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The Catacombs of St. Callixtus: History, Archaeology, Faith
Anyone reading the title of this book at a glance, might think that it is just another guidebook to Rome's most famous underground cemeteries. But a look at the contents shows that it is something different and in many ways new. Both in the originality of some chapters and in its main purpose, the book is addressed primarily to non-specialists and above all to young people. The book includes chronological tables and clear maps of the catacomb as well as a series of colored photographs which are excellent visual aids.
184 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1992
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February 20, 2023
This is another one of the guidebooks, I'm re-reading in preparation for a return to Italy in March. This one deals with the Christian Catacombs along the Appian way, identified with Pope Callixtus I. Baruffa gives a pretty comprehensive look at these catacombs and of the Christian art found within it. In particular, he focuses on the initial excavations by De Rossi, who he quotes extensively. He goes literally room by room, outlining both the art and the inscriptions, giving details on who was buried there, in so far as he can. It is a very detailed account and useful for understanding the full scope of the book.
But two caveats:
First, the detail is pretty fine grained. That is, he literally talks about every inscription, every painting, which I found a little overwhelming. Some inscriptions have next to no information about them, so that can be confusing.
Second, the tone is relentlessly Catholic. Now, that isn't really a problem for me, as a Christian, I can resonate with it, but I note it for readers of my reviews who are not. The reverential tone can be off putting, I think, so be ready for it.
However, this is an important book on the Christian catacombs and helps illuminate Christian burial practices in antiquity, the make-up of the Church in Rome in the early Christian period and gives a clear impression of Christian art of that era.
But two caveats:
First, the detail is pretty fine grained. That is, he literally talks about every inscription, every painting, which I found a little overwhelming. Some inscriptions have next to no information about them, so that can be confusing.
Second, the tone is relentlessly Catholic. Now, that isn't really a problem for me, as a Christian, I can resonate with it, but I note it for readers of my reviews who are not. The reverential tone can be off putting, I think, so be ready for it.
However, this is an important book on the Christian catacombs and helps illuminate Christian burial practices in antiquity, the make-up of the Church in Rome in the early Christian period and gives a clear impression of Christian art of that era.
Displaying 1 of 1 review