Christian Art

Paper Summary:

This paper states that Christian art, which is one of the few forms of art based almost entirely on symbolism, is one of the most diverse genres of art in the world. The paper specifically discuses the phoenix, the pomegranate, the crucifix, the crown of thorns, the rose and the tomb as a few of the prominent symbols contained in Christian art. The paper concludes that, without these symbols, it is very likely that many of the images and stories of the oral tradition of the Church may have been lost.

From the Paper:

"The crucifix is also a great example of how the same basic symbol can represent different ideas. Take, for example, the christus triumphans style of the crucifix. In this version, the image of Chris is alive on the cross, head held high. This is to represent that while Jesus did suffer and die physically on the cross he was triumphant in the end because his actions cleanse the sins of all of his followers. In stark contrast to this is the christus patiens. This image of Christ shows the figure slumped on the cross, head down, eyes closed, obviously either suffering greatly or dead."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Campbell, Joseph. Thou Art That: Transforming Religious Metaphor. Novato: New WorldLibrary, 2001.
• Catechism of the Catholic Church. New York: Doubleday, 1995.
• De Borchgrave, Helen. A Journey into Christian Art. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 2000.
• Ferguson, George. Signs and Symbols in Christian Art. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1966.
• New American Bible. New York: Catholic Book Publishing, 1991.

More papers on Christian Art:

• Essay # 73064 : "Contemporary Christian Art"
• Analytical Essay # 113833 : "The Development of Early Christian Art"
• Analytical Essay # 23229 : "Early Christian Art"

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