Decoding Christian Art
There was a time when the symbolism in sacred art was understood by an underlying grasp of the belief-system behind it. Sadly, across the years, this experience evolved to an appreciation of the art through the technique and skill of the artist alone. The meaning behind the art was lost or minimalized and that is lamentable because the connection of meaning and symbolism is what makes the art vibrant as caffeine is to coffee. With the meaning behind the symbols gone, sacred art becomes decaf art - there is no "oomph" in it.
This talk will, therefore, attempt to reconnect the meaning behind some selected art and architectural pieces so the audience will perceive sacred art in a different, deeper way. Most of paintings, mosaics, sculptures, and architecture that will be discussed in this talk are pre-1500's, hence, done by Catholic artists. It will be, therefore, appropriate to discuss the meaning behind the art in the spirit of the artists' doctrine.
Some interesting pieces we will explore in this talk are:
What the Seven Seals allude about how we should read Scripture
What the creation paintings reflect about God's transcendence
What the Brazen Serpent explains about the Crucifixion
How the architecture of John Lateran Basilica expresses the apostolicity of the Church
How St. Peter's Square expresses the motherly aspect of the Church
How the apse mosaic in San Clemente expresses that the Church is the New Eden
Why there a little devil in this painting of Christ's Baptism
How Judith's beheading of Holofernes is a prefiguration of Mary's Fiat
Why icons of Mary have a star on her head and each shoulder
What Michelangelo's The Last Judgment reveals about the end times
What Dante's depiction of Hell articulates about it
What the Rose Windows of Notre Dame suggest about adoration and religion
We will open the meaning of these and other pieces, and see that there is more to sacred art than just the paint, style, and technique. Create an account and be counted to join. It's free.
Schedule
| Time | Activity | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 - 12:10 | Arrival | Arrival and settle down |
| 12:10 - 12:15 | Opening Prayer | |
| 12:15 - 13:45 | Talk | |
| 13:45 - 14:00 | Questions and Wrap Up | Q & A if time allows |
| 14:00 - 14:05 | Departure |
Frequently Asked Questions
Location
Room 1026 SDA Building, College of Saint Benilde, P. Ocampo Street, Manila, PhilippinesSpeaker Joby Provido
