Pheonix Imagery in Early Christian Art

Authors

Annie Spach

Keywords

Early Christian symbolism, phoenix imagery, resurrection and immortality, Christological majesty, late antique iconography

Abstract

In Early Christianity, often Christians used popular symbols that would point back to greater truths taught in their new faith. This paper discusses how early Christians followed his council through the use of the imperial representation of the phoenix rather than the common representation, highlighting their belief in resurrection, the majesty of Christ and their hope for eternal life given to all believers, while also speaking to a greater tradition outside of Christianity. The continued use of the phoenix as a symbol of resurrection, renewal, immortality and eternal life in the paradise of God is discussed, as well as the change over time as the type of phoenix portrayed was not changed but the central theme shifted to emphasize majesty of Jesus Christ in connection to the majesty of the Imperial court. The paper contends that while the use of the phoenix changed, the imperial portrayal of the phoenix was maintained across Late Antiquity.

BYU ScholarsArchive Citation

Spach, Annie. "Pheonix Imagery in Early Christian Art." Studia Antiqua 24, no. 1 (2025). https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/studiaantiqua/vol24/iss1/5