Classic Art on This Site

Through the centuries, artists and sculptors have drawn extensively on Judeo-Christian subjects and themes to create works that have profoundly shaped the visual and cultural heritages. From the biblical scenes depicted in the frescoes of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel to the lifelike marble statues of saints and apostles by Bernini, Judeo-Christian narratives have provided rich material for artistic expression. These works have illustrated stories from both the Old and New Testaments, conveyed theological truths, and celebrated key figures such as Moses, the prophets, Christ, and the Apostles.

Stained glass windows, paintings, mosaics, and carved cathedral facades have brought these sacred stories to life for believers. They have served as both decoration and teaching tools in an age when many could not read the Scriptures. Even in the modern era, Judeo-Christian imagery continues to inspire creativity, symbolizing moral ideals and spiritual hope. The images used on the pages of this website demonstrate the enduring influence of the Bible on Western art. More than that, I hope their use adds value to the content of the pages on which they appear.

These masterpieces can speak into the depths of our souls and stir our emotions. I hope you will let that happen to you.

Almost 40 Art Masterpieces as Illustrations of Webpage Content

  1. "Abraham's Counsel to Sarai," watercolor by James Tissot, Jewish Museum, New York
  2. "Acts of the Apostles, chapter 1," by Distant Shores Media/Sweet Publishing
  3. "Agnus Dei" (Lamb of God) oil painting by Francisco de Zurbaran, Museo del Prado, Madrid
  4. "Christ on the Sea of Galilee" by Peter Paul Rubens
  5. "Christ's Prophecy of the End of the World" by Frans Hogenberg
  6. "Devotions at Home" oil painting by Elisabeth Baumann
  7. "Divine Service in the Catacombs of St. Calixtus, A.D. 50," black and white illustration, late 19th century
  8. Earth's City Lights, photo
  9. Easter: "The Holy Women at Christ’s Tomb" by Annibale Carracci
  10. Elder brother. Illustration of Luke 15 by Jim Padgett
  11. "Feeding the Poor" by Wilhelm Gause
  12. "The Great Commission," stained glass window at the Cathedral Parish of Saint Patrick in El Paso
  13. "He created dry land, the seas and plants," woodcut by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld for The Bible in Pictures
  14. Indulgence seller at work, woodcut, anonymous
  15. Jesus and Zacchaeus," oil painting by Niels Larsen Stevns
  16. Jesus Sends Out 70 Disciples," anonymous
  17. Jewish Temple - The Soul of Jerusalem" oil painting by Alex Levin
  18. "Jonah," The University and State Library, Darmstadt (Germany), anonymous
  19. "Jonah Preaches to the Ninevites" From Ridpath's Universal History, Book Third
  20. "Light of the Lamb" mosaic on church building
  21. "The Lord's Prayer," watercolor by James Tissot
  22. "Lost Sheep," baptismal fountain relief by Adolf Wagner von der Mühl, Vienna, Austria
  23. "The Merchants Chased from the Temple" by James Tissot
  24. "Missionary preaching in a kukui grove in Hawai" -- drawn by Alfred T. Agate, engraved by J. A. Rolph
  25. "Moses before the burning bush," oil painting by Gebhard Fugel
  26. My Shepherd | Painting on a ceiling in St. Callixtus catacomb, outskirts of Rome
  27. "The Passion of Creation" oil painting by Leonid Pasternak
  28. "Peter denies that he is one of Jesus’ disciples" y Gustave Dore
  29. "Preaching to Natives on the lava at Kokukano, Hawaii," sketch by William Ellis
  30. "Reading the Bible" oil on panel by Gerrit Dou, The Louvre, Paris
  31. "The Reapers," oil painting by Pierre-Auguste Renoir
  32. Satan -- detail in "The Last Judgment" by Jacob de Backer
  33. "Saint Ambrose" oil painting by Rutilio di Lorenzo Manetti
  34. "The Sermon of the Beatitudes," watercolor painting by James Tissot
  35. "Still Life with a Bible" oil painting by Vincent van Gogh, van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
  36. "The Temptation of Christ" by Juan de Flandes
  37. "The Ten Commandments," illustration from a card published by Providence Lithograph Company
  38. Young Samuel Hears God's Voice, illustration from a card published by Providence Lithograph Company
  39. "Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog" by Caspar David Friedrich
-- Howard Culbertson, hculbert@snu.edu

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