Question 1

The Rossano Gospels is the earliest illuminated manuscript that contains illustrations of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The Rossano Gospels is an illuminated manuscript that contains illustrations of the New Testament, specifically the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).

Question 2

The illustrated book had a long history in the ancient world.When did the tradition of placing pictures in manuscripts first begin?

Accepted Answer

The tradition of placing pictures in manuscripts first began in Pharaonic Egypt. The Egyptians were the first to develop a system of writing that allowed them to record their history and beliefs, and they used pictures to enhance the meaning of their texts. This tradition was later adopted by the Greeks and Romans, who continued to use illustrations in their manuscripts.

Question 3

Christ as the Good Shepherd appears in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and uses many iconographic devices.Which of the following is one of those devices?

Accepted Answer

In the iconography of Christ as the Good Shepherd, sheep are commonly used to represent the faithful who follow him. Goats may be used to represent sinners in other iconography, but not specifically in this depiction. A basin of water and a chalice are not typically used in the imagery of Christ as the Good Shepherd.

Question 4

Which of the following would be considered the predecessor for the Mausoleum of Costanza?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following would be considered...

Question 5

A man,a woman,and at least one child can be seen in the praying position found in the lunette of the Catacomb of Sts.Peter and Marcellinus.Which of the following presents the best explanation for the placement of these people in the lunette?

Accepted Answer

The figures in the lunette likely represent the Christian family seeking their heavenly reward, as the imagery in catacombs often reflects themes of faith and salvation.

Question 6

In the sarcophagus of Junius Bassus,a pagan who converted to Christianity,the sculptors illustrated scenes from the life of Christ.Which of the following represents the allusion to the Crucifixion?

Accepted Answer

Christ before Pilate is the scene that represents the allusion to the Crucifixion, as it depicts the moment when Pilate condemned Jesus to be crucified. This event is a significant moment in the story of Christ's life, leading up to his ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The other options do not specifically relate to the Crucifixion.

Question 7

In the Dura painting,Samuel Anointing David,David is depicted with an Imperial attribute indicating his royalty.Which of the following is that attribute?

Accepted Answer

In the Dura painting, "Samuel Anointing David," David is depicted wearing a purple toga, which is an imperial attribute symbolizing royalty and authority in Roman culture.

Question 8

Which of the following is a basilica?

Accepted Answer

Old St. Peter's is a basilica, while Santa Costanza, Sts. Peter and Marcellinus, and St. Callixtus are all churches but not classified as basilicas.

Question 9

What was the entrance porch of Old St.Peter's in Rome called?

Accepted Answer

The entrance porch of Old St. Peter's in Rome was called the narthex, which is a vestibule or entrance area located at the western end of the nave.

Question 10

Which of the following is an architectural element found in Santa Sabina?

Accepted Answer

Santa Sabina features a timbered ceiling, which is characteristic of early Christian basilicas.

Question 11

The Roman State persecuted the Christians.Which of the following would account for this persecution?

Accepted Answer

Christians refused to pay homage to the State's gods, which went against the polytheistic beliefs of the Roman State. This refusal was seen as a threat to the political stability and religious conformity of the empire, leading to the persecution of Christians.

Question 12

How did one recognize a Christian sarcophagus?

Accepted Answer

Christian sarcophagi were typically decorated with scenes from the Bible or early Christian history, such as Jonah and the whale, the story of Susanna and the Elders, or the Good Shepherd. Christian symbols such as the chi-rho (☧) or the fish, which were commonly used by early Christians, might also be included in the design. These were not necessarily exclusive to Christian sarcophagi, but they were more likely to be present than on those of non-Christian owners. The name of the owner, if included, would typically be inscribed in the border or on a separate panel. The Crucifixion, while an important Christian subject, was not always depicted on sarcophagi as it did not become an established artistic convention until the late 4th century.

Question 13

Which of the following is represented on the sarcophagus of Santa Maria Antiqua?

Accepted Answer

The sarcophagus of Santa Maria Antiqua represents Jonah being swallowed by the whale.

Question 14

After Christianity received acceptance within the Roman Empire,churches were constructed above the catacombs.Which of the following provides the most explanation for such churches to be constructed at these sites?

Accepted Answer

The catacombs were where the earliest Christian martyrs were buried, and it was believed that their graves were holy sites where the pious could worship. Therefore, churches were constructed above the catacombs to provide a more visible and accessible location for worship.

Question 15

What is the earliest datable period for Christian art?

Accepted Answer

Christian art began to emerge in the 3rd century CE, with the earliest examples found in the catacombs of Rome.

Question 16

The Christ as Good Shepherd from the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia at Ravenna is said to be deeply rooted in the classical tradition.Which of the following would support that belief?

Accepted Answer

The presence of Greco-Roman illusionistic devices, such as the use of foreshortening and the depiction of deep space, is a hallmark of the classical tradition in art. This suggests that the Christ as Good Shepherd is deeply rooted in this tradition.

Question 17

Why is the Christian community house in Dura-Europas only a small house?

Accepted Answer

The fact that the Christian community house in Dura-Europas is only a small house suggests that Christians did not enjoy the patronage of the Roman state, which would have enabled them to build larger, more impressive structures.

Question 18

Which of the following attributes was used to depict Christ after Christianity was officially recognized by Roman authorities?

Accepted Answer

Imperial purple was used to depict Christ after Christianity was officially recognized by Roman authorities, symbolizing his royal and divine status.

Question 19

The Diptych of the Nicomachi and the Symmachi is significant to the art tradition of fourth century Rome.Which of the following supports that statement?

Accepted Answer

The Diptych of the Nicomachi and the Symmachi is significant for its deliberate continuation of classical traditions in its artistry, reflecting the values and aesthetics of fourth-century Rome, rather than adapting to newer Christian themes or initiating new art forms.

Question 20

Which of the following themes represents the interior decorative program of Santa Costanza?

Accepted Answer

The interior decorative program of Santa Costanza features grape harvest and wine production motifs, with intricate mosaics of grape vines, grape harvest scenes, and other related symbols. This is in keeping with the building's likely use as a funerary chapel for a wealthy Roman family involved in the wine trade. The other options (the lives of the saints, the Passion, and the history of Rome) are not present in the decorative scheme of Santa Costanza.

Quiz 8: Late Antiquity