Panel: FORMS OF ART AND SACRED IN CONTEMPORARY RELIGIOUS DEBATE



123.4 - SACRED ART AND ITS EVOLUTION IN EARLY MEDIEVAL SOCIETY: A SYNTHESIS OF PAGAN AND CHRISTIAN TRADITIONS

AUTHORS:
Camerlengo N.M. (Aliquid Historia Dignum - Center for Humanities Studies ~ Senigallia ~ Italy)
Text:
This study explores the dynamic integration of pagan symbols into early Christian art during the High Middle Ages (4th-10th centuries), with a focus on their transformation into sacred forms. By analyzing a wide range of artifacts, iconography and architectural transitions from pagan to Christian sanctuaries, the research elucidates how art played a pivotal role in the propagation of new religious ideologies, fostering a synthesis of diverse cultural and spiritual traditions. The research delves into various aspects of material culture, each of which bears testimony to the fluid exchange between pagan and Christian elements. One example includes the adaptation of the basilica, originally a Roman architectural form, which was repurposed to serve as a Christian worship space, thus symbolizing the nascent church's ability to transform existing structures for its spiritual needs. Dendritic analysis reveals intricate patterns of influence and transformation, highlighting the role of early art as a bridge between diverse faith traditions. This method uncovers subtle interconnections in visual motifs and theological narratives, offering perspectives on how sacred art functioned as a means of both continuity and change. Historical precedents discussed in this paper provide insights into the ongoing contemporary debate regarding the role of modern sacred art in a pluralistic society. By examining how early Christian art integrated and sanctified pagan elements, this research underscores the potential for art to mediate and harmonize contrasting belief systems, fostering a richer and more inclusive cultural tapestry. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the enduring capacity of sacred art to transcend temporal and cultural boundaries, offering a commentary on the interplay between tradition and innovation in shaping shared spiritual landscapes.