Praise takes many forms. For some, it means silent contemplation, while for others, it means proselytizing to everyone who has a moment to listen. One form of worship that has carried on through the ages is visual art. From stained glass windows to ornately decorated Bibles, Catholic art has been around since Catholicism itself, and it shows no signs of stopping. Read on to learn about a few paintings that show how art has evolved over time and how the Catholic faith has stayed strong.
The Last Supper, 1495-1498, by Leonardo da Vinci
One of the most venerated works of Catholic art is Leonardo da Vinci’s painting The Last Supper. Leonardo da Vinci, famous for his paintings and his fascinating futuristic inventions, created this work between 1495 and 1498 to portray one of the most significant Biblical scenes. While creating this masterpiece, he considered each disciple’s personality when deciding on how each one would express themselves in the painting. This composition may appear simple, but it contains multitudes as an expression of faith and human emotion.
Jesus wakes lazarus, 1860, by Robert Wilhelm Ekman
When Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, He gave others faith that He was their Savior. This scene moved Robert Wilhelm Ekman, also known as R. W. Ekman, to create this work of art. This Finnish painter from an upper class family studied under multiple local painters, as well as attending the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts in Stockholm with his brother Frederick. Many of his paintings were religious in nature, often portraying Jesus performing miracles.
Mary and the infant Jesus, 1944, by Ole Kandelin
Nearly a century later, another Finnish painter named Ole Kandelin created this abstract image of Mary and Jesus. This work of his showed Jesus and Mary in a way they may not have been imagined before. He began painting at the age of 14, developing his own unique style early on in life. In his short life, he became a notable abstract artist, starting with cubist and surrealist influences, and moving to even more abstraction in his art.
St. Scholastica, 2020, by Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs
While many of the artists listed above created secular and religious works, Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs focuses her art almost exclusively on her Catholic faith. She creates oil paintings, watercolors and drawings, modeled after works from the Baroque period and Renaissance era. Her goal is to convey that the glory of God continues to exist in today’s world, despite the daily tragedies the world goes through. She has studied under many artists at many different schools to form her distinctive yet familiar art style.
At our Orlando Catholic school, students learn all about the beauty of expressing faith through art. St. Charles Borromeo is more than a place to learn; it’s a diverse community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.
