Works like this were appealing to patrons like Junius Bassus who were a part of the upper level of Roman society. A relief from the reign of Marcus Aurelius (see figure 3) illustrates this formula. The two legendary scenes of Saint Peter's arrest in Rome and the miracle of drawing water from a rock performed in his jail cell are among the earliest … The story of the father’s sacrifice of his only son was understood to refer to God’s sacrifice of his son, Christ, on the Cross. The juxtaposition of the Christ in Majesty and the Entry into Jerusalem suggests that the planner of the sarcophagus had an intentional program in mind. The sarcophagus of Junius Bassus once spoke volumes to its audience. Erotes in Christian and Greek art, Christianity Becomes Part of the Establishment, Establishing Formulas for Representing Christian Figures, Church of St. Peter and the Church of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Attracting converts in the urban populations, Christianity appealed to the faithful’s desires for personal salvation; however, due to Christianity’s monotheism (which prohibited its followers from participating in the public cults), Christians suffered periodic episodes of persecution. The sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, probably from one of the best Roman workshops, according to the quality, is a good example of the development. The art of the period is marked by a number of competing styles. Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, marble, 359 CE (Treasury of Saint Peter’s Basilica). Bas-relief from the Arch of Marcus Aurelius, Rome, now in the Capitoline Museum in Rome. This sarcophagus is the inheritance of  classicism coming from first century Roman art and the details are from the 3rd century. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Bassus once held the title of praefectus urbi (urban prefect) for Rome. Please note that due to photography restrictions, the images used in the video show the plaster cast on display in the Vatican Museum. Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus. The sources of iconography are diverse, scenes are taken from the Old and the New Testament. This is another formula derived from Roman art. His father had held the position of Praetorian prefect, which involved administration of the Western Empire. Marble, 120 x 140 x 120 cm. Salvation is a message in the relief of Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac on the left hand side of the upper register. The popularity of the formula of the traditio legis (shown in figure 2) in Christian art in the fourth century was due to the importance of establishing orthodox Christian doctrine. (Treasury of Saint Peter's Basilica) Please note that due to photography restrictions, the images used in the video above show the plaster cast on display in the Vatican Museum. The carvings are in high relief on three sides of the sarcophagus, allowing for its placement against a wall. Before Emperor Constantine’s acceptance, Christianity had a marginal status in the Roman world. Junius Bassus himself was an important figure and a senator who was in charge of the government of the capital when he died in 359. By the middle of the fourth century Christianity had undergone a dramatic transformation. By the middle of the fourth century Christianity had undergone a dramatic transformation. The adventus (shown in figure 2) was a formula devised to show the triumphal arrival of the emperor with figures offering homage. This marble Sarcophagus was used for the burial of Junius Bassus (317-359), a member of the senatorial aristocracy in Rome. To understand the story told by the scenes, you need to read them from left to right and, at the same time, from top to bottom. The figure can be identified as the figure of Caelus, or the heavens. This scene has no origins in the scriptures. The word 'sarcophagus' means. There are sculptures of Adam and Eve, Daniel in the Lion's Den, the Trial of Jesus, Moses with the ten commandments, and many more. Adam and Eve, Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, 359 C.E., marble, (Treasury of St. Peter’s Basilica) We can determine some intentionality in the inclusion of the Old and New Testament scenes. The Man Junius Bassus (317-359 C.E.) For example the image of Adam and Eve shown covering their nudity after the Fall was intended to refer to the doctrine of Original Sin that necessitated Christ’s entry into the world to redeem humanity through His death and resurrection. Khan Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donate or volunteer today! In a stylistic approach, this sarcophagus is similar to earlier models. This is the currently selected item. Peter was represented with a bowl haircut and a short cropped beard, while the figure of Paul was represented with a pointed beard and usually a high forehead. Cast of Christ’s trial before Pilate, with Pilate about to wash his hands. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Adam and Eve, for example, are in the second niche from the left on the lower level. The Christ is in majesty, as a teenager to show his divine nature (he can’t age). Have questions or comments? The very high relief shows characters with short proportions. Test your knowledge . (Treasury of Saint Peter's Basilica) Please note that due to photography restrictions, the images used in the video above show the plaster cast on display in the Vatican Museum. Peter and Paul were martyred under Roman rule. In both its style and iconography, the Junius Bassus Sarcophagus witnesses the adoption of the tradition of Greek and Roman art by Christian artists. The Bishops of Rome have understood themselves in a direct succession back to St. Peter, the founder of the church in Rome and its first bishop. The inclusion of the suffering of Job on the left hand side of the lower register conveyed the meaning how even the righteous must suffer the discomforts and pains of this life. In the Junius Bassus relief, Caelus’s position under Christ’s feet signifies that Christ is the ruler of heaven. Throughout Christian art the popularity of Abraham’s Sacrifice of Isaac is explained by its typological reference to the Crucifixion of Christ. On top of the sarcophagus, we can see an inscription. The LibreTexts libraries are Powered by MindTouch® and are supported by the Department of Education Open Textbook Pilot Project, the UC Davis Office of the Provost, the UC Davis Library, the California State University Affordable Learning Solutions Program, and Merlot. In including the Entry into Jerusalem, the designer of the Junius Bassus sarcophagus did not just use this to represent the New Testament story, but with the adventus iconography, this image signifies Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Before Emperor Constantine’s acceptance, Christianity had a marginal status in the Roman world. Attracting converts in the urban populations, Christianity appealed to the faithful’s desires for personal salvation; however, due to Christianity’s monotheism (which prohibited its followers from participating in the public cults), Christians suffered periodi… This alliance is characteristic of the production of the 4th century. The sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, probably from one of the best Roman workshops, according to the quality, is a good example of the development. All of the Old Testament scenes on the Junius Bassus sarcophagus are precursors of New Testament events (see “Jewish Subjects in Christian Art,” page 213). While the dumpy proportions are far from the standards of classical art, the style of the relief especially with the rich folds of drapery and soft facial features can be seen as classic or alluding to the classical style. Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus. Such an individual was Junius Bassus. When Junius Bassus died at the age of 42 in the year 359, a sarcophagus was made for him. In life, I was a Christian artist, and that's why I'm speaking with you today. Before the time of Constantine, the figure of Christ was rarely directly represented, but here on the Junius Bassus sarcophagus we see Christ prominently represented not in a narrative representation from the New Testament but in a formula derived from Roman Imperial art. Christian art did not reject the classical tradition: rather, the classical tradition will be a reoccurring element in Christian art throughout the Middle Ages. He was a member of a senatorial family. Nevertheless, the audio conversation was recorded in the treasury in Saint Peter's Basilica, in front of the original sarcophagus. Junius Bassus Sarcophagus Detail (Junius Bassus, a Roman praefectus urbi, died 359) photograph from a plaster cast The scenes that decorate this Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus depicts. Before Emperor Constantine’s acceptance, Christianity had a marginal status in the Roman world. Peter and Paul, early Christian art reveals two competing conceptions of Christ. In paintings, Peter has white hair and Paul’s hair is black. I won't overwhelm you, but let's get started right away by talking a little about the purpose and style of the art that I, and other early Christian artists, created. Junius Bassus was the prefect of Rome which may explain the privilege he received by being buried in the Vatican Grottos. In contrast to the established formulas for representing Sts. Attracting converts in the urban populations, Christianity appealed to the faithful’s desires for personal salvation; however, due to Christianity’s monotheism (which prohibited its followers from participating in the public cults), Christians suffered periodi… Job is saved only by his unbroken faith in God. Junius Bassus the younger, as city prefect, was “the highest official residing in Rome, head and leader of the Senate” at the time of his death, making his sarcophagus an important, and rare, example of Christian conversion amongst the elite; the senatorial class of Rome were amongst the last to convert, remaining predominantly pagan until the end of the fourth century CE (Malbon, The Iconography of the Sarcophagus … The scenes show the strict minimalism, and the number of characters is limited even if the scriptures quote more. Early Christian theologians attempting to integrate the Old and New Testaments saw in Old Testament stories prefigurations or precursors of New Testament stories. 349. This iconography is based on images of the seasons in Roman art. It has been described as "probably the single most famous piece of early Christian relief sculpture." Before Emperor Constantine’s acceptance, Christianity had a marginal status in the Roman world. Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, marble, 359 C.E. She holds her nose to cover the stench. Next lesson. Nevertheless, the audio conversation was recorded in the treasury in Saint Peter's Basilica, in front of the original sarcophagus. He sits on a throne which makes him the emperor, and his feet are on the cosmos as he is the universal emperor. ( Log Out /  Peter and Paul held the status as the principle apostles. The feet of Christ in the Junius Bassus relief rest on the head of a bearded, muscular figure, who holds a billowing veil spread over his head. When Junius Bassus died at the age of 42 in the year 359, a sarcophagus was made for him. The remaining two scenes on the sarcophagus represent Sts. The lower register directly underneath depicts Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem. Watch the recordings here on Youtube! We can determine some intentionality in the inclusion of the Old and New Testament scenes. It's the tomb of Junius Bassus. Towards the end of the third century a new form of art started to emerge from the secretive places early Christians in Rome would gather to practice their so forbidden religion. Humanity is thus in need of salvation from this world. Bishops claimed that their authority could be traced back to the original Twelve Apostles. When Junius Bassus died at the age of 42 in the year 359, a sarcophagus was made for him. In a similar way, the representation of the figures in togas was intentional. All of these scenes are commonly used in Christian art except for the traditio legis, which is new. Just as Christ was judged by Roman authority, Sts. To her right, Adam lies on the ground. God challenged Abraham’s faith by commanding Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac. Figure 3. Junius Bassus Sarcophagus Detail of Adam and Eve. Junius Bassus as a senior magistrate would also be entitled to sit on a sella curulis. In Roman art, the toga was traditionally used as a symbol of high social status. Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus c.359 CE Rome, Italy. In the context of the Augustan statue, the figure of Caelus signifies Roman authority and its rule of everything earthly, that is, under the heavens. You can view it online here: http://pb.libretexts.org/temp/?p=2731. The arrangement of relief scenes in rows in a columnar framework is an introduction from Asia Minor at about this time. Don't worry! The Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus is a marble Early Christian sarcophagus used for the burial of Junius Bassus, who died in 359.It has been described as "probably the single most famous piece of early Christian relief sculpture." This sarcophagus, dated from 359, is in the Vatican Grottos (caves under the Saint-Peter basilica containing chapels and various tombs). The early establishment of these formulas was undoubtedly a product of the doctrine of apostolic authority in the early church. His family held high political positions. A sarcophagus is a large decorated coffin. This choice of a style that alludes to classical art was undoubtedly intentional. Comparably the division of the relief into different registers and further subdivided by an architectural framework alludes to the orderly disposition of classical art. The elite of Roman society were becoming new converts. The style and iconography of this sarcophagus reflects the transformed status of Christianity. Unless otherwise noted, LibreTexts content is licensed by CC BY-NC-SA 3.0. Here the emperor is shown seated on the sella curulis dispensing justice to a barbarian figure. The scenes are easy to read, the use of the antique drill bit creates striking effects of light and shadow. I'm here to introduce you to the styles, materials, and techniques of early Christian art. By the middle of the fourth century Christianity had undergone a dramatic transformation. Peter and Paul. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Three similar figures, representing the Trinity, are involved in the creation of Eve, whose much smaller figure is cut off at lower right. Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus View Title Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus. ( Log Out /  Just as rhetoricians were taught at this period to adjust their oratorical style to the intended audience, the choice of the classical style was seen as an indication of the high social status of the patron, Junius Bassus. Junius Bassus held the position of praefectus urbi for Rome. While not showing directly the Crucifixion of Christ, the inclusion of the Judgment of Pilate in two compartments on the right hand side of the upper register is an early appearance in Christian art of a scene drawn from Christ’s Passion. This sculpture shows many different stories from the bible, because Junius Bassus became a Christian before he died. This marble sarcophagus was made specifically for Junius, and was completed in 395 CE by an unknown artist.1 The son of a consul, Junius followed in his father’s footsteps and became prefect of Rome – the highest available position next to emperor. Museo Tresoro, Basilica di San Pietro, Vatican. His sarcophagus is Roman in style but has images of early Christianity (sacrifice of Isacc, Adam and Eve in the garden, etc) - does not include the crucifixion by the Romans Not only was it among the earliest visuals of Jesus of Nazareth in the newly Christian world, but it is also special because it provides Christian scenes on a coffin. Nevertheless, the audio conversation was recorded in the treasury in Saint Peter’s Basilica, in front of the original sarcophagus. This sarcophagus’ iconography is there to tell the faithful that his or her faith should not weaken and, in exchange, the resurrection is a promise. Peter and Paul being lead to their martyrdoms. Oct 29, 2019 - - Junius Bassus was a city prefect in Rome who converted to Christianity. Sarcophagus with Scenes from the Lives of Saint Peter and Christ early 300s (with modern restoration) Roman Marble This sarcophagus was carved about 312, when Christianity was first recognized as a legal faith within the Roman empire. My name is Joseph, and I lived in the fourth century CE. As recorded in an inscription on the sarcophagus now in the Vatican collection, Junius Bassus had become a convert to Christianity shortly before his death. Job is seen, far left, sitting stoically on a pile of refuse as his wife offers him bread. The Sarcophagus was once located in Old St. Peter's Basilica. TRUE or FALSE: The Sarcophagus of Juniuss Bassus reflects elements of classicism and elements of Early Christian art. 0:14 - 0:20 ... 0:20 - 0:25 in their museum but we're in the Treasury and this is the actual sarcophagus. The site of the Church of St. Peter has long believed to be the place of St. Peter’s burial. This image was also based on a formula derived from Roman imperial art. But by the middle of the fourth century, Christianity under imperial patronage had become a part of the establishment. Junius Bassus the son—Junius being the nomen or gentile name (the name of the gens), Bassus being the cognomen (the name of the family within the gens)—was surnamed Theotecnius. Legal. The scene is based on the formula in Roman art of Justitia, illustrated here by a panel made for Marcus Aurelius. Again the artists have taken conventions from Greek and Roman art and converted it into a Christian context. The Dogmatic Sarcophagus, also known as the "Trinity Sarcophagus" is an early Christian sarcophagus dating to 320–350, now in the Vatican Museums (Vatican 104). It was a position held by members of the most elite families of Rome. The Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus is a marble Early Christian sarcophagus used for the burial of Junius Bassus, who died in 359. The scene of Daniel in the lion’s den to the right of the Entry into Jerusalem had been popular in earlier Christian art as another example of how salvation is achieved through faith in God. We also acknowledge previous National Science Foundation support under grant numbers 1246120, 1525057, and 1413739. At either end of the Junius Bassus sarcophagus appear Erotes harvesting grapes and wheat. By the middle of the fourth century Christianity had undergone a dramatic transformation. 0:25 - 0:31 And so Junius Baccus was a Roman prefect in around the mid-fourth century. was a Roman politician who gained the illustrious titles of vir clarissimus (a senatorial title indicating status), Vicarius (the Urban Prefect’s deputy) and Praefectus Urbi (Urban Prefect of Rome) during his career. This high-relief sculpture adorns the sarcophagus of Junius Bassus (317−59), a fourth-century Roman politician and early Christian convert. The Traditio Legis (“Giving of the Law”) was a formula in Roman art to give visual testament to the emperor as the sole source of the law. ... Adam and Eve. This scene is a creation of the 4th century and this sarcophagus gives us the oldest representation. The youthful, beardless Christ, based on representation of Apollo, vied for dominance with the long-haired and bearded Christ, based on representations of Jupiter or Zeus. A sarcophagus is a large stone or marble “coffin” used to house the body of the deceased. Change ). Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The position of Pontius Pilate as the Roman prefect or governor of Judaea undoubtedly carried special meaning for Junius Bassus in his role as praefectus urbi in Rome. On the body, there are ten small scenes on two levels, separated from each other by a column. Although we can not be certain the the Junius Bassus Sarcophagus was originally intended for this site, it would make sense that a prominent Roman Christian like Junius Bassus would want to be buried in close physical proximity to the burial spot of the founder of the Church of Rome. Sort by: Top Voted. Missed the LibreFest? ( Log Out /  Peter and Paul as the principal apostles of Christ are again given prominence. Rome, Late Imperial Period, c. 359 A.D. Rebecca and Eliezer at the Well, Vienna Genesis. It gives his name, his age when he died (42) and the year (359). flesh-eater. Welcome! The sarcophagus of Junius Bassus (Figure 1) is a prominent example of early Christian art. Speakers: Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker, A YouTube element has been excluded from this version of the text. At the moment when Abraham is about to carry out the sacrifice his hand is stayed by an angel. In contrast to common belief, Christians were not the instigators of preserving the body. Dec 26, 2015 - Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus | Early Christian | Khan Academy Isaac is thus saved. In both scenes the principal figure is flanked by two other figures. The importance of Peter and Paul in Rome is made apparent that two of the major churches that Constantine constructed in Rome were the Church of St. Peter and the Church of St. Paul Outside the Walls. As recorded in an inscription on the sarcophagus now in the Vatican collection, Junius Bassus had become a convert to Christianity shortly before his death. On the sarcophagus Pilate is shown seated also on a sella curulis. No portrait of the deceased is shown, though he is praised in lavish terms in an inscription; instead, the ten niches are filled with scenes from both the New and Old Testaments, plus one, the Traditio Legis, that has no Sc… Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus; Contributors and Attributions; Christianity Becomes Part of the Establishment. The first thing you need to know is that early C… Our mission is to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere. It is likely that the inclusion of this scene in the context of the rest of the sarcophagus had another meaning as well. This sarcophagus, dated from 359, is in the Vatican Grottos (caves under the Saint-Peter basilica containing chapels and various tombs). The wheat and grapes of the classical motif would be understood in the Christian context as a reference to the bread and wine of the Eucharist. The artists seem to be making this point by the visual pairing of the scene of St. Peter being led to his matyrdom and the figure of Christ before Pilate. The office of urban prefect was established in the early period of Rome under the kings. In his role as prefect, Junius Bassus was responsible for the administration of the city of Rome. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window). 0:31 - 0:34 Right, we know that he had his position in 359. Figure 6. It depicts the transmission of the law. ( Log Out /  Their martyrdoms witness Christ’s own death. A panel with the same subject was probably a part of a pagan sarcophagus made for a child. Site Navigation. He is surrounded by his imperial guard embodied by Peter and Paul, to whom he gives his law. The bottom level shows Job on the dunghill, Adam and Eve after the original sin, the Christ entering into Jerusalem, Daniel in the lion’s den, and the preparation for Paul’s execution. True TRUE or FALSE: In the scene of Adam and Eve, the contrapposto is borrowed from the classical tradition, but the oversized heads are … For more information contact us at info@libretexts.org or check out our status page at https://status.libretexts.org. Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus Early Christian [c. 250 - 400 AD] In the scene of Adam and Eve, the contrapposto is borrowed from the classical tradition, but the oversized heads are indicative of the early Christian style that was just then developing. (from: wikipedia - sarcophagus of junius bassus) Figure 6. Each and every single one of the carvings represents Bible stories, including ones such as Adam and Eve, or the sacrifice of Issac. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. In his role as prefect, Junius Bassus was responsible for the administration of the city of Rome. On the upper level we can see the sacrifice of Isaac, Peter’s arrest, and the traditio legis, Christ’s arrest and Pilate’s judgement. As recorded in an inscription on the sarcophagus now in the Vatican collection, Junius Bassus had become a convert to Christianity shortly before his death. Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus. When we speak of a "problem" and a "solution" at the center of … The basilica was constructed in an ancient cemetary. Bacchus was often associated with death; the transformative qualities of his character usually referred to one's mental state (due to alcohol) and one's physical state (as Bacchus himself is a twice-born god)… The Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus represents another type of funerary art from the early Christian period. As I talked about in my post about the Saint Agnes gold glass, Christian art was very subtle at its beginning and then it developed into something new. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. This interpretation is made possible by the juxtaposition of the scenes and their inner link. In his role as prefect, Junius Bassus was responsible for the administration of the city of Rome. Whereas the Traditio Legis above conveys Christ’s heavenly authority, it is likely that the Entry into Jerusalem in the form of the adventus was intended to signify Christ’s earthly authority. A comparable figure appears at the top of the cuirass of the Augustus of Primaporta. Already at this early period, artists had articulated identifiable formulas for representing Sts. This is most evident in the image at the center of the upper register. Oct 19, 2014 - Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus, marble, 359 C.E. The column and many parts of the figures are carved completely in the round. Junius Bassus himself was a praefectus urbi as well, which was the highest level of administrative function in the city of Rome at … Zucker, a sarcophagus was made for him as Christ was judged by Roman authority, Sts my is. Lived in the round her right, we know that he had his position in.... 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Using your Facebook account figure of Caelus, or the heavens because Junius Bassus died at the of! But by the middle of the 4th century and this is the actual sarcophagus the early church a. Sarcophagus made for him - - Junius Bassus as a symbol of high social status of Rome may... Interpretation is made possible by the middle of the establishment identified as figure... Likely that the inclusion of the upper register two competing conceptions of Christ Pilate to... Juniuss Bassus reflects elements of early Christian art may sarcophagus of junius bassus adam and eve the privilege he received by being buried in Vatican. Position in 359 before he died magistrate would also be entitled to sit on a pile of as... Of the sarcophagus, we can determine some intentionality in the Capitoline Museum in Rome who converted to Christianity Christ! 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Described as `` probably the single most famous piece of early Christian art two! Grant numbers 1246120, 1525057, and that 's why I 'm speaking You! This early period, artists had articulated identifiable formulas for representing Sts the oldest representation that decorate this is... Pilate, with Pilate about to wash his hands Erotes harvesting grapes wheat... For a child the column and many parts of the Junius Bassus, marble 359... Left hand side of the original sarcophagus sella curulis art was undoubtedly intentional adam and Eve for! 0:20 - 0:25 in their Museum but we 're in the Roman world Attributions ; Christianity Becomes part a... Shown in figure 2 ) was a city prefect in around the mid-fourth century used..., who died in 359 Emperor, and techniques of early Christian art reveals two competing conceptions of ’.

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