Christian Symbols Essay

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Christian icons are evident in many early works of Christian art. The use of icons and symbolism was important in early Christianity as it was used to educate many of the early followers of Christianity who were illiterate. “Gregory the Great and Three Scribes” and “Lamentation” by Giotto are two works of art that use Christian symbolism to visually teach Christian ideals and beliefs to its followers. “Gregory the Great and Three Scribes” is an ivory panel was carved in the late 9th century and the artist is unknown. (University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts, 2010) The carving depicts St Gregory sitting writing with a dove perched on his shoulder. St Gregory was pope from 590 – 604 and wrote many of the doctrines and principles followed by the Catholic Church, these writing were thought to be inspired by God. “Almost all the leading principles of the later Catholicism are found, at any rate in germ, in Gregory the Great.” (Knight, 2009) The dove in the carving is intended to show that St Gregory’s writing are inspired by the Holy Spirit and therefore God. Doves are used throughout Christian art to depict many beliefs. In modern times the dove has many meanings, it can represent; the Holy Ghost, peace, and innocence. “There are also different meanings for different colored doves. Christ redeeming man with his blood is symbolized by the red dove. The diversity of the 12 prophets is symbolized by the speckled dove.” (Parsons, 2011) In “Gregory the Great and Three Scribes” the write dove is used to represent the Holy Spirit. This was important as it taught that the text written by St Gregory was inspired by God. Another work of art that has many Christian symbols is “Lamentation” by Giotto in 1305-1306. This fresco depicts the mourning of Christ’s death as told in the bible, Matthew 27:59. The painting is part of several works of art done by Giotto in the

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