Christianity: An Essential Window into Western Art

Before we discussed the art of ancient Greece and Rome, we first explored the systems of religious mythology. Similarly, before understanding medieval art, it’s essential to comprehend medieval religion—Christianity. A deep and solid knowledge of Christianity aids in understanding the next 1,500 years of Western art.

Christianity: An Essential Window into Western Art

1. Christianity serves as a rich source of material for the finest periods of Western art. The numerous stories and denominations within Christianity, though complex, are crucial for understanding Western art and provide a vital lens through which to view it.
2. The roots of Christianity relate to Judaism, a monotheistic religion in contrast to the polytheism of ancient Greece and Rome, where many gods governed various aspects of life. Judaism’s exclusivity rests on the belief in a single God governing the universe, rejecting other religions and gods as false. This inherent exclusivity resulted in opposition to the gods of ancient Greece and Rome.
3. The Christian Bible consists of the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament records events prior to Jesus’ birth, including stories like “Genesis.” Judaism does not accept the New Testament and denies the divinity of Jesus Christ.
4. Our current Gregorian calendar divides years into “BC” and “AD,” centered on the birth of Jesus. Jesus, or Jesus Christ, believed that all people should worship God, Jehovah. Thus, the core doctrine of Christianity is “believe in Jesus and gain eternal life.” The greatest “reward” offered to believers is the promise of eternal life in Heaven after death.
5. Christian beliefs became the central themes for countless artists. For example, during the Renaissance, Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling, depicting scenes from “Genesis” in the Old Testament. In the Baroque period, Caravaggio’s work The Calling of Saint Matthew portrays the conversion of the Roman tax collector Saint Matthew to Christianity, expressing the Christian message that all should believe in God.
6. Christianity’s missionary zeal eventually led to government dissatisfaction. Jesus was ultimately crucified due to Roman persecution, yet according to the Bible, he resurrected and ascended to Heaven. Following this, Christianity gradually established itself, surviving Roman oppression to become the world’s largest religion.
7. Christianity continued to grow despite suppression due to its inclusive nature. Unlike Judaism, which spread primarily through Jewish bloodlines, Christianity advocated for universal belief. One hallmark of Christians was evangelism, or “spreading the Gospel,” as they actively shared their faith, much like an inherent “sharing function.”
8. Christianity’s legalization was driven by Roman Emperor Constantine. Realizing that half the empire, including his own mother, had embraced Christianity, Constantine greatly advanced its legal status.
9. Christian doctrine, in many respects, benefited the Roman Empire’s governance. The monotheistic nature of Christianity simplified religious administration, unlike the complex pantheon of gods in ancient Greece and Rome, where different gods managed different domains. Christianity’s promotion of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—made it a highly organized and competitive religion, both in doctrine and structure.