The rise of biblical tradition - Essay Example

The Rise Of Biblical Tradition Introduction Iconography is a branch of art that encompasses identification, and interpretation of images (Serafini, 2013). In Christian art, it refers to the production of religious images by Christians or under Christian patronage (Serafini, 2013). Christian iconography began two years after Christ’s demise whereby during then images had a representation of biblical episodes to stress on deliverance (Gwynn, Bangert & Lavan, 2010). To date, there are very few surviving arts form ancient times.

This could mean either the followers were less concerned or most likely lacked enough funds meant to produce and maintain them. The fact that the Old Testament prevents Christians from producing graven images may have restricted Christians from using them as religious art. Initially, Christians used the same forms of art as the pagans around them including mosaics and sculptures (Gwynn, Bangert & Lavan, 2010). The eras of pre-constantinian as well as the era of First Seven Ecumenical Councils mark the most remarkable eras associated with religious art (Thomas & Newton, 2012).

Major ancient paintings emanated from Rome tombs including the one thought to have the image of Jesus whose depiction has not changed up to date (Thomas & Newton, 2012). Christian iconography and symbols have meanings that relate directly to Christianity evident even to modern Christian symbols. Meaning of the symbols Symbols of Christianity represent some aspects of Christianity starting with The Bible which is a depiction of God’s word, whereas David’s five-pointed star symbolized Jesus’ birth (Yaakov, 2013).

Rings represent the trinity though there are numerous depictions of the same used by Christians. Patriarchal cross has a double cross, with two crossbars near the top depicting utter and unequaled sacrifice, which its victim made on behalf of the humanity (Gottleib, 2008). In most cases, the depiction of this sacrifice is in the form of crucifixes worn by Christians especially Catholics and put on walls. Lighting candle represents the Holy Ghost, whereas bread with wine exemplifies Jesus’ body and blood whose existence is a circle that embodies eternity (Bostrom & Graystone, 2009).

In Christianity, horn is a depiction of God’s control besides Pelican exemplifying Christ’s utter sacrifice, which many adherents is their redemption (Wunder, 2013). The Latin cross is a depiction of Christianity (Wunder, 2013). In addition to these symbols, the fish represents Jesus, the savior (Bostrom & Graystone, 2009). These symbols emphasize the aspects of Christianity whose uniqueness stands even to date and completely different from those of other creeds (Wunder, 2013). Ancient and modern symbols Most of the ancient Christian iconography depictions were similar to that of paganism culture, for instance, the Latin cross and varied emergent meanings attributed to motifs still used in Christianity (Thomas & Newton, 2012).

Late Christian styles included the portrayal of human stature and the presentation of space. Following the adoption of Christianity by the Constantines, big Christian buildings that were under construction required Christian versions of formal art and Roman elite (Thomas & Newton, 2012). For instance, mosaics in church at Rome are among the only surviving ancient artistic depiction. The controversy surrounding the second statute led to equivalence of Christian art (Thomas & Newton, 2012). However, the fall of Constantinople in1453 led to the development of orthodox iconic art.

This has persisted without many changes in style until the current date whereby Russia is known for the production art, hence signifying advancement of Christian iconography (Thomas & Newton, 2012). The aspect of standardizing of Christian art makes it easy for Christians globally irrespective of their cultures understand their meanings. ReferencesBostrom, K. L., & Graystone, P. (2009). 99 things to do between here and heaven. Louisville, Ky: Westminster John Knox Press.Gottlieb, L. (2008). Graffiti Art Styles: A Classification System and Theoretical Analysis.

Jefferson: McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers.Gwynn, D. M., Bangert, S., & Lavan, L. (2010). Religious diversity in late antiquity. Leiden: Brill.Serafini, F. (2013). Reading the visual: An introduction to teaching multimodal literacy.Thomas, I. & Newton, J. (2012). Ancient Pagan and Modern Christianity Symbolism. University Press.Wunder, J. N. (2013). Keats, hermeticism, and the secret societies. Alershot, England: Ashgate.Yaakov, A. (2013). An Unusual Relationship: Evangelical Christians and Jews.

New York: NYU Press.