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.

“His Hold On Us’ by Christian artist Michael Ollis is a religious art drawing done in pencil that reminds us of how the Lord always has a firm grip on us thoughout our lives. The artist wants to convey the message that no matter what we may be going through in our lives, as believers we have the assurance of knowing that God always extends His unconditional love and grace towards us.  This simple and powerful design creates a beautiful image that I believe many religious people can relate to.

The bible verse at the bottom reads “For He (God) Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. (I will) Not, (I will) Not, (I will) Not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let (you) down. (Relax My hold on you) (Assuredly Not)! Hebrews 13:5 Amplified Bible.

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.

Lord, Teach Us to Pray by Ron DiCianni

This religious artwork by Ron DiCianni portrays a mother teaching her son how to pray. The illuminated color of the cross formed by the intersection of light contrast with the bold colors in the background behind the mother and child as they share a tender moment snuggled together in a rocking chair. The boy’s intense concentration in prayer and the mother’s calm loving expression is reflective of how prayer time is a special time of personal connection to each other and to God.

Kissing the Face of God by Morgan Weistling

This touching piece of Christian art by Morgan Weistling features Mary kissing the Baby Jesus. The artist portrays Mary’s deep love for the Baby Jesus in the way that she is holding him and kissing His cherubic face. We can only imagine what a great privilege it was to actually hold the Baby Jesus, the Son of God, in our arms and kiss “the face of God”. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, Kissing the Face of God is a beautiful piece of religious artwork that reminds us of how God chose to send His Son into this world.