Art of Late Antiquity Captivates Viewers

Written by Mihalis A.

(2012)

          I found the current exhibition Transition to Christianity: Art of Late Antiquity, 3rd -7^th Century A.D. at the Onassis Cultural Center in Manhattan to be quite interesting, as the art was magnificent. It was a unique opportunity to see the advanced techniques used by artists who lived so many years ago. The detail in the golden medallion was so minute in size, yet so precise and elegant. The realistic deep cuts in the beard and hair of the bust of a man gave such a feeling of life. The idea of two Christs in a plate with an image depicting the Last Supper is intensely thought provoking. Overall, the featured artifacts are truly remarkable.

         What I liked most in the exhibition however, was not the artifacts themselves, but the ideas they symbolized and the hidden meanings that spoke more about ancient society. Our tour guide, an art historian from Columbia University, was so gracious enough as to explain the artifacts and their significance. Through his expertise, I was able to understand how Christianity and paganism coexisted as Christianity rose and became dominant. To think that pagan statuettes of gods such as Roma and Dionysius were found in a Corinthian house during this time is peculiar for the time period and very interesting. In addition, artifacts found near the Acropolis of a jar with a knife covered in pig remains and then sealed for preservation are an exciting find. This reveals how pagan sacrifice was still occurring while it was illegal and was most likely done at this specific place for a reason. It emits an air of secrecy, dissent and a strong urge to keep past beliefs alive.

            This exhibit not only showed me art in transition, but also how people reacted to this change as well. Some embraced it completely, forgetting their old ways. Others incorporated it into their lifestyles while holding onto ideas with which they had always identified. Some, however, fought against Christian influence and clung onto those ideas which they held dear and to themselves.