Historians generally mark the beginning of the Late Antiquity period around the year A.D. 226. The Roman Empire, which later split in two in A.D. 293, was on the brink of disaster. Repeated clashes with barbarians on the northern border of the empire threatened to completely destabilize the empire. The traditional values of the Roman Empire were also threatened by Christianity. Although he initially rejected Christianity, Emperor Theodosius later made it Rome's state religion. The Late Antiquity period ended with the sacking of Rome by Visigoth barbarians in A.D. 410.
Throughout the Late Antiquity period, Roman artists consistently used nudity in their art. This had also been a theme during the preceding Classical era. Artists insisted that nudity represented spiritual purity. It was, therefore, used for the portrayal of saints and Jesus Christ. Animals, real and mythical, such as lambs, griffins and doves were also frequently depicted in Late Antiquity art. Many of these animals were sacred to both Pagan and Christian Romans.
Late Antiquity art pieces were generally very tangible objects. Many Byzantine artists used ivory. They were attracted to ivory because it was smooth, aesthetically pleasing and luxurious, all of which made their art more valuable. Artists made small statues of ivory and also boxes. Copper, silver, marble, and precious stones were frequently used as well, appearing in such diverse works as archways and small statues of animals such as roosters and lions.
Despite the fact they were created over 1,500 years ago, many Late Antiquity art pieces remain in mint condition today. As of 2011, the Louvre in Paris, France, possessed a total of 16 examples of Late Antiquity art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York also has an extensive Late Antiquity art collection. This art that has survived the depredations of time has proved vital to historians in helping them understand the lives and values of the Late Antiquity citizen.