The Story of Christian Art
From the Dawn of Time to the Present
Format:Hardback
Publisher:SPCK Publishing
Published:15th Oct '26
Should be back in stock very soon
With stunning reproductions of major artworks on nearly every page, this absorbing history is for art lovers of all religious backgrounds who want to gain a broader and deeper understanding of the influence of Christianity on Western art and culture.
With stunning reproductions of major artworks on nearly every page, this is a book that both informs the mind and nourishes the soul. From the haunting images in the catacombs to the sacred halls of Gothic cathedrals and the bustling streets of Renaissance Europe, The Story of Christian Art takes you on a journey through more than two millennia of artistic inspiration and achievement. With every turn of the page, you are transported through the changing artistic, historical and religious contexts surrounding each masterpiece, gaining a better sense of the profound spiritual convictions that were the driving force behind each stroke of the brush or cut of the chisel. Whatever your religious background may be, The Story of Christian Art offers a deeper and richer understanding of the cultural climate and influences behind the glories of Western art. It also offers valuable insights into the significance of key Christian elements within the artworks, encouraging a more nuanced and rewarding appreciation of each one. The book ends by exploring the present and future of Christian art. Who are the contemporary Christian artists and is there still a role for them in an increasingly secular society?
"A beautiful and instructive history of humanity’s age-old engagement with God and the world through art, recounted through a Christian lens." -- Sir Gabriele Finaldi, Director, The National Gallery, London
"A beautifully illustrated introduction to Christian art which is widely encompassing, readable and illuminating." -- Baron Harries of Pentregarth FRSL FLSW, author of Seeing God in Art
"Fr Patrick van der Vorst tells an immense story of the intertwining relationship of Christianity and art with knowledge, understanding and insight. The very well-chosen images bring the text to life. It is a marvellously enjoyable book." -- Bishop Nicholas Holtam, author of The Art of Worship
"Remarkable for its depth and scope, this beautifully written work introduces us to the history of Christian art with an engaging, unmatched warmth and with a unique intimacy of understanding. From one chapter to the next we are led on a mesmerising tour of the ways, across the centuries, divine, transcendent beauty has been made palpable and visible in art. It's a startling achievement. Father Patrick van der Vorst is a true master of his subject." -- Paul Murray OP, Professor Emeritus, Angelicum University, Rome
"A vast and compelling journey into the history of art as an outpouring of the human spirit. This volume will, I trust, move us all to re-examine and deepen our relationship with the Creator. Art and prayer are clearly inseparable." -- Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster 2009–25
"A magnificent achievement! Of special interest to believers but accessible to all, this panoramic view of Christian art offers illuminating insights on every page." -- Brendan Walsh, Editor of The Tablet
ISBN: 9781739417895
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
528 pages