FIRST CHRISTIAN ART.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16749, 2 June 1922, Page 10

FIRST CHRISTIAN ART.

VISIT TO ROME TOMBS. CHAMBERS OF TREASURES •nv© recent discovery of the Hypogeum, near the Porta Maggior© ,n Home, with its wonderful frescoes, which has excited universal interest among archaeologists, is one of the most important connected with the early Christian era that have been made for a consider able period, writes Mr C. .T. S. Thompson, curator of the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum, London. As already announced, this ancient underground sepulchre was unearthed when excavating for the foundations of n municipal garage within the walls of the ancient city. When preparing the ground some time ago, the workmen struck into the cavity forming the entrance, which was hidden under a rubbish heap. The site is one of groat historical interest and is situated at the Viale Manzoni, between the Porta Alagiore and the Via. St Croce. Here was the ancient road constructed by Servius Tullius that led to the Porta Esquilina, where it joined the Via Labicina. Close by was the junction of the great aqueducts where the Emperor Claudius erected the temple of the Old Hope in the year 272, after which no burials were allowed within the city walls. This is important-. as the Hrpogcum recently discovered is within the walls, and therefore must have been constructed before that date. WORK OF MASTER HAND. Under the experienced guidance <.f Professor Nespi Landi, I was privileged to inspect the whole of the underground chambers recently discovered. The entrance from the surface is by two deep brick steps, which give access to a chamber about twenty feet square and sixteen feet high, the walls and roof of which are covered with stucco of a grey colour. At the four comers are frescoes representing female figures :n colour, but they are now somewhat indistinct. Again descending through an archway, seventeen steps give entrance into a larger and more beautiful chamber, the walls and arch-roof of which are ornately decorated with frescoes iu colour of- the greatest interest. On each wall, on two sides of the chamber, are shelves or niches for depositing the dead, below which are cavities about 3ft 6in in depth below the floor level lor the same our pose. In one of these are still to b© seen the remains of n human skeleton, consisting of part of a skull, arm and legbones and pelvis. On the walls above attention is at once arrested by the- series of paintings of figures, twelve in number, which, there is little doubt, represent the Apostles. The figures, which are about three-quarter life size, are all in standing position, about two feet apart, and continue halfway round the chamber. As the eye becomes accustomed to the colour, they appear to stand out and almost take shape, so skilfully have they been painted. One is struck with the fine quality of the artistic work, which is much superior to what has hitherto been discovered of paintings in Roman times. The heads of tlx© figures are especially well executed, and have evidently been delineated by a master hand of the time. The colouring is sombre in tone, and is a combination of rich brown and terra-cotta red, a little blue and green being blended into the costumes. ST PETERS VIGOUR. Recognition of each figure is difficult, but two, which most probably may be St Peter and St Paul, are in better condition than the others and appear to have been executed with greater care. The face gf St Peter is strongly characteristic, and is executed with vigour and power. The expression on the face of is much milder and benign All the figures are bearded, garbed in the toga, and barefooted, none being represented wearing sandals. Whether they are actual portraits of the Apostles or not, it is impossible to say, but they are undoubtedly the earliest known representations , and, Professor Nespi Landi thinks, could not hav© been executed later than the early part of the second century. Some brides discovered n few days ago bear the date of 137, which corroborates his view. LONG-TAILED SHEEP. The roof of the chamber is vaulted, nd is decorated with lines in terracotta rod, birds and animals being introduced in tho ct rners. In the first arch is a remarkable painting depicting the side of a. hill with shrubs and loos© rocks, on which a number of sheep arc grazing. Near tho ton of the hill is a seated figure holding a scroll, thouglit very probably to represent Christ. The sheep are notable for having straight horns and long tails, and are similar to a breed still to bo found in Svria and Palestine. In the next arch is a scene representing the garden of a Roman villa., containing many figures and animals, but this is nartly obliterated. Below, as if in a cave-, is a scene depicting some nude figures approaching hand-in-hand to what seems to be a stream or fountain as renresentecl in ancient votive terra-cottas of healing springs, with a female figure standing by in 7>lace of the presiding nymph usually depicted. On the loft is a seated figure of a bearded man in costume with right arm extended. This picture may represent a healing spring or a place of Christian baptism. On tho right side of the chamber is a cornice and nlinth of a large doorway constructed of Roman tiles ornamented in conventional design but still partly covered. The floor of the chamber recently excavated has Teve-aled a mosaic pavement in perfect condition of black and white stone, which throws a light on the original owner of the sepulchre. It bears an inscription mentioning these names : Aurelius Onesimus; Aurelius Paper ius; the virgin Aurelia Prim a ; and Aurelius Felicissimus. PALE BLUE PERSIAN CAT. It therefore seems probable that the Hypogeum was constructed by a wealthy Christian in either the first or second century as a burial place for his family. Again descending by four deep steps of' brick, entrance is given to another chamber, the walls of which are also ? cue coed and decorated in colour; but the work here is not so fine nor in so good condition hut several of the fresa*® interesting. ‘7 lie decorations at the cornel's of the arches consist of peacocks well executed in colour, while in others are representations of sea-horses. Above one of these the picture of vrhat appears to b© a Persian cat is noticeable, painted in pale blue. Around the lower part of the walls in this chamber are also niches or shelves, six in number, for depositing human remains, but up to the v»rosent only one skeleton has been found Within the arches of the roof single figures are painted, male and female, holding wands for blessing. The lowest level reached up to now is between 30 and 40 feet below the sur-

face of the ground. The chambers are skilfully ventilated by means of circular holes which communicate with the passages or stairways by which descent is made.

Tt is hoped that further excavations may lead to still more interesting and important discoveries, but those already uncovered are undoubtedly of great archaeological value. Some of the pictures are now being carefully copied in case of deterioration exposure to tho air. and they have also been photographed, and every effort is being made by the Government experts to preserve these remarkable paintings, which are rightly •believed to be of the greatest historical importance.