The Art of Empire

Christian Art in Its Imperial Context

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Reference, Antiquities & Archaeology, Christianity, Church, Church History
Cover of the book The Art of Empire by , Fortress Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: ISBN: 9781506402840
Publisher: Fortress Press Publication: October 1, 2015
Imprint: Fortress Press Language: English
Author:
ISBN: 9781506402840
Publisher: Fortress Press
Publication: October 1, 2015
Imprint: Fortress Press
Language: English

In recent years, art historians such as Johannes Deckers (Picturing the Bible, 2009) have argued for a significant transition in fourth- and fifth-century images of Jesus following the conversion of Constantine. Broadly speaking, they perceive the image of a peaceful, benevolent shepherd transformed into a powerful, enthroned Jesus, mimicking and mirroring the dominance and authority of the emperor. The powers of church and state are thus conveniently synthesized in such a potent image. This deeply rooted position assumes that ante-pacem images of Jesus were uniformly humble while post-Constantinian images exuded the grandeur of power and glory.

The Art of Empire contends that the art and imagery of Late Antiquity merits a more nuanced understanding of the context of the imperial period before and after Constantine. The chapters in this collection each treat an aspect of the relationship between early Christian art and the rituals, practices, or imagery of the Empire, and offer a new and fresh perspective on the development of Christian art in its imperial background.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In recent years, art historians such as Johannes Deckers (Picturing the Bible, 2009) have argued for a significant transition in fourth- and fifth-century images of Jesus following the conversion of Constantine. Broadly speaking, they perceive the image of a peaceful, benevolent shepherd transformed into a powerful, enthroned Jesus, mimicking and mirroring the dominance and authority of the emperor. The powers of church and state are thus conveniently synthesized in such a potent image. This deeply rooted position assumes that ante-pacem images of Jesus were uniformly humble while post-Constantinian images exuded the grandeur of power and glory.

The Art of Empire contends that the art and imagery of Late Antiquity merits a more nuanced understanding of the context of the imperial period before and after Constantine. The chapters in this collection each treat an aspect of the relationship between early Christian art and the rituals, practices, or imagery of the Empire, and offer a new and fresh perspective on the development of Christian art in its imperial background.

More books from Fortress Press

Cover of the book Life Together and Prayerbook of the Bible by
Cover of the book The Anointed Church by
Cover of the book Galilee in the Late Second Temple and Mishnaic Periods by
Cover of the book Women's Socioeconomic Status and Religious Leadership in Asia Minor by
Cover of the book The Annotated Luther by
Cover of the book Theologian of Resistance by
Cover of the book The Gift of Love by
Cover of the book From Despair to Faith by
Cover of the book Pathways in Theodicy by
Cover of the book A Council for the Global Church by
Cover of the book The Vision of Catholic Social Thought by
Cover of the book Waiting for Good News by
Cover of the book My Struggle to Become Human by
Cover of the book Encountering Jesus by
Cover of the book Christian Economic Ethics by
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy