page_title: Catacomb of Saint Thecla
section_title: Recent artwork discoveries
hierarchical_section_title: Catacomb of Saint Thecla / Recent artwork discoveries
caption_attribution_description: English: Image of Paul the Apostle (c. 380 C.E.), found under layers of white calcium deposits in the 4th century catacombs of St. Tecla in RomeEspañol: Imagen de Pablo el Apóstol (datada de ca. 380 C.E.), hallada en las catacumbas de Santa Tecla en Roma (siglo IV) bajo capas de cal que cubrían la pintura.
context_page_description: The Catacomb of Saint Thecla is a Christian catacomb in the city of Rome, near the Via Ostiense and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, in the southern quarter of the ancient city. The catacomb was constructed in the fourth century of the Common Era, linked with a basilica to the saint that is alluded to in literature. Because of the enigmatic endings of the legends of Saint Thecla of Iconium, it is still unknown whether the tomb belongs to the saint or if it belongs to a different noblewoman. Regardless, the tomb is an example of early Christian funerary practice and artwork. The most recent discovery in the catacomb was the depiction of several apostles, hypothesized to be their earliest portrayals. Of particular interest to many is the portrait of the Apostle Paul.
context_section_description: In 2008 (and up until 2010), under the auspices of the Pontifical Commission of Sacred Archaeology, a team led by Barbara Mazzei used laser technology to remove the calcium build-up on the walls of the catacomb. The task was successful and the artwork was exposed, vivid pictures against a backdrop of colours commonly used during the imperial age: red and black. More biblical imagery was revealed, including a portrait of Jesus and the twelve disciples. Portraits of several apostles were revealed too, who appeared to be Peter, John, Andrew, and Paul. These are rendered as the earliest portraits of the apostles. There was also a fresco with a woman at the centre, presumably the buried Thecla.
caption: Paul the Apostle - Catacombs of St. Tecla, c. 380 C.E.
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