An introduction to Pacheco's writings on the decorum of religious painting -- Of the order, decency and decorum that invention ought to follow -- In which the matter of decorum is continued -- In which the approval of the painting of the Last Judgment and the subject of decorum is concluded -- Important counsels on a number of sacred histories, regarding the truth and correctness with which they should be painted in accordance with the Divine Scriptures and the Holy Doctors -- In which counsels on the painting of sacred histoiries are continued -- In which the counsels on sacred paintings are continued -- On the truthful paintings of some of the best known of the saints -- In favor of painting the four nails with which Christ our Redeemer was crucified -- In which the thought and approval of these two letters is given be learned men that examined and approved them

Understanding Early Christian Art is designed for students of both religion and of art history. It makes the critical tools of art historians accessible to students of religion, to help them understand better the visual representations of Christianity. It will also aid art historians in comprehending the complex theology, history and context of Christian art. This interdisciplinary and boundary-breaking approach will enable students in several fields to further their understanding and knowledge of the art of the early Christian era. Understanding Early Christian Art contains over fifty images with parallel text.

Examines the use and meaning of Christian symbols found in Renaissance art.

Imagine the dangerous life of an early Christian. You've embraced your newfound faith in Christ but fear the risk of persecution or death at the hands of the pagans living around you. Then a trusted friend tells you about some of Jesus' followers who secretly meet. He whispers into your ear, "Look for a fish carved in a paving stone" by a certain home on the Via Tiburtina. You smile in gratitude. Still today, modern society recognizes those Christian symbols that kept the early Christians safely connected: they appear on churches, bumper stickers, mugs -- even mints and stuffed animals. Yet we are often ignorant of the rich meaning of these symbols: their origins in Scripture, in ancient culture, and in the preaching of the Church Fathers. In this book, noted author Mike Aquilina conducts an intriguing and insightful tour of the symbols that expressed the life and devotion of the Church through the first four centuries of its existence. He explains how Christians freely borrowed pagan and Jewish symbols, giving them new, distinctly Christian meanings. Recover the zeal of our spiritual ancestors as you learn to read their symbolic language -- and discover the impact the symbols still have on your life today. More than a hundred illustrations, reproduced by artist Lea Marie Ravotti from the ancient originals, beautifully complement the text. View a mulitmedia presentation and listen to an interview of the author here.