A Guide to Christian Art

Description

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. Cover Contents List of Illustrations and Credits Foreword by Gabriele Finaldi Introduction I Narratives of Jesus Christ and His Mother, Mary, in Christian Art I.A. Jesus Christ: Life and Works I.B. Jesus Christ: Symbolism I.C. Mary: Life and Works I.D. Mary: Symbolism II Themes II.A. Personages II.A.1. Classical Personages and Metaphors II.A.2. Biblical and Apocryphal Figures and Metaphors II.A.3. Saints II.A.4. Celestial Figures and Symbols II.A.5. Evil Figures and Symbols II.B. Signs and Symbols II.B.1. Animals: Real and Imaginary II.B.2. Botanicals: Flowers, Fruits, Plants, Trees, Vegetables II.B.3. Human Body; Costume; Jewelry II.B.4. Colors; Letters, Words and Phrases; Numbers II.B.5. Musical Instruments II.B.6. Visual Church Glossary Select Bibliography Timeline Index