Discovering the Roots of Faith: Ancient Christian Art with Dr. Lily Filson

Headline: Journey Through Time: The Earliest Images of Christianity

Course Title: Ancient Christian Art: A Deep Dive into the Dawn of Symbols and Iconography

Welcome to a journey back in time! As we embark on this enlightening quest, we'll uncover the profound history of Christianity through its earliest visual expressions. This course, "The Earliest Images of Christianity," led by the esteemed Dr. Lily Filson, invites you to explore the birth of Christian art—a foundation that shaped Western aesthetics for centuries to come.

Course Description:

Understanding the Backdrop 🕰️ The Western world's temporal framework is deeply intertwined with the narrative of Christianity. Since the ninth century, our timeline has been anchored by the "year of our lord," later evolving into the "common era." This course delves into how this fixed point in time not only organized our days but also influenced the fabric of society and culture during the early centuries following Christ's advent.

Key Highlights:

• The Advent of Time Markers: 📅 Learn about the historical significance of A.D./C.E. and how it has shaped our understanding of history.
• Christian Art's Early Forms & Symbols: 🎨 Discover the origins of Christian iconography from its earliest manifestations to the recognizable symbols we see today.
• Art in Rome vs. Eastern Territories: 🌍 Compare and contrast art styles across different regions of the early Christian world, including Rome, Palestine, Syria, and Egypt.
• The Evolution of Iconography: ✍️ Trace the development of images of Christ and Mary, understanding what they represented in their nascent forms.
• Understanding by Omission: 🕵️‍♀️ Examine what early Christian art was not: avert your eyes from gruesome depictions that were absent in these formative years.

What You'll Learn:

• The role of signs and symbols in the spread of Christianity's message.
• How early Christian art avoided themes of suffering, death, and emotional manipulation—a stark contrast to the Medieval Period.
• The evolution of religious imagery from simple signs to complex iconography.
• The societal implications of these visual representations.

Course Structure:

1. Introduction to Early Christian Art: An overview of the historical and cultural context of early Christianity.
2. Symbols & Iconography: Explore the first visual symbols used by Christians and their meanings.
3. Roman Art vs. Eastern Territories: A detailed comparison of art styles from different regions during the early centuries.
4. "Not" What You Expected: Early Christian Art's Avoidance of Graphic Depictions: Understand the intentional avoidance of violence and suffering in early representations.
5. The Development of Christ and Mary Images: Chart the evolution of how these central figures were depicted in art.
6. Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Early Christian Art: Reflect on the lasting impact of these early forms on Western art history.

Why Take This Course? 🌟

• Gain a deeper appreciation for the artistic and cultural heritage of Christianity.
• Understand how early Christian art influenced the visual language of religion and art.
• Enhance your knowledge of art history with a focus on its origins.
• Engage with primary sources and case studies to see the art in question.

Join us on this captivating expedition into the annals of time as we unravel the enigmatic tapestry of ancient Christian art. With Dr. Lily Filson as your guide, you'll come away with a newfound respect for the early Christian visual language that has, in many ways, shaped our world to this day. 🌈✨

Enroll now and take the first step into the fascinating realm of ancient Christian art! 🚀