Oldest Paintings of the Apostles

Archeologists and art restorers have discovered what they believe to be the oldest paintings of the faces of Jesus Christ and the Apostles. The images in the branch of the catacombs of St. Tecla near St. Paul’s Basilica, outside of Ancient Rome under a modern building, were painted at the end of the 4th century and the start of the 5th century.

Art restorers began the restoration project two years ago. The frescoes inside the tomb measured about 2 meters by 2 meters and were covered with a thick layer of calcium carbonate, which resulted from extreme humidity coupled with no air circulation. In order to preserve the paint, restorers used a laser as an optical scalpel to remove the calcium carbonate. The result was very clear images made with extraordinary colors.

Professor Fabrizio Bisconti, head of archeology for Rome’s numerous catacombs, which are maintained by the Vatican, said, “These are the first images that we know of the faces of these four apostles.” Archeologists believe these images may have set the standard for later paintings and portraits.

The full-face icons included the original apostles St. Peter, St. Andrew and St. John and St Paul, who became an apostle after Jesus’ death. Other scenes from the Bible are also depicted, including Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead and Abraham preparing to sacrifice his son Isaac.

While art restorers continue to work, the tomb is only open to specialists.