The beginning of Christian Art is slated to the end of the second century or the early third century AD. The Early Christian Period, ranging from the year 100 to 500, witnessed spectacular growth in the development & growth of Christianity. During this phase, almost all Christian Artworks were ‘Symbolic,’ used mostly to educate & instruct the masses. They also served as religious mediums, spreading the words of God. Religion was one of the key forces, influencing most art forms, created after the birth of Christ.
Until the year 200, in Rome, religion was a practice of low class and the strong & mighty did not support it. Therefore, the Early Christian Art was restricted to the decoration of hidden places, like Roman catacombs, where Gods were worshipped secretly. ‘Pagan Iconography’ and ‘Roman Art’ style were in a way the foundation of the Early Christian Art, such as the Catacomb Artwork, “The Good Shepherd.” These cryptic places were fashioned to respect the memory of the dead. Constantine, the great Roman emperor, however, issued his ‘Edict of Milan’ in 313 AD for religious tolerance, and declared Christianity as the Roman Empire’s state religion. Now, the Christians could fearlessly come out from the hiding, without the risk of being persecuted.