Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
an acrostic from the ancient Greek word for fish (Ichthys) which spells out Jesus Christ,
Son of God, Saviour.
Mosaics
With the legalisation of Christianity in the 4th century, these images began to move into
the public arena, appearing in mosaics across the city. Mosaic work was the principal
artistic endeavour of early Christian Rome and mosaics adorn many of the churches built
in this period. Stunning examples include the 4th-century apse mosaic in the Chiesa di
Santa Pudenziana, the wonderful mosaics in the vaulted ambulatory of the Mausoleo di
Santa Costanza and the 5th-century works in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
Eastern influences became much more pronounced between the 7th and 9th centuries,
when Byzantine styles swept in from the east, leading to a brighter, golden look. The best
examples in Rome are in the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere and the Chiesa di Santa
Prassede, a small 9th-century church built in honour of an early Christian heroine.
One of the greatest artists of the Middle Ages was Pietro Cavallini (c 1240−1330), a Roman-born painter
and mosaic designer. Little is known about his life but his most famous work is the
Giudizio Universale
(Last
Judgment) fresco in the Chiesa di Santa Cecilia in Trastevere.
The Renaissance
Originating in late-14th-century Florence, the Renaissance had already made its mark in
Tuscany and Venice before it arrived in Rome in the latter half of the 15th century.
But over the next few decades it was to have a profound impact on the city as the top
artists of the day were summoned to decorate the many new buildings going up around
town.
