Compare and contrast the representation of weight and space in the painting of The Good Shepherd in the Catacomb of Saints Pietro and Marcellino and the mosaic of Justinian and Attendants in Ravenna's Church of San Vitale. Devote and space.

In your third paragraph discuss the different social, economic and artistic concerns that determined the design and materials used for each project

These sites may be of help.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=analysis%2C+The+Good+Shepherd+in+the+Catacomb+of+Saints+Pietro+and+Marcellino+&btnG=Google+Search

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To compare and contrast the representation of weight and space in the painting of The Good Shepherd in the Catacomb of Saints Pietro and Marcellino and the mosaic of Justinian and Attendants in Ravenna's Church of San Vitale, we will need to analyze the artworks individually and then examine their differences.

First, let's consider The Good Shepherd painting in the Catacomb of Saints Pietro and Marcellino. This painting is located in an underground burial chamber and is one of the earliest Christian artworks. The representation of weight in this painting is relatively subdued. The figure of The Good Shepherd is depicted as youthful and slim, and there is less emphasis on his physicality and weight. The artists used a simple and relatively modest style, with minimal shading and use of light and shadow. The surrounding space is depicted in a more abstract manner, with the absence of a distinct landscape or architectural background.

In contrast, the mosaic of Justinian and Attendants in Ravenna's Church of San Vitale is a more elaborate and grandiose artwork. Mosaic is a technique that involves thousands of tiny, colored glass or stone pieces to create intricate patterns and images. In this mosaic, the representation of weight is more pronounced. Justinian and his attendants are depicted wearing rich, heavy garments that give a sense of the weight and opulence associated with their status. The artists utilized the reflective properties of the glass and stone pieces to create a sense of depth and three-dimensionality. The surrounding space is depicted with architectural elements, such as columns and arches, which create a sense of grandeur and give the image a more defined spatial context.

Moving on to the social, economic, and artistic concerns that determined the design and materials used for each project:

The Catacomb of Saints Pietro and Marcellino was an underground burial chamber associated with the early Christian community. These catacombs served as a space for commemoration and the burial of the deceased. The artists in this context were likely primarily concerned with creating simple and symbolic representations that conveyed the spiritual and religious messages of Christianity. The materials used would have depended on the available resources, which were likely limited in comparison to the resources available for later, more grandiose projects.

In contrast, the mosaic of Justinian and Attendants in Church of San Vitale was created during the Byzantine Empire at a time of political and religious power. Emperor Justinian was known for his desire to beautify and glorify his empire through grand architectural projects. The materials used in the mosaic, such as the colored glass and stone pieces, would have been more costly and luxurious, reflecting the empire's wealth and status. The artistic concerns in this context were likely focused on showcasing imperial grandeur and reflecting the Byzantine artistic style.

Overall, while both artworks convey religious themes, the techniques and materials used in each project were influenced by the social, economic, and artistic concerns of their respective contexts. The Good Shepherd painting in the catacomb emphasizes spiritual symbolism in a simpler style, while the mosaic of Justinian and Attendants showcases imperial grandeur using more elaborate materials and techniques.