It really is amazing how many early images of Peter and Paul there are! I could only include a few.
I see why it can be confusing. I included it to illustrate the difference between the Romulus/Remus myth and Christian brotherhood exemplified by Peter and Paul. There is a common archetype of “twin brothers” being at odds with one another in many cultures, e.g. Romulus and Remus, and also Cain and Abel in the Biblical canon. Both of those stories ended with murder but Peter and Paul’s did not. These stories share symbolic patterns. We can see many parallels between the stories that highlight the extraordinary nature of Christianity and how it transforms the world. Symbolism happens in reality and history and is not only relegated to myth as we see in the Christian story and history of the Church.
Another beautiful and thoughtful post- I never cease to be amazed by your ability to write so well and extensively while caring for small children. You really have a gift for this.
One very minor observation: I am struck by the generally high artistic quality of the fresco and so I am puzzled by the very awkward rendition of Christ’s feet and the hem of his toga. Was something changed at the last moment? Was a figure of Caelus underfoot (as in the Junius Bassus sarcophagus) planned and then not included? I doubt there any way to answer this…
The True Dualities of our faith: of the Triune God (both One God and Three Persons); of Jesus Christ's Hypostatic Union (both fully God and fully Man); and of the Holy Eucharist (both Real Body and Precious Blood)...
Finds a beautiful companion piece in this exposition of the both/ands of Saints Peter and Paul. Two pillars of stone, two brothers of The Lord, two sinners who gave final witness with fidelity in Our Lord's mission to "Follow Me!"
The challenge for us in this hour is not only to keep these images and reflections alive but to share them as seeds awaiting Sonlight like our spiritual parents did in the darkness of the catacombs of Rome.
Thank you for posting this wonderful set of mosaics and frescos. Saints Peter and Paul, patrons of Antioch and Chiefs among the Holy Apostles, pray for us! ☦️🌐
The consistency in the physical description portrayed in these very early images does support an idea of what these men actually looked like.✔️ Many Eastern Icons of the Feast show Peter and Paul embracing one another or, together, supporting an Image of the Holy Church between them. 😌 I do like the portrayal of the centrality of Christ as "Law Giver" 📖 in the form of a 'modified' reverse Deisis Icon with P&P 'receiving' in lieu of the Theotokos & Forerunner🕯️📿 supplicating.
I suppose including the pagan mars altar had some meaningful purpose, but I'm not seeing 🤷🏻♂️ the romulus rhemus analogy as particularly valid. Perhaps it's just a cultural thing about Western Latin statuary and Eastern Orthodox Holy Iconography? [3D vs 2D] Grace and Peace to you, 🎣 🗝️ 📜 🗡️ ♥️ ⛲ 🔥Happy Feast!
This is excellent. Reminds me of when I read Margherita Guarducci about the tomb of St. Peter her artistic proofs for the Roman/Petrine Primacy. Subscribed!
It really is amazing how many early images of Peter and Paul there are! I could only include a few.
I see why it can be confusing. I included it to illustrate the difference between the Romulus/Remus myth and Christian brotherhood exemplified by Peter and Paul. There is a common archetype of “twin brothers” being at odds with one another in many cultures, e.g. Romulus and Remus, and also Cain and Abel in the Biblical canon. Both of those stories ended with murder but Peter and Paul’s did not. These stories share symbolic patterns. We can see many parallels between the stories that highlight the extraordinary nature of Christianity and how it transforms the world. Symbolism happens in reality and history and is not only relegated to myth as we see in the Christian story and history of the Church.
Jacob and Esau 😏 🥘 😋 🐐
James and John ⛈️ 🦅🗡️ ✍🏼
Peter & Andrew 🇻🇦 🏴 🇺🇦 🎣
Εηρηνι Σοφία Χάρης Αγάπη Δόξα
Happy feast!
Another beautiful and thoughtful post- I never cease to be amazed by your ability to write so well and extensively while caring for small children. You really have a gift for this.
One very minor observation: I am struck by the generally high artistic quality of the fresco and so I am puzzled by the very awkward rendition of Christ’s feet and the hem of his toga. Was something changed at the last moment? Was a figure of Caelus underfoot (as in the Junius Bassus sarcophagus) planned and then not included? I doubt there any way to answer this…
Thank you so much Barbara. Most of the research I did for this piece came from my undergrad Classics thesis. It was fun to revisit.
That is a good observation. I wonder if it was a botched restoration job.
The True Dualities of our faith: of the Triune God (both One God and Three Persons); of Jesus Christ's Hypostatic Union (both fully God and fully Man); and of the Holy Eucharist (both Real Body and Precious Blood)...
Finds a beautiful companion piece in this exposition of the both/ands of Saints Peter and Paul. Two pillars of stone, two brothers of The Lord, two sinners who gave final witness with fidelity in Our Lord's mission to "Follow Me!"
The challenge for us in this hour is not only to keep these images and reflections alive but to share them as seeds awaiting Sonlight like our spiritual parents did in the darkness of the catacombs of Rome.
Yes, Peter and Paul complement each other so wonderfully.
I love the comparison and contrast of Peter and Paul with Romulus and Remus.
And I thought it was just a note ... full comment to follow after I digest this.
Great post. Fresh and Ancient.
⚓ Semper Fortis! 🌊 🇺🇲
Blessed Forth Ahead 🗽
Thank you for posting this wonderful set of mosaics and frescos. Saints Peter and Paul, patrons of Antioch and Chiefs among the Holy Apostles, pray for us! ☦️🌐
The consistency in the physical description portrayed in these very early images does support an idea of what these men actually looked like.✔️ Many Eastern Icons of the Feast show Peter and Paul embracing one another or, together, supporting an Image of the Holy Church between them. 😌 I do like the portrayal of the centrality of Christ as "Law Giver" 📖 in the form of a 'modified' reverse Deisis Icon with P&P 'receiving' in lieu of the Theotokos & Forerunner🕯️📿 supplicating.
I suppose including the pagan mars altar had some meaningful purpose, but I'm not seeing 🤷🏻♂️ the romulus rhemus analogy as particularly valid. Perhaps it's just a cultural thing about Western Latin statuary and Eastern Orthodox Holy Iconography? [3D vs 2D] Grace and Peace to you, 🎣 🗝️ 📜 🗡️ ♥️ ⛲ 🔥Happy Feast!
This is excellent. Reminds me of when I read Margherita Guarducci about the tomb of St. Peter her artistic proofs for the Roman/Petrine Primacy. Subscribed!
Thank you! That book looks fascinating! Thanks for the recommendation.
Yes. She is the one who verified and identified the bones of Peter. A great archeologist.