Determinant apocryphal texts of Christian artistic repertories - doi: 10.4025/actascieduc.v33i2.14323

Abstract

The first Christian images  appeared on catacomb walls and on the surfaces of sarcophagi of burial sites. The main idea was to transmit the definitive possibility of eternal salvation to the faithful. The images also  called upon sacred history and  encouraged Christian piety, besides embellishing burial sites. The gradual emergence of several religious texts, of diverse and controversial content,  stimulated decisions on which writings were canonic and which were apocryphal. At the same time, the tolerance of the Roman Empire towards Christianism caused a proliferation of places where these images could be put. Many new themes appeared, while others (which were) already existent were modified and adapted, strengthening the iconographic repertory from the second century onwards, mainly under the influence of apocryphal books. The images related to the lives of Mary and Jesus, later condemned by the Church, were designed and shaped under ecclesiastic approval, occupying  important places and those of high visibility in religious meeting places.