preferred the use of one medium. Fragments of delicate
masterpieces from this era are still extant in sculpture,
portraits, textiles, and other productions. Coptic
sculpture has been described as “painting in stone: the
designs simple ... the background cut away to give deep
strongly contrasting shadows ...” In time this colouristic
art of the Copts was to penetrate all of Europe.^3
The Copts endeavoured to convey a spiritual
meaning through their art. It is feasible to say that it is
this spiritual content together with its decorative value
which attracted European Schools of Art. Baroque and
other styles of art were influenced by it to a large extent.^4
This tendency to give spiritual meaning to their art
may account for the fact that the only signature with
which most of the artists of the early centuries sealed their
creativeness was: “O Lord, those who have laboured for
Thee, remember Thou in Thy Kingdom”.^5
Besides the artists, there were also the writers.
One outstanding author of this period is Cosmos who
travelled through many lands in A.D., 512. On his return,
he set himself to writing a description of his travels. His
book is still extant, though in fragments, and is entitled “a
Description f Lands in Accordance with Christianity”.
Here is a passage extracted from is book: “In the island
of Taprona (Ceylon) there is a church with a priest and a
congregation of devout believers. And I do not know if
the Faith has gone farther or not because I did not venture
beyond the limits of this island. There is also a church in
the region called Maal (Malabar), where pepper grows;
and another in the region known as Kalyan (near
Bombay). Its bishop is elected from Persia, who also
shepherds the faithful on the island of Dioscoris
(Sukutura) in the Indian Ocean ... priets and a multitude
elle
(Elle)
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