Contents

List of Illustrations

Abbreviations

Foreword

Introduction

Chapter One Baptismal Iconography in Catacomb

Introduction: Evidence and Method

1.1. Early Christian Painting

1.1.1. Catacomb of Callixtus

1.1.2. Catacomb of Domitilla

1.1.3. Catacomb of Peter and Marcellinus

1.1.4. The Catacomb of St. Ermete (Bassilla)

1.2. Discussion

1.2.1. Identification of the Scenes and the Figures

1.2.2. Contextual and Programmatic Analysis

1.2.3. Ancient Prayer for the Dead as Iconographic Source

1.2.4. Typological Interpretation of Scripture as Iconographic Source

Conclusion

Chapter Two Baptismal Iconography on Sacrophagus and Grave Beliefs

Introduction: Early Christian Sarcophagi

2.1. Iconography of Early Christian Sarcophagi

2.1.1. Italian Sarcophagi

2.1.2. Gallican and Spanish Sarcophagi

2.1.3. Marble Grave Marker from Aquileia

2.2. Discussion

2.2.1. The Third figure in the Baptism Scene

2.2.2. Moses/Peter Striking the Rock

2.2.3. Jesus’ Foot Washing and Pilate’s Hand Washing

Conclusion

Chapter Three Baptismal Iconography in Ivory, Glass, and Mosaic

Introduction: Transformation of Christian Visual Art in theFourth and Fifth Centuries

3.1. Baptismal Iconography in Non-Funerary Art

3.1.1. Minor Arts: Ivories

3.1.2. Minor Arts: Glass

3.1.3. Mosaics

3.2. Discussion

3.2.1. The Dove’s Beak as Source of Holy Water, Oil, or Breath

3.2.2. Attendant Angel(s)

3.2.3. Personification of the Jordan River

3.2.4 Christological Implications of the Orthodox and Arian BaptisteryIconography

Conclusion

Chapter Four Aspects of Baptismal Images in Light of Early Liturgical Documents

Introduction: Intersections of Image and Text

4.1. Baptismal Settings: Outdoor Versus Indoor Spaces

4.2. Water and Its Application

4.2.1. Importance of Flowing or “Living” Water

4.2.2. Water’s Sanctification

4.2.3. Baptism by Immersion, Affusion, or Aspersion

4.2.4. Vessels for Administering Baptismal Water

4.3. Individuals Involved in the Rite

4.3.1. Recipients

4.3.2. Administrators

4.3.3. Presbyters and Deacons

4.3.4. Deaconesses

4.3.5. Sponsors and Witnesses

4.4. Nakedness and Clothing

4.4.1. Nudity and Modesty; Christians and the Public Baths

4.4.2. The Practice of Nude Baptism

4.4.3. Segregations of the Sexes

4.4.4. Nakedness as Symbolic

4.4.5. Re-Robing in White Garments

4.5. Confirmation: Invocation of the Holy Spirit

4.5.1. Imposition of Hands

4.5.2. The Dove

Conclusion

Chapter Five The Design and Decoration of Early Christian Baptisteries

Introduction

5.1. Purpose Built Baptisteries

5.1.1. The Dura Europos Baptistery

5.1.2. Baptisteries in Italy

5.1.3. Baptisteries at Primuliacum (Gaul) According to Paulinus of Nola

5.1.4. Baptisteries in North Africa

5.2. Discussion: Taxonomy of Structures, Font Shapes, and Placement

5.2.1. Attached Versus Freestanding Baptisteries; Placement Relativeto Basilica Hall

5.2.2. Baptistery Design

5.2.3. Shapes and Depths of Fonts

5.2.4. Ciboria, Footbaths, Water Systems, and Drains

Conclusion

Chapter Six Symbolism in Baptistery Design and Decor Introduction: Visual Symbols and Ritual Actions

Introduction: Visual Symbols and Ritual Actions

6.1. Architectural Prototypes

6.1.1. Baths

6.1.2. Mausolea

6.2. Structural Symbolism

6.2.1. The Octagon

6.2.3. The Font as Womb

6.3. Decorative Motifs

6.3.1. Deer Coming to Water

6.3.2. The Shepherd and His Flock

6.3.3. Fishers and Fish

6.3.4. Christ Giving the Law (Traditio Legis)

6.3.5. Candles and Lamps

6.3.6. Noah’s Ark

6.3.7. Starry Sky

6.3.8. Fruit-Bearing Trees

6.3.9. Cross and Christogram

6.3.10. Birds: Doves, Peacocks, and Phoenix

6.3.11. Apostolic Procession, Saints, and Crowns

6.3.12. New Testament Scenes

Conclusion

Bibliography

Index