Posted on 05/02/2016 3:59:55 PM PDT by NYer
Our Ambrosian correspondent Nicola de’ Grandi was recently in Paris, and took these photographs of some of the ancient Christian artworks kept at the Louvre Museum.
A gilded piece of glass of the type frequent used as grave markers in ancient Christian burial sites; this was a fairly precious object both for its gold, but also because glass was difficult to make in antiquity, and considered a kind of jewel. The image is of the Prophet Jonah being thrown out of the boat, and swallowed by the “whale”, here a large sea monster. (The Hebrew word “bechamah” can also mean either. Jonah was a very popular subject for the ancient Christians as a symbol of the Resurrection of Christ, and of its necessary premises, the Incarnation and Passion. |
A processional cross in silvered bronze, 6th-7th century. |
A glass cup decorated with Biblical scenes, 4th century. (details in diagram below) |
Sarcophagis with con Christ teaching the Twelve. from Rignieux-le-Franc (Ain), end of the 4th century. |
Christian funerary mosaic, with Chrismon (detail below), birds and vine; from Tunisia, end of the 4th or beginning of the 5th century |
Sarcophagus with the Traditio Legis scene; from the mausoleum of the Anicii under the apse of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican; beginning of the 4th century. |
The Ascent of Elijah represented on the side. |
Catholic ping!
Fantastic artifacts.
Wonderful museum, but in terms of sheer impressiveness nothing compares with the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. It makes one realize what was meant by “Czar of All the Russias”.
Thanks NYer.
I really love that Statue of the Good Shepherd (c. 300-350), marble, 39 inches high. Rome, from Catacomb of Domitilla, Vatican, Museo Pio Cristiano.
Hard to find a really good photo of it, though.
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