God and Gold in Late Antiquity

A 1998 study of the textual and artistic meaning of the grandeur of early Christian churches.

Dominic Janes (Author)

9780521158749, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 27 October 2011

228 pages
24.4 x 17 x 1.2 cm, 0.37 kg

Review of the hardback: ' … a thought-provoking book … impressive for its depth of knowledge, its bringing together fields usually studied in isolation, and the scope of its argument'. Early Medieval Europe

From the conversion of the emperor Constantine in the early fourth century, vast sums of money were spent on the building and sumptuous decoration of churches. The resulting works of art contain many of the greatest monuments of late antique and early medieval society. But how did such expenditure fit with Christ's message of poverty and simplicity? In attempting to answer that question, this 1998 study employs theories on the use of metaphor to show how physical beauty could stand for spiritual excellence. As well as explaining the evolving attitudes to sanctity, decorum and display in Roman and medieval society, detailed analysis is made of case studies of Latin biblical exegesis and gold-ground mosaics so as to counterpoint the contemporary use of gold as a Christian image in art and text.

Preface
List of illustrations
Note on conventions
List of abbreviations
1. Introduction
2. Roman splendour
3. The riches of scripture
4. The art of persuasion
5. The Christian display of wealth
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA], European history [HBJD]