Christian representation
Monumental buildings – Visualization – Exhibition
The overall concept of the book “De sacris aedificiis a Constantino Magno constructis” written by Giovanni Guistino Ciampini is the Christian representation. Of course, all these buildings are built by Constantino and for this he is one of the most important man in this book, but the Christian church even gave him this opportunity to build on this scale in the first place. So, this book shows especially the size and power of the Christianity and how they represent themselves toward the world.
The first thing that stands out is the type of buildings that are shown in the book. It is not about general roman house styles but about religious monumental buildings which are all built by Constantino. It shows a general overview of the buildings but also some specific aspects, like the statues or the filigree pattern on the walls. As a result, these details should demonstrate the importance and the position of the Christian religion as the most powerful religion of the world, from their perspective.
The great collection of drawings is an important tool too. It shows us among others some of the details of construction and ornaments. They help to have a visual idea of the engravings and constructions beside the text. I think the visualization is the most important concept of the book because if you either don’t understand the text, which is probably complex, or you don’t even know the language, the drawings give you some information about the context and just the beauty of design.
At last, this book is also an exhibition of what Constantino have done for the Christianity. It should clarify the value but also the care accuracy as the churches, monasteries and baptisteries are built. The book is not only a list of the great work Constantino has done but also the enrichment of the Christian church for the architecture and the whole culture.
I think the Christian representation is here so important because the religion wants that everybody know exactly who built these buildings, how they are built und also the history behind all these churches and other buildings for the Christianity. It should impress the reader about the quantity but also the quality with which love to details everything is built.