About Religious Art

The Good Samaritan by Vincent van Gogh

 
The Good Samaritan was painted by Vincent Van Gogh (1853 – 1890) while he was staying in an institution for the mentally ill in May 1890. This religious art painting  is a mirrored copy of Eugène Delacroix’ Good Samaritan.  Vincent Van Gogh’s unmistakeably unique style can be seen in the brush strokes and vibrant colors that he used to portray the story of The Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37.  His use of colors on the man’s face whom the Samaritan is helping accentuates the way he must have felt after having been beaten and robbed, and the bright blue colors create both a serious and hopeful feeling. This religious artwork by Vincent van Gogh may not be as well known as many of his other pieces of art, but once it is seen, in my opinion, is just as memorable.

The Virgin with Angels by William Bouguereau

This religious art created by William Bouguereau in 1900 sparks interest and genuine love in our hearts. The angelic figures circulate around The Virgin Mary and her son Jesus as we can imagine them to be on a throne in Heaven. As all of the angels are positioned around Jesus in a circular manner with their arms outstretched; you see the admiration towards The Virgin Mary and Jesus and the significance of His birth.  The upright position of Jesus also symbolizes His superiority among the surrounding angels, some of which are kneeling around the Mother and Child. The shades of yellow and the small stars above Mary’s head create a celestial aura around Jesus and the Virgin Mary in this classic religious artwork.

The Immaculate Conception by Peter Paul Rubens is a beautiful and stunning piece of Catholic religious art. The original painting,completed in 1628, was done with oil on canvas and measures 198 x 137 cm. It is currently at the Prado Museum in Madrid. This religious artwork which presents the conception of the virgin Mary who according to Catholic dogma was born without original sin. features deep vibrant colors and is rich in symbolism.

Song of Angels by William Bouguereau

Song of Angels is a religious art piece by William Bouguereau that features Mary and the baby Jesus being serenaded by beautiful celestial angels. Mary and the baby Jesus appear to be asleep as three lovely angels in white garb are playing their instruments and keeping a watchful eye on the baby Jesus and his mother. Bouguereau’s use of deep vivid colors along with his exquisite detail make this religious artwork appear both realistic and surreal.

The cherubic baby Jesus is brought to the foreground of this painting through the contrast of his light skin against the deep blue color of Mary’s robe. Song of Angels gives us a sense of tranquility as we appreciate the beauty of the celestial beings visiting Mary and the baby Jesus and as we can imagine how beautiful their heavenly music sounds.