the Christian. They give an idea of what Christian art would have been like if it had existed in any great measure.” (Lamberton. 1911) Having visuals through the Catacombs of Priscilla shows the depth of the cultural change in the art that impacted the community. The Catacombs of Pricilla hold art and architectural beauty that reflect the culture of the Early Church that impacts believers today.
The visual artistry shows the skill and talents utilized by the Roman culture. Nevertheless, these artisans and artists of modern-day can both create art to glorify God through Scripture storytelling. “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;” (Romans 12:6, ESV Bible). Each artisan of the 3rd century utilized their skills and craftsmanship to honor their faith in Christ, showing life and culture changes through vibrant and expressive Catacomb art.
Hannah J. Pasquini © 2022
References:
Lamberton, Clark D. “The Development of Christian Symbolism as Illustrated in Roman Catacomb Painting.” American Journal of Archaeology, vol. 15, no. 4, Archaeological Institute of America, 1911, pp. 507–22, https://doi.org/10.2307/497187
The Bible (ESV) English Standard Version Romans 12:6
