Author Description

In this book, Dominus legem dat, labeled the most debated motif in early Christian art, is dealt with in all its different contexts, particularly Roman sarcophagi, where it most often occurs. In light of concurrent Roman funerary art, it offers a new understanding of the function of biblical motifs on sarcophagi, and a number of contemporary Christian texts are presented as a key for the interpretation of the so-called “traditio legis” composition. This first, richly illustrated monograph on the motif argues that it originated in Old St. Peter’s Basilica, substantiated by a broad discussion of its historical and theological context. A catalog of all occurrences is included.