Question

Select two symbols portrayed within the Catacomb of Priscilla. Discuss their representation and how these symbols connect to the overall intention of this space.

Answer 1

The Catacombs of Priscilla is a holy burial for the Priscilla family in their villa and the early Christian community. There's many depictions of the testaments focused on the teachings of Christ.

In one scene there is a Roman painting of a woman in a veil which is actually the same woman painted continuously 3 times alongside, in reference to the deceased woman buried in that space. On the left and right the woman is satisfying the testaments teachings for salvation.On the left she is being married with a seeded bishop officiating symbolizing marriage . To the right we see her seated in the chair nursing - which chair was the chair used for childbirth symbolizing motherhood . Ultimately, In the center she is in a pose called arrant which is a pose of prayer to represent the woman in the afterlife resurrected looking upward, referring to her holy salvation.