Scena narodzenia Chrystusa w ikonografii wczesnochrześcijańskiej

Abstract

Christmas came into being in consequence of developement of Christology and emphasizing the importance of the bodily Nativity of Christ. The date of its appearance is not exactly known. The first mention on it is in the Dionysus Philocalus Cale dar from 354 (the notice itself was drawn up in 336). It seems that very soon after Christm as was set up Christian iconography created a new subject – Nativity of Christ. At first it was very sketchy, but about the middle of 4th century it considerably developed what is visible for in stance on the saracophagus of Adelphia (343-345, Syracuse. National Museum). Its formulation, basing on Old Testament and evangelical describes, is rather historical than ideological. It changes decidedly only in 6th century when a new type of the scene of Nativity appears, refering to apocryphal writings (it’s iconography was got from the pagan scene illustrating Nativity of Dionysus), and even exceeding beyond of their contents – I mean the quite new motive of the First Bath of Christ. Iconographical developement of Nativity of Christ tendend to the best illustrating not only of the historical but also ideological (dogmatic and eschatological) contents of this great event. Until 7th century the scene of Nativity appears entirely in relief (in 4th century only on sacrophagus, later also on ivory, reliquary, jewellery).