A Guide to Christian Art
Ebook
A one-volume introduction to and overview of Christian art, from its earliest history to the present day. Diane Apostolos-Cappadona begins by examining how art and Christianity have intersected throughout history, and charts this tumultuous relationship that has yielded some of the greatest outpourings of human creativity.
To introduce readers to the way a painting can be read Apostolos-Cappadona begins with an analysis of a painting of the Adoration of the Magi, helping readers to see how they can interpret for themselves the signs, symbols and figures that the book covers.
In the more-than 1000 entries that follow Apostolos-Cappadona gives readers an expert overview of all the frequently used symbols and motifs in Christian art as well as the various saints, historical figures, religious events, and biblical scenes most frequently depicted. Readers are introduced to the ways in which religious paintings are often "coded'" such as what a lily means in a picture of Mary, how a goldfinch can be "Christological", or how the presence of an Eagle means it is likely to be a picture of St John. The entries are organized by topic, so that students and beginners can easily find their way to discussion of the themes and motifs they see before them when looking at a painting.
An invaluable reference guide to Christian art, its history, and all the subjects and motifs that appear in many classic paintings.
Foreword by the director of the National Gallery
Over 1000 entries covering signs, symbols, people, events, including a focus on the human body
Organized by topic for ease in finding key motifs
Illustrated with high quality reproductions of major paintings
List of online resources
Glossary of key terms
Preface
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Introduction
Glossary (including Bible, Apocrypha, and other literary sources)
Chapter I: Narratives of Jesus Christ and his mother, Mary, in Christian Art
Chapter II: Themes
A. Personages
1. Classical personages & metaphors
2. Biblical and Apocryphal figures
3. Saints
4. Celestial figures
5. Evil figures
B. Signs and Symbols
1. Animals, real & imaginary
2. Botanicals
3. Human Body: Dressed and Undressed
4. Colors; Letters, words & phrases; Geometric shapes
5. Musical Instruments
6. Visual Church
Chapter III:Guide to Christian Art in Churches and Museums
Chapter IV: Timeline
Bibliography
Illustration credits
Index
The scope of A Guide to Christian Art is sufficiently broad to attract readers from a wide variety of audiences … [This book] is a welcome, valuable, and easily accessible reference.
- Title: A Guide to Christian Art
- Author: Diane Apostolos-Cappadona
- Publisher: T&T Clark
- Print Publication Date: 2020
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9780567685148, 9780567685124, 0567685128, 0567685144
- Resource ID: LLS:9780567685148
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-12T04:06:55Z
Diane Apostolos-Cappadona is Professor Emerita of Religious Art and Cultural History and Haub Director in the Catholic Studies Program, Georgetown University, USA.