Book Description

Objects of Grace: Conversations on Creativity and Faith is a collection ofconversations with some of today’s most intriguing artists—Sandra Bowden, Dan Callis, Mary McCleary, John Silvis, Edward Knippers, Erica Downer, Albert Pedulla, Tim Rollins and K.O.S., Joel Sheesley and Makoto Fujimura—focuses on the intersection of Christianity and creativity. In addition to the interviews and full color reproductions, this work also features a discussion with artist Makoto Fujimura, who lives two blocks from Ground Zero, commenting on how September 11th impacted him and the art community. Objects of Grace promises to enrich our understanding of the artistic process and works of art as they offer insights into the creator God.

If you are looking for more on creativity and faith, look into Square Halo Books’ other book on the arts, It Was Good: Making Art to the Glory of God. That book is a collection of thirteen essays—including articles by James Romaine, Makoto Fujimura, and Edward Knippers—covering a wide range of topics focused on the practice of making art from a Christian worldview. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Honest View of Creativity & Faith in Art
Objects of Grace reminds us all that art is an important part of the fabric of faith. The breadth of mediums and locales represented by the ten artists interviewed serves as an insightful glimpse at the range of concerns, processes, and mindsets of artists who are engaging not just the church, but the culture at large.

James Romaine spent a good deal of time becoming familiar with each artist's work prior to the interview, particularly evident in questions addressing the artist's influences, pursuits, reviews, and published writings. When paired with full-color reproductions, the artists' articulated answers created an approachable text, making Objects of Grace a rare entry point for the person unacquainted with art world rhetoric. The interviews also uncovered a wealth of reading sources relating to the intersection of creativity and faith.

Objects of Grace belongs in the library of artists and non-artists alike, regardless of faith. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

A reader in Ohio
This is an amazing book. It opens up all kinds of interesting questions about the importance of seeing and vision in a range of different religious contexts. In each major section, Plate invites us to approach a religious tradition not through its main scriptures but through a visual medium. Islam, for example, is approached via calligraphy as a way of thinking about the written word as image. Buddhism is approached through zen gardens as a way of thinking about the concept of shinjin (mind-body). I used this book as the primary textbook for a college course called "Religion and Visual Culture." It was a huge success. It is filled with interesting ideas and fresh approaches, and it is great reading. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

A brilliant painter of society portraits, John Singer Sargent also devoted many years at the height of his career to a project of an entirely different order: an ambitious, multi-media decoration titled Triumph of Religion (1890-1919) for the Boston Public Library. The library cycle Sargent imagined as his most important work, however, would ultimately remain unfinished, quietly abandoned in the face of religious opposition, one critical painting short of completion. Truncation dramatically altered possible readings of Triumph, redirecting its narrative energies and generating new meanings in tension with the idea Sargent had proposed. In Painting Religion in Public, Sally Promey tells the story of an artist of international stature and the complex and consuming pictorial program he pursued in Boston. Highly celebrated in its day, with individual panels retaining immense popularity even in the years of discord, this artistic project and its constituent images tell us much about broad cultural and political exchanges concerning the public representation of religious content in the United States.

Sargent's library decoration attracted the attention of multiple audiences and engaged concurrent debates about class, race, art, and religion. Representatives of various religious and cultural backgrounds hailed portions of the cycle as indicative of the strength of their own positions, and reproductions of the images appeared in everything from books and encyclopedias to stained glass and public pageantry. Promey analyzes the conception and production of the cycle, persuasively demonstrating that Triumph of Religion, far from promoting a narrowly sectarian version of religious practice, represented instead Sargent's public recommendation of the privacy of modern belief. The artist recast contemporary religion as spirituality, she argues, linking it not with institutions and dogma but with personal subjectivity. For Sargent, this ideal was a sign of Western, especially American, progress. Carefully reconstructing patterns of reception in an increasingly diverse religious climate, and exploring the extent and character of Sargent's personal and artistic investment, Promey boldly illuminates the work Sargent hoped to make his masterpiece. At the same time, she enriches understanding of religious images in public places and popular imagination. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Sargent at the Boston Public Library
Although lacking in adequate color plates as expressed by a previous reviewer, this text is wonderful in its description of the history of the mural which took Sargent 30 years and was never completed probably because of the controversy arising out of how religion was viewed in public in 1919, a change from when Sargent started it in 1890. The book describes the history of the mural in the context of its time of diverse social, cultural and religious matters. After viewing the actual mural at the Boston Public Library, where it is, unfortunately, covered with dirt but is being restored and cleaned, one will be overwhelmed with this painting and find the book extremely interesting and full of important historical information, as well as understand why this mural is considered one of the most important pieces of public art.

Fascinating!
Promey leads the reader on an insightful exploration of Sargent's artistic and spiritual investment in _Triumph of Religion_. This book has changed the way I look at religious art in public places.

Terrific!
A fascinating book -- a major contribution to the history of American visual culture! This is a Sargent I hadn't seen before! The wealth of visual material in Promey's book (works of art, preparatory sketches and studies, photographs, prints, cartoons) provides testimony that Sargent's art was deeply informed by the culture of its time. It was also, as Promey shows, responsive to the artist's own intellectual and personal commitments. Highly recommended!

Great book! Compellingly narrated, beautifully illustrated
This is a convincing, original, and highly readable book. I've seen Sargent's Boston Public Library murals--now obscured by dirt and grime--many times. It was a real treat to see them in Promey's book, restored to their initial splendor. (I look forward to their scheduled restoration too.) I read this book because the Boston Globe art critic called it a "dazzling must-read." And she was right!

If only there were decent plates...
Anyone purchasing this book sight unseen will be profoundly disappointed with the overwhelming lack of clear color plates. Imagine a book about a basically unpublished subject of great interest and having it deny the reader a full experiential exploration of the works described. This book is suitable for the art historian only . Art lovers expecting a long needed color plate book about Sargent's mural masterpieces will have to wait longer. Too bad! ... Read more

Book Description

The second in a series , Son of Man: Mircales of Jesus us a fresh approach to some of the most well-loved and familiar events in the ministry of Christ. In prose and paintings, this book included the stories about Jesus as he turned water into wine, healed the sick and the blind, clamed the raging storm in the Sea oc Galilee, and fed the five thousand hungry followers.Whether read as gospel or metaphor, the miracles present compelling answers to our enduring questions about the value of life an the power of love and faith

Susand Easton Black and artist Liz Lemon Swindle once again combine talents and a shared vision of Christ as a man who , in his mortal life, reached down and lifted up those who struggled. This inspirational gift book is sure to be cherished for the beauty of the art and the simple truth of the message. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Bellosi on Cimabue
Bellosi's review of Cimabue's works is both informative and intresting. He clearly identifies the arguments surrounding many of the attribution problems associated with Cimabue's work as well as providing a detailed and accurate analysis of both the iconographical and narrative content of Cimabue's various paintings. At no time does Bellosi's analysis seem trivial and it is indeed supplemented by outstanding illustrations. Highly academic and thoroughly researched this book is a must for anyone interested in early Italian painting, regardless of their prior knowledge. ... Read more

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You will love this book
If you think you know the gospels (the first 4 books of the New Testament), this book will open your eyes. If you think you know Western art, this book will teach you things you never knew you didn't know. Every incident in the gospels, as well as every incident that has grown up as a traditional addition to the gospels, is touched on. Then a large number of paintings are beautifully reproduced and annotated in detail. You can think of this book either as illustrating the gospels in detail, or explicating every detail of Western painting based on the gospels. A sheer delight. A wonderful treasure. ... Read more

Book Description

The Rena Andreadis icon collection is one of the best known private collections of its kind. It contains Greek icons ranging from the 14th to the 18th century, covering a wide geographical area from Constantinople and mainland Greece to Crete and the Ionian islands. Among them are celebrated works which have frequently been on display to specialists and the general public in exhibitions both in Greece and abroad, and others which are still unknown. The subject matter of the works is particularly varied, combining the most widespread and popular subjects of portable icon painting with others, more unusual, which were dominant in particular regions and periods.

From every point of view the Andreadis collection offers a panorama of Greek portable icons and an opportunity to discover the elements they have in common and the multiformity of expression which distinguishes them. It is a challenge which can only be met by linking the works to the equally confused and complex historical path of Hellenism throughout the same centuries.
... Read more

Book Description

From the soaring vaults of the Gothic cathedral, to Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, to Marc Chagall's majestic tapestries for the Knesset in Jerusalem, biblical stories and Christian themes form an integral part of our artistic heritage. But a lack of knowledge of the Bible, Christian doctrine, and church history frequently prevents us from understanding--and appreciating--much of the greatest art ever created.

Exquisitely designed and lavishly illustrated--with over 200 pictures, including 16 color plates--The Oxford Companion to Christian Art and Architecture offers a goldmine of information on the Judeo Christian tradition as it applies to Western art. Here are over 1700 alphabetical entries that cover everything from Adam and Eve and the Good Samaritan, to Illuminated Books and Rose Windows, to the great popes and emperors who patronized the arts, to the major artists whose work reflects Judeo-Christian themes. Topics range from biographical studies of major artists, saints, popes, patrons, and biblical figures, to detailed essays on periods and styles in art and architecture--continually interconnecting the religious and the artistic. The authors provide an informative glossary of architectural terms, and conclude with an extensive bibliography based on the Murrays' own personal library of art books. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautifully done
I think the Oxford Companion books are wonderful and this is no exception. It is easy to read without neglecting scholarship and very thorough.Everything I have looked up for my project has been there in some form oranother.It is an excellent starting point resource with an excellentbibliography. ... Read more

Book Description

Searching always for the spirituality that inspired their work, de Borchgrave's work shows us how Christian artists through the ages strove in mosaic, paint, and stone "to enrich the mind, touch the heart, and feed the soul."

For all who want to broaden and deepen their appreciation of religious art, this magnificent volume offers:

—Over 100 superb color reproductions of some of the world’s greatest paintings

—The story of 2000 years of Christian art—from early wall-paintings to contemporary works by living artists

—Explorations into the lives of more than fifty of the world's greatest artists

—Fascinating insights into the spirituality of the artists and how it informed and shaped their work ... Read more

Book Description

In this novel study of the history of Russian icons, Oleg Tarasov looks in detail at a range of fascinating issues, from the sacred meanings of such images to practical questions of how and why they were made. The significance of icons in the cultural life of Russia is discussed in the context of popular prints and poster design. Wonder-working saints, the leaders of such religious schisms as the Old Believers, and holy icon painters all appear in these pages, which are illustrated with miniatures, lithographs and engravings that have never before been published. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"Last Supper" is a wonderful book, in a fantastic collection
This collection has four books (Annunciation, Last Supper, Crucifixion, Descent) will be a treasure to all those who love great art, and especially those attracted to religious art.Each book is beautifully bound in its own brilliant metallic color: gold, silver, bronze and copper.The unique size and color ofthe books make this set aestheticallypleasing.It is a wonderful collection to display on any shelf.The prints, more than 100 in each book, are of superbquality.Phaidon, the publisher, is recognized for excellence and elegance in all their printing.There is scanttext; each book has a New Testament scriptural preface, then a brief caption accompanieseach image.

As the titles project, a central event in Christ's life is elucidated by the world's best artistic masters; eachbrings their own commentary to the selected Christological theme.Most enjoyable, and educational, is the progression through time, starting with early art pieces and finishing with contemporary masters. From beginning to end, each book is a wonderful journey through time.

In "Last Supper", artists over the last 1500 years capture more than a meal. They grasp the love and admiration of the disciple John and contrast him with the greed and betrayal of Judas.Each artist portrays the face of Christ surrounded by his disciples.From the classical Leonardo da Vincito the contemporary Salvador Dali the final meeting of Christ and His twelve disciples is recorded by the world's best artist.Andy Warhol, best known for his commercial art, produced more than twenty large scale works of the last supper,and the two selected by Phaidon for this text show the mixed feelings that Warhol had towards the Catholic Church - though he regularly attended he would not take the Eucharist."Last Supper" is a wonderful book, in a fantastic collection, at a very reasonable price. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

Symbols of the Christian Faith is an illustrated guide to the major visual symbols used by the Christian church throughout history. These stylized illustrations, designed by artist Alva William Steffler, are intended to provide usable, up-to-date resources for contemporary church worship and Christian education.

Throughout church history symbols have been used to aid worship and to communicate difficult spiritual ideas. Steffler here collects these symbols, from early Christian catacomb art to the present, offering fresh graphic interpretations of old visual forms. The accompanying text notes the biblical sources for the various symbols and traces their use in church tradition and their links to Greco-Roman culture.

Broadly inclusive and sensitive to the perspectives of every church tradition, this volume will be an invaluable resource for churches using Christian art as well as for general readers curious about the meaning of common Christian symbols. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

put this in your library? this is your library!
Size does matter-this book is huge particularly if you consider the giveaway price(the paper costs more).Ok so it's big and it has pictures-nice ones!It's also comprehensive,diverse and well written,this book is the best there is for an amazing tour of islamic art and architecture.

Islam: Art & Architecture
Excellent book. Beautifully written, great photography...and a wonderful tour of the world of Islam. As always, Konemann has provided readers with many, many hours of pleasure.

A great big book
This is simply a magnificent book. Written and published originally in German, well-translated (it reads as if it had been originally written in English, which indicates a good translation), beautifully put together, well edited, with hundreds of full color photographs of mosaics, mosques, palaces, forts, towns, manuscripts, jewels, and mausoleums. The book claims attention. It is a full history of Islam, with maps and timelines in every chapter to help the reader in what might be unfamiliar territory, plus a full history of the development of Art and Architecture in 14 centuries of Islamic culture around the globe. Every page has at least one photograph, and all photographs are of great quality, sharp and clear. Even the photo on page 334, one of the very few in black and white, is good, almost haunting, since the walls shown are in ruins. The paper is also high quality. From the cover onwards it is clear that there is great respect for the culture represented in this book, and for the reader who will go through 600 hundred pages of text and supporting material. My personal highlights: night shot of the Kaaba, in Mecca, p. 2 and 13. Map of Europe, Asia, and most of Africa with sharp, thumbnail-like photographs of Muslim architectonic marvels in those three continents, p. 6-7. Al-Mutawakkil mosque, p. 103. What the facade of the Azhar Mosque in Cairo (p. 140) and the Almoravid clay seal (p. 247) have in common, which is a testimony to the endurance of symbols. The entire "Spain and Morocco" chapter, 207-299.

The appendix, starting on 601, is helpful and clear. The publisher, Könemann, is reponsible for another winner, "Gothic Architecture, Sculpture, Painting," but I believe "Islam, Art and Architecture" is better overall. This book is big and heavy, being more practical as a source of information than as a text that you would read from cover to cover or carry around. I highly recommend it, though, if you are interested in Islam at all from any perspective. My interest is mostly historical, but I can see already that this is a book that I will return to again and again. ... Read more

Book Description

The magnificent pages of medieval missals, books of hours, brevaries, and bibles sparkle with detail illuminating the world in which they were created. This splendid volume, featuring some of the finest illuminated masterpieces from the exceptional collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, details the remarkable collaboration and craftsmanship that went into the creation of these delicate treasures.

Close-up details show the intricacies of the various techniques used to create these fragile and rarely seen works. By helping the reader to appreciate the individual elements of illumination--the initials, borders, illustrations, script, and binding--Rowan Watson brings the world of the scribes, illuminators, and book dealers to life, and sheds light on the cooperative religious communities in which many of them worked. Watson also looks at the survival of illumination after the printing press and its revival in the 19th century in the hands of such pioneering designers as Owen Jones and William Morris. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Divine Humor Guided His Hands
This is an informal and accessible guide to Master Sengai's work, a man who in his study of Zen stumbled rather appropriately into the ink drawing art of sumi-e as a means of revealing for himself and others the essence of wisdom. It has been said that the secret of the Tao is so simple that if it were to suddenly become common knowledge, laughter would be heard everywhere. Looking at Sengai's art is to experience that truth and I recommend this as an antidote to the stifling austerity to which religious traditions are so often view as being caught up.

Sengai's drawings book review
For the people interested in Zen this book is an excellent way to learn about one of the most influential monks in Zen history. Sengai was not only a monk, but a great artist whose art was expressed through his drawings. And this book written by D.T. Suzuki, author of numerous books about Zen, is focused mainly in explaining the meaning behind some of the Senagi's drawings. A negative aspect about this book is that the quality of the ilustration's prints is almost like the one of a newspaper. I tought I would find the same quality as the drawing from the cover but it was a big disappointment. Still, through the bad prints, we can appreciate the sublime art of Sengai. ... Read more

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Great resource!!
I was recently doing a school report on cathedrals in france and i came acrosss this little gem. It is packed with information on both romanesque and gothic architectural styles and is not only educational but also very intriguing. After doing my report, i continued to read this book and to learn more about architecture. I reccomend this book because it is both informative and well written. ... Read more

Book Description

From Jesus' dramatic raising of Lazarus to Saint Francis' courageous taming of the wolf of Gubbio, miracle stories pepper the pages of our greatest and oldest religious texts.These tales blend history and legend to express a deep human desire: To see divinity touch the everyday world.In painting and sculpture, artists across the centuries have given that longing concrete form.This book offers a hundred masterpieces, each with its own dramatic story to tell, from the epic and exalted to the humble and private.Intimate paintings by anonymous icon painters and the Sienese masters of the 15th century Giotto and Raphael.Elijah's fiery chariot carries him to heaven in swirling gilded splendor; the resurrection is seen through the ethereal eyes of William Blake.The walls of the Ghiberti's Jericho tumble at the blast of trumpets; Rembrandt's Christ walks on water.Drawing on spiritual classics such as The Bible, Gregory of Nyssa's The Life of Moses, Jacopo de Voragine's The Golden Legend, and various ancient liturgical poetry, each miracle story depicted is retold with simplicity.Author Christopher Calderhead's accessible and masterful commentary deepens and expands his readers' understanding of these wondrous narratives and accompanying artwork.Hope emerging from despair and the dangerous encounter with the divine are dueling themes that surface repeatedly throughout this volume.Offering extraordinary stories through works of extraordinary beauty, One Hundred Miracles is a breathtaking journey into a world of wonder and mystery; hope and inspiration; elation and transformation. ... Read more

Book Description

This Very Short Introduction decodes the key themes, signs, and symbols found in Christian art: the Eucharist, the image of the Crucifixion, the Virgin Mary, the Saints, Old and New Testament narrative imagery, and iconography. It also explores the theological and historical background of Christian imagery, from the devotional works of the Medieval and Renaissance periods, to the twenty-first century. Williamson uses examples from, amongst others, Cimabue, Michelangelo, and Rosetti. She concludes by outlining the co-existence in contemporary 'post-Christian' culture of the deliberately controversial works of artists such as Andres Serrano and Chris Ofili, alongside the consciously devotional works of those such as Eric Gill and Peter Blake. ... Read more