THE MAUSOLEUM OF SANTA COSTANZA
THE FIRST CHRISTIAN MOSAICS
The Mausoleum was built in the mid-4th century to house the relics of Constantina, daughter of Constantine, venerated by the Catholic Church under the name of Saint Costanza.
According to legend, Costanza, suffering from an incurable disease, went to the tomb of Saint Agnes in Rome, where she was miraculously healed and converted to Christianity.
The wonderful Christian mosaics that decorate the vaults of the Mausoleum are among the oldest still preserved in Rome.
The mosaic decorations alternate geometric motifs with naturalistic scenes.
The abstract geometries, inspired by the floors of Roman domus of pagan tradition, are contrasted by depictions of a free nature, enriched by plant elements such as flowers and fruit, animals such as doves and peacocks, and Christian baptismal symbols such as amphorae, cups and saucers.
The mausoleum of Santa Costanza represents an exceptional testimony to the transition from traditional pagan themes to early Christian art.
The campaign shots immortalize the purity and bliss of Saint Costanza, both in the Mausoleum dedicated to her and in the Kingdom of Heaven.
