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Because not all art is intended to be accurate — it might be symbolic. The linked example shows blue/purple clothes, which were limited to the elite. Like the a
by abrowne 8y ago
Because not all art is intended to be accurate — it might be symbolic. The linked example shows blue/purple clothes, which were limited to the elite. Like the article says, this is used to show a royal status, not that it was what he actually wore.
- Mikeb85 8y agoAnd the earliest Christian art was almost entirely symbolic - fish, lambs, wheel cross, chi-rho, etc... Even if elements of iconography are symbolic, they could have easily made Jesus look any way they want, yet the standard 'Byzantine' Jesus icon gives him dark features and slightly curled hair. Seems close enough, and none of the earliest art (either purely symbolic or very Roman - possibly to hide from persecution) seems any more accurate.