Biblical art in Catholic churches
Category: Gothic Revival
After Joseph had been sold as a slave in Egypt, his life took a series of twists and turns. His new owner was one of Pharaoh’s most senior bodyguards and at first things went well. But then his owner’s wife falsely accused him of rape and he was sent to prison, where he would spend … Continue reading Joseph’s life in Egypt (Genesis 39:1-45:28)
Jeremiah was one of the Four Major Prophets of Israel and he lived in the Kingdom of Judah. God called him to be a prophet during the reign of King Josiah and his ministry lasted around 40 years. He was from a priestly family but he never married. At the royal court in Jerusalem, he campaigned … Continue reading The Prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:1-40)
The book of Deuteronomy contains an account of the last year that the Israelites spent in the desert. It also explains the Law of Moses in further detail. Within its pages, there is also a reference to the future coming of a great prophet, who would follow in Moses’ footsteps. Moses himself told the Israelites: … Continue reading The Arrival of a Great Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:13-22)
After the execution of St James Major, King Herod had St Peter thrown into prison. As it was Passover, he ordered a very strict guard to be kept over him until the festival was over, when he would stand trial. In the meantime, the whole Church prayed for his deliverance. The night before his trial, … Continue reading St Peter’s rescue from prison (Acts 12:1-19)
After the Fall of Adam and Eve, Genesis says that God spoke to each of those involved (the snake, the woman and the man) about the consequences of their sin. While explaining the punishment they would each receive, he also provided reassurance to Adam and Eve that all was not lost. God said to the … Continue reading The First Gospel (Genesis 3:14-19)
In the Church’s early days, in the city of Antioch, there was a disagreement over the subject of circumcision. Some Jewish Christians insisted that new converts to the faith should be circumcised, in keeping with the Law of Moses. However, St Paul and St Barnabas, who were visiting the city, argued for the opposite view. … Continue reading The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-29)
The famous story of the Temptation of Adam and Eve touches on several themes. This includes the nature of temptation, the power of free will and what later became known as the teaching of ‘Original Sin’. While describing a real event, the story contains a number of symbols. While living in the Garden of Eden, … Continue reading The Temptation & Fall (Genesis 3:1-24)
The story of Christ blessing the children is found in three of the gospels (Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15-17). It reveals Christ’s positive attitude towards children, encourages adults to trust in God and is one of the reasons that the Church baptises newborns. Given his popularity, one day some people brought their children to … Continue reading Christ blesses the children (Mark 10:13-16)
The miraculous story of bread descending from heaven is described in the book of Exodus. Its themes include dependence on God, a test of faith and fair treatment for all. For Christians, this heavenly food, known as ‘manna’, came to be seen as a symbol of the Eucharist. After their escape from Egypt, the Israelites … Continue reading The Miracle of the Manna (Exodus 16:1-36)
The taking down of Christ’s dead body from the cross is traditionally known in art as the ‘Deposition of Christ’. Sometimes the episode is also known as the ‘Descent from the Cross’ or the ‘Lamentation of Christ’. The act is described very briefly in all four gospels (Matthew 27:55-57; Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38-39). … Continue reading The Deposition of Christ (Mark 15:42-47)
