Miscellaneous Early Christian Art -- Early Christian Symbols of the Ancient Church

Miscellaneous Early Christian Art

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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Catacomb picture of the resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus
Gravestone of Datus. In this inscription the parents dedicate the epitaph to their son of 20 years. The figure to the left represents the resurrection of Lazarus, the most common image found in the catacombs. It reflected the belief of the early Christians in Jesus as the author of eternal life. (Marble catacomb inscription, Rome, 3rd century A.D. Pio Cristiano: Vatican Museum)

Painting of baptism found in the catacombs of St. Callixtus.
This painting found in Catacombs of St. Callixtus in Rome is probably the oldest paintings ever known in Christian History.

Bearing gifts to the Christ-child, catacomb gravestone, Lastra di Chiusura di Loculo di Severa (c. 330 AD), Museo Pio Cristiano, Rome

Visit of the magi, fresco, Catacomb of Callixtus, early fourth century.

Jonah, fresco, Catacomb of Callixtus, Chapel of Sacraments, third century, Rome.

Jesus the Alpha and Omega, appears as bearded, fresco, fourth century, Catacombs of Commodilla

Virgin and Child Enthroned with Saints Felix and Augustus, Commodilla catacomb, Rome

St. Paul, Catacombs of Praetextatus, fresco, fourth century.

Lenepveu, Martyrs in the Catacombs (1855)
Jules-Eugčne Lenepveu (1810-1898), The Martyrs in the Catacombs (1855), Musee d'Orsay, Paris

Early Christian Symbols of the Ancient Church