Art of Empire: Christian Art in Its Imperial Context

The Art of Empire contends that the art and imagery of Late Antiquity requires a deeper understanding of the context of the imperial period before and after Constantine. The chapters treat an aspect of the relationship between early Christian art and the rituals, practices, or imagery of the Empire. The long-held belief that Christian art’s beginnings can be simply understood by Constantine’s acceptance of the religion and the imperial cult must be reconsidered. These chapters offer a fresh perspective on the development of Christian art in its imperial background.