The Skull in the Catacombs

During a recent trip to Italy, I had the opportunity to explore the Catacombs of San Gennaro in Naples. The experience was eye-opening, and I learned much about the history of these burial sites. The tombs themselves were pre-Christian that were later used by early Christians for burials, worship, and baptisms. Medieval frescoes and artwork dominated the space as later Christians continued to utilize the catacombs, which instilled a sacredness preserved by the memory of the Church. Walking through the catacombs and reflecting on its unique history invites one to participate in the collective experience of these early Christians and I felt privileged to reflect and learn from what they left behind.

As I followed the tour guide through the narrow stone aisles and ducked under the low arched entryways into the larger burial chambers, I noticed that skeletons were reoccurring decorations on the walls along with other art. Some of more macabre works included real skulls placed into the walls with the rest of their bodies drawn by the artists, and one skeleton assembled by piecing together different bones from others. At first, it was strange and unsettling to witness this. But I realized that it was a message for those who found themselves wandering the tombs, either back then to visit a loved one, or now for those like me touring the area. The prominent symbols of death in the catacombs and this one in particular, represent the universal reality of death.

Reconfigured skeleton, with the skull removed. Catacombs of San Gennaro.

If we compare the messaging of this type of art with how we understand these images in our context, we experience dissonance. Although skeletons and skulls mean similar things in our respective contexts, we do not tend to theologize or reflect further on the symbolism today. These images can conjure up a wide array of associations, but is ultimately known as something to avoid, not contemplate. For example, we typically associate the skull and crossbones with a rebellious phase, or something more eerie. Whether it is tattooed, seen on warning labels, used for Halloween, or cinematically shown in horror films, these images do not mix with other Christian symbols. But like in the catacombs, this image is so much more. Within proximity to images of Jesus and in the sacred place of Christian burial and ritual practice, the skeletons and skulls are fundamentally a theological symbol.

The message was clear as I observed all the iconography in this eerie yet sacred space: we all end up in the catacombs. In this life, regardless of the wealth we have accumulated or the status achieved, we will all find ourselves unified by this sobering reality. But the way that Christians dealt with this, especially as depicted here, was not cause for despair or hopelessness. Although in one sense it was a grim reminder of our temporary residence on earth, it was also a reminder of the victory of Christ over death. In this setting, the skeleton and skulls were depicted in relation to the work of Jesus, thus redeeming and transforming them.

Fresco of the Monastery of San Marco, Florence, 1437

This theme also extends beyond the catacombs. As I visited the impressive art museums in Rome or Florence, or in other places like Chicago or Glasgow, Christian art is replete with imagery referencing the dual ideas of victory and death. For instance, many depictions of the crucifixion feature a skull at the foot of the cross. The skull in this position can reference Golgotha, "the place of the Skull" or it can represent Christ's victory. The dour and graphic depictions of the crucifixion serves to further heighten this tension. Even as it seems that death possesses a gruesome grip on our world, Christ's sacrifice is triumphal. The universal reality of death is broken and redeemed, and in his work on the cross, lies the offer of salvation.

Crucifixtion Diptych by Rogier van der Weyden, c. 1460

This imagery is seen in other artwork as well. Caravaggio’s depiction of Jerome writing with the skull sitting beside his work is a well-known piece. As Jerome is engrossed in his work at his old age, the skull reminds him, as it does us, of our mortality. Yet, even with the unpleasant reminder at his desk, he can do nothing else but write. He is not resigned to his eventual end. His obsession with his work is an attempt to fight his demise and realize his goals. It is like when the Psalmist says, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). The skull invites us to rethink what we deem meaningful in this life. It causes us to reorder our lives in light of death and eternity. Like Jerome, it helps us to reflect on our purpose, and to apply wisdom to our endeavors.

St. Jerome Writing, by Caravaggio, 1605