Abstract
The presented study deals with the oldest Christian depiction of a phoenix found in the Catacombs of Priscilla in Rome. Since catacomb art is a narrative depiction of biblical stories, it is important to incorporate the motive of phoenix into historical context. The study performs analysis and comparison the links and connections of the phoenix symbol in pagan and Christian thought. As Christian iconography is associated with allegorical symbols, the intention is to anticipate the meaning, origin and etymology of the phoenix symbol. The article therefore summarizes how the symbol and position of the phoenix found in the catacombs evolved from Egyptian myths through Greek and Roman culture to the transformation in Christian literature and Christian thought, especially in the Gospel of John, which connects the symbol of the phoenix with the palm and Lazarus.
Highlights
Introducing the issue, it is necessary to keep in mind that the space in the catacombs was shared by pagans, Jews and Christians
As Christian iconography is associated with allegorical symbols, the intention is to anticipate the meaning, origin and etymology of the phoenix symbol
We focus on the analysis of the symbol of phoenix in early Christian art
Summary
We focus on the analysis of the symbol of phoenix in early Christian art. The phoenix appears in various frescoes, mosaics and paintings as early as the beginning of the 2nd century. His depiction in Christian art was under the auspices of the teachers of the faith, as a symbol of their teaching and as an image of Christ. All his depictions were in accordance with the ideas of rebirth, resurrection or rediscovery, victory and martyrdom. The phoenix appears on a palm tree. In early Christian art, the phoenix is depicted on a mosaic in the dome of the Church of S. The phoenix still appears in a villa in Piazza Armerina – Sicily and near Aquileia.[9]
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