Seminar | The Contexts of Early Christian Art: Basilicas, Space and Roma Christiana, 312-384 CE Lachlan Turnbull

The Contexts of Early Christian Art: Basilicas, Space and Roma Christiana, 312-384 CE

Lachlan Turnbull | University of Melbourne (PhD Completion Seminar)

Date: Wednesday 1 August |  1-2 pm

Venue:  Old Physics G16 (Jim Potter room)

The study of the art seen, used and commissioned by Christians in Rome during the fourth century poses complex and subtle problems. In the period 312 to 384 ce new iconographic themes emerged and novel spatial contexts were defined, contributing to the making of an identifiably Christian visual culture. My thesis suggests an approach to understanding the emergence of Christian art at Rome based upon methodological concerns for topography and space. As demonstrated by three key sites, new audiences for, themes in, and the media of Christian art in Rome were impelled by a growing network of Christian sites.

This seminar is part of the ongoing Art History seminar series at Melbourne University. See the semester 2, 2012 program here. Enquiries to Dr Felicity Harley-McGowan fharley@unimelb.edu.au