ABSTRACT
Whereas figural art already appeared in the biblical period, as both literary sources and material evidence indicate, an aversion against figural art developed in the Second Temple period and Jewish art developed a radical shift toward aniconic representations. This shift may have been based on the Hasmonean dynasty’s religious attitudes and Deuteronomistic legislation. A return to figural art appeared in late antiquity only, not only in the context of synagogue decoration and burial customs but also in the private domestic domain. Jewish figural art found its fullest expression in the Byzantine-Christian era in response to the challenges posed and stimulation offered by the emerging Christian society and its extensive use of art in the fourth and fifth centuries c.e.
