Many cultures use art and architecture to designate sacred
places. Dura-Europos Baptistery in Syria
from 240 CE, and Great Stupa at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India, from 3rd
century BC illustrate how different cultures used art and architecture to
depict their own culture’s sacred space.
Dura-Europos
Baptistery demonstrate how early Christianity depicted sacred place with the
use of many images related to Christian faith. Jesus’ tomb is depicted with 2
women, which represents baptism because it is symbol of being buried with
Christ, then being raised out of the water, just as Jesus was raised from
death. Many depictions of Jesus making miracles are present. They emphasize Jesus’
power. In addition, there’s a depiction of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, and Adam
and Eve. These are aspects of Christianity understood by earliest communities,
and depict Dura-Europos Baptistery as a sacred place.
The Great Stupa at Sanchi is a
Buddhist structure that use art and architecture to depict itself as sacred
place. It has reliefs showing scenes
from the Buddha’s life, along with lotuses, animals, and geometric shapes,
which are motifs of Buddhism. It is covered with white plaster to give it a
shining look, as if to make it look like it is lighting. The dome has a railing
at the top, which represents home of the gods at the top of cosmic mountain,
and makes the stupa divine.
First of all, manhi gomawo for your comment!
ReplyDeleteYour thesis statement is informative and direct to the point. You should also mention that the lotus represented purity in Buddhism which was central. I like how you mentioned the white plaster giving the "shining" effect; that's important. I'd just mention that the Jesus as the Good Shepherd depiction emphasized his holiness; above the original sinners Adam and Eve. Your essay was really on point!