Book Description

Selection of masterworks with an introduction by Marvin Ross.Each picture is accompanied by the appropriate text from the New Testament.Includes works by della Robbia, Bruegel the Elder, Botticelli, da Fabriano, the Cathedral at Chartres, Duccio, Memling, Tintoretto, Rembrandt, Grunewald, Caravaggio, da Vinci, Giotto, El Greco, etc.A remarkable and beautiful book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Must Read!
For all worship pastors and musicians! We have to take back what the enemy has stolen in the arts. Christians should be the most creative on the earth because we are made by THE creative artist! Buy a copy for your worship pastor or local musician. I read it and am here buying more for my friends. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Abstract Symbolism Meets the Psalms
I have been looking all over for works that depict biblical themes through modern art. Anneke Kaai takes Psalms that we are all familiar with and puts a refreshing spin on them. The medium, oils and acrylics on plexiglass, is incredibly unique and beautiful. She captures the emotion of the Psalms in her use of color and contrasting lights and darks. Coupled with passages from Eugene H. Peterson's "The Message," the Psalms spring to life in this book, letting modern audiences identify with timeless Truth and a very good God. :)

A book without traditional images
In the late middle ages, no book of the bible was illustrated as frequently and fully as the book of Psalms. But then the practice went out of fashion. Now, contemporary Dutch artist Anneke Kaai has received the tradition, creating 25 admirable paintings and collages based on interpretations of 25 Psalms. The images, however, are not traditional: I find no scenes of David playing his harp in this tall, slim beautifully printed volume. Rather, the paintings are quite simple and abstract. A single, craggy cliff illustrates Psalm 31. The Psalm 84 is illustrated with small sparrows nest in the lily-shaped capital of the bronze column named Boaz, which stood outside Salomon's Temple. I considered this volume an exquisite expression of the religious art. It is intense and contemplative at the same time.

The Psalms Review
The book ties contemporary images with paraphrased Psalms. I think the Psalms are incredibly beautiful without being paraphrased.

The audience for this book is probably more of a pre-teen or teenager that is new to Christianity. That's not me. ... Read more

Book Description

The traditional religious icons of Eastern Europe are more than symbols of faith and objects of worship.They rank among some of Europe's great pictorial images, a highly stylized form that was perpetuated for generations, dating back to the earliest days of formalized Christianity.With stunning illustrations, this book evokes the visual impact of its sacred subject matter.It touches on the techniques of icon painting and covers all periods, including the early Christian Church, the Byzantine tradition, the Macedonian Renaissance, and the major and minor Russian schools from Kiev to Moscow. ... Read more

Book Description

One of India's most noted painters, Indra Sharma derives inspiration from the Puranas and Upanishads, painting divine images of Hindu gods and goddesses against dreamy ethereal backgrounds. These captivating creations, generated over decades of dedicated work, tell ancient stories and transport the viewer to the miraculously divine world of the Hindu universe. Prints of Sharma's work adorn millions of Hindu households throughout the world.

This magnificent coffee-table edition preserves a selection of his masterpieces for posterity. In it, readers encounter the Mahabharata and Ramayana and pay respects to revered deities (Ganesh, Shiva, Rama, Krishna, Saraswati, Lakshmi, and others), elevating themselves to new spiritual heights. To open this book is to open the gates of the great temple of Hinduism and experience a pilgrimage within.

Quite literally, work for Indra Sharma is worship. His paintings become a medium for offering prayers to the Hindu divinities. This type of meditation is a mystical experience for the artist as well as the viewer.This is the first time work from this master painter has appeared in a book in the U.S. It is the most comprehensive and visually captivating book of Hindu gods and goddesses ever assembled in one place! ... Read more

Book Description

Centered on Thomas Blackshear II's eponymous painting, this devotional gift book explores the topic of forgiveness-a subject fundamental to Christian belief. In each chapter, Roy Lessin presents a specific aspect from

Blackshear's painting, a relevant selection of Bible verses, and a prayer.

Finally, he offers a reflection based upon a truth revealed in both the scripture and the painting.

FORGIVEN focuses on twelve key concepts in all, including grace, holiness, darkness, guilt, strength, and redemption. Each chapter supports Lessin's affirmation that forgiveness is one of the greatest joys, and one of the most profound gifts, that we can experience.

... Read more

Reviews (1)

Faith-promoting reflections
Thomas Blackshear's painting, which is the central focus of this book, is famous to most Christians.It's symbolism carries deep resonance to anyone who has embraced the message of Christ.Here, the complete painting and numerous detailed insets are complimented by Roy Lessin's tender and insightful reflections and excerpts from the Bible.Lessin has examined twelve symbolic elements of the painting as keys to understanding the individual path to repentance and forgiveness.As a devotional, this book offers great comfort to those struggling with their own human failings. ... Read more

Book Description

Andrée Hayum approaches Matthias Grunewald's Isenheim Altarpiece, now at the Musée d'Unterlinden in Colmar, as a structural and iconographic entity and restores it to its broader cultural context in the early sixteenth century. She interprets the altarpiece in terms of its hospital context, then explores how this polyptych functions as a system of communication, in relation to contemporary sermons and in response to an emerging print culture. The meaning and motivation behind the direct visual appeal of the Isenheim panels are considered within the liturgy and the sacramental economy. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A wonderful, scholarly treatment of a superb work of art.
Grunewald's Isenheim altarpiece is an extraordinary polyptich, expressive and dramatic, that was painted circa 1510-15 for a monastery church of the Order of St. Anthony, a hospital order. Following the French Revolution, the altarpeice was removed from the monastery, and it therefore can no longer be seen in its original church setting.

Hayum's wonderful book successfully considers the original context of Grunewald's German Renaissance masterpiece to enable the reader to understand and appreciate it in terms of the particular needs and circumstances of its creation. The book, which contains numerous fine (albeit rather small) illustrations, examines the altarpiece's architectural setting, patronage, place in church rituals, reception by the specific audiences for which it was intended, and its historical setting on the eve of the Reformation.

The first chapter of the book looks at the hospital context of the altarpiece, and illuminates themes of dire illness and miraculous healing that are features of the polyptich panels, and their relationship to the monastery's healing and spiritual missions. It explains how each of the three different stages of the altarpiece (the panels were movable to display three settings) deal with illness in distinct manners.

The second and third chapters discuss how the stages of the altarpiece fit into the devotions of the church calendar, particularly its impact on a worshipper at the Mass. These chapters illustrate how Grunewald's painterly techniques and powerful visual effects work to heighten the impact on the communicant of the work's messages.

The final chapter explores the impact of the altarpiece following its reemergence from seclusion in the middle of the 19th Century. Various prominent artists, writers, and musicians have reacted to the mix of rugged realism and transcendent vision in the work, and the book examines the ways that it influenced them.

All in all, this is a fascinating and rewarding book for the serious art lover or student. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Relicarios: Devotional Miniatures from the Americas
Author Martha Egan has a shop called Pachamama in Santa Fe, New Mexico. There she sells antique and traditional folk art from Latin America. Her studies of Latin American folk art have led her to write this book. She has also written a book about milagros and a novel about art brokering and smuggling. She is currently working on a book about Latin American jewelry.

On 13 Feb 2000, I attended her lecture at the San Antonio Museum of Art where Martha has her private collection of relicarios on loan for exhibit. I encourage you to see this exhibit while it is at SAMOA.

Relicarios are devotional miniature pendants or lockets. They sometimes contain bits of bone, tooth, or cloth, reputedly from a saint. Many have survived from the conquest because they were treasured by families or the church. They are often elaborate and finely crafted. Materials used to make relicarios include wood, metal, bone, ivory, and shell.

Relicarios were worn suspended around the neck from a chain or cord. Some are displayed on walls or hung onto church sculptures of saints to honor an answered prayer. Relicarios are still used today as a talisman to "inspire, comfort, and protect the bearer from harm."

A miniature painting or sculpture of a saint is sometimes protected by glass on a relicario. Some relicarios are two-sided works of art. For this reason, SAMOA displays some relicarios so thay can be viewed from both sides.

In her book, Martha describes the ancient origins of relicarios from Greek and Roman times in which "the physical remains of gods or heroes were thought to have magical properties, and possession of such treasures conferred religious and political status upon the owner." Encolpium contained a bit of cloth dipped in the oil from lamps burned in front of saints' sarcophagi. The cloth could also have been dipped in a martyr's blood, or could have come from clothing worn by a saint.

As with anything of value, authenticity of relics is questionable. Martha cites "no fewer than a dozen heads and sixty fingers of Saint John the Baptist (this is spite of the alleged burning of his corpse by Emperor Julian in the fourth century); seven foreskins from the infant Jesus; fifteen arms of Saint James; thirty bodies of Saint George; and six breasts of Saint Agatha." When Saint Elisabeth of Thuringia was buried, her body was quickly torn apart by devotees. John Calvin asked for an end to all this relic madness in 1543.

Martha's book is an interesting read. ... Read more

Book Description

For the first time, award-winning artist Morgan Weistling's luminous images of Christ and his love are combined with classic poetry and literary selections in an exquisite gift volume that is sure to have wide appeal. Featuring some of Weistling's best inspirational work, The Image of Christ reveals Christ working in his time and in ours. Weistling's inimitable brush strokes chronicle Christ's life in ways that engage the imaginations of all who view them. He also portrays Christ's image as shown in the lives of people involved in simple, ordinary tasks-a child in prayer or a craftsman at work. The rich artwork is matched with thoughtfully chosen words penned by masters of the faith such as Thomas à Kempis, Charles Spurgeon, Charles Wesley, and Robert Browning. For personal inspiration or given as a gift, The Image of Christ will enable readers to reacquaint themselves with the greatest life ever lived. Those who appreciate fine art, classic literary wisdom, and poetry will find this the perfect book for all occasions. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Highly commended to all members of the Christian community
Morgan Wistling's superlative paintings are flawlessly reproduced with each image enhanced by an accompanying passage of inspirational scripture and/or poetry. Simply browsing through his beautiful volume evokes a sense of peace, harmony, spiritual sensitivity and commitment. The Image Of Christ is further enhanced for the reader with an index of the poems and prose, and index of the poets and authors, and an index of the scriptural quotations. The Image Of Christ is a superlative work and very highly commended to all members of the Christian community of faith.

A new look at Jesus
This illustrator has captured the essence of the intimate family life of Jesus and you become an observer of God most human and most divine. We rarely become engaged with the first steps of Jesus, the reality of who Mary was kissing as many of us have kissed our own children. Morgan Weistling places us there with God as a child and his work is truly a gift from above. ... Read more

Book Description

Chinese Buddhist Art provides a succinct yet richly detailed history of Buddhist art in China. It is an invaluable primer for anyone new to the subject as well as a useful source of recent research for experts. ... Read more

Book Description

This book tells of the nineteenth-century American painters who, along with photographers, archaeologists, writers, evangelists, and tourists, flocked to the biblical Holy Land, a world of striking landscape vistas that reflected, in their eyes, a powerful image of the United States. Here they saw a metaphor for their country: a New World promised land, a divinely favored Protestant nation created by and for a modern "chosen people." Taking these biblical associations as a starting point, John Davis examines the ways in which nineteenth-century Americans looked to the actual landscape of the Holy Land as an extension of their national identity. Through close readings of panoramas, photographs, and conventional easel paintings, he shows how this "sacred topography" became a place to work out competing ideological debates surrounding American exceptionalism, prophetic millennialism, anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish sentiment, and post-Darwinian science.

Drawing on sermons, diaries, travel volumes, and novels, Davis explores the growth of a specific cultural market for landscape imagery of Ottoman Palestine and the manner in which easel painters responded to the popular demand for vernacular representations. Treating little-known painters such as Edward Troy and James Fairman together with major figures including Frederic Church, this volume combines pioneering research and new interpretations. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Beautifully Photographed
If you are planning a trip to India, you should consider visiting the caves at Ajanta. If you are planning to visit the caves, you should read this book before the trip. You will get a lot more out of the experience of the caves if you know the Jataka stories and understand the Buddhist iconography described in this book.

Even if you have no plans to travel to Ajanta, the boook contains beautiful photograpghs which will make a nice addition to any collection of art books or, for that matter, to any coffee table.

The best photographs of the Ajanta murals
The Ajanta caves can be considered among the wonders of the ancient world, both in terms of their artistic and their spiritual value, and this book captures the beauty and detail of the remarkable murals. If I were to make one criticism, it would be that it emphasizes the murals at the expense of largely neglecting the sculptures, which are magnificent in their own right. The book might better be titled, "Murals of the Ajanta Caves." I ordered it without seeing it first, and I was a little disappointed to see how few photographs were included of the sculptures. Nevertheless, the beautiful and clear photographs of the murals alone are worth the price of the book, and I'd certainly recommend it to anyone interested in the Ajanta caves, or in ancient Indian or Buddhist art.

Excellent Overview of the Adjanta Caves
This book offers the best color photographs of the Ajanta caves that I have seen. The text offers an excellent explication of the history and iconography of the images. Having been to the caves, I can honestly say that you see the paintings more clearly in this book than at the caves themselves. (This is due to crowded conditions and poor lighting at the caves.) This book is an important adjunct to any study of Buddhist art and inconography. If you're planning to travel to Ajanta, buy this book first. ... Read more

Book Description

Drawing on the long history of Islamic arts in sub-Saharan Africa, A Saint in the City investigates in depth the vibrant and sophisticated arts of urban Senegal. Underscoring the interconnectedness of art and life, it insightfully penetrates the visual culture of the Mouride Way, a Sufi movement steeped in the mystical teachings of Sheikh Amadou Bamba (1853–1927). It focuses in particular on the ways in which sacred images "work" for people as powerful acts of devotion and prayer. The remarkable proliferation of arts in the city of Dakar, from bold street murals to virtuosic calligraphy and intricate, colorful glass paintings, attests to the transformative potency of images in Mouridism. This way of life, grounded in the dignity and sanctity of work as conveyed by the teachings of Amadou Bamba, is observed by over four million Senegalese--half the Muslim population in this small country--as well as by thousands more around the globe.

A Saint in the City brings together a range of artists--regardless of background, training, rootedness in the "traditional" medium, or style--who share a belief in the Mouride Way. The book boldly transgresses the boundaries normally enforced between the local and the global, fine art and popular art, the gallery and the street, the historical and the contemporary. ... Read more

Book Description

Buddhism has a history of over 2,500 years, and its arts have existed for almost as long, weaving their way with monks and pilgrims through broad areas of Asia and across seas, intermingling with the arts and styles of indigenous cultures. Not surprisingly, the teachings and imagery of this international religion are vast and complex, and the task of deciphering Buddhist symbolism can seem as challenging as the search for enlightenment itself.

All the principal symbols, objects, and figures of Buddhist worship are gathered here in a rich, informative, and easy-to-use book that will serve equally well as an art-lover's reference tool and as an introduction to the principles of the religion. Photographs and two-color line drawings and maps accompany the explanatory texts. With a comprehensive glossary of key Buddhist terms and a well-researched bibliography, this book will prove indispensable to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and its arts. 304 illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

bewilderingly disappointing
I don't like to write reviews for books that are not good but I feel that people should think twice before spending their money on this one.
Imagine a book called 'Dictionary of European Words.' It would contain some German verbs, some French nouns, some Italian adjectives, etc. How useful is it going to be?
This book would be a cousin to such an imaginary but nontheless absurd book.

My main gripe is that, as someone already pointed out, it is badly organized. It is nearly useless as a reference book. The faults are too many to mention, so I shall not, except for just one example: all the pictures are B&W, and not even numbered, so that one has to sort through just to figure out which description applies to which one of the many illustration found on the same page.

The real source of the problem with this book is that it tries to cover way too many cultures -- from Thailand to Korea to Japan to Bhutan -- and it tries this in a mere 216 pages (!), including the frontispiece, blanks, and index: as if a Guide to Buddhist Art could be done like a store catalogue. Just the symbolism of the mudras alone would easily take 200 pages, I should think.

Every Buddhist culture has its own peculiar relationship and input to Buddhism. Although there are large areas of doctrinal overlap that all Buddhist cultures have in common, each culture still has its own line-up and order in the pantheon of deities, rituals, implements and practices. This book blithely glosses right over them -- like Doria looking for Nemo in the deep blue sea.

On that note, it bears mentioning that the author has a MA in Asian Art from London University's School of Oriental and African Studies, with a major in Japanese Art. My feeling is that the author herself has but a superficial familiarity with the topic at hand.
The author was either brave, reckless, or ignorant to attempt so much with so little. This is unfortunately more of a scansion than a reading, properly speaking.
(Compare Robert Beer's Encyclopaedia for a guide done right.)

But to be fair, it might be somewhat helpful to those just beginning their studies and are grabbing at straws.

Potentially good reference needs more work
Despite nice illustrations and photos, this work suffers most from poor organization. Instead of going through each of the building blocks f Himalayan statuary and iconography, then putting them together (i.e., mudras, vehicles, hand objects, etc.), it is organized (not right word) in a peculiar fashion that resists its use as a reference book. Often it goes into great detail about trivial things, then omits more important things. For example, it clutters the landscape with discussions about different sects - this is really premature. If you read German, my recommendation is buying Wolfgang Schumann's masterful "Buddhistische Bilderwelt" [The world of Buddhist Iconography], which you can probably buy from www.amazon.de.

Eleven Heads and Eight Arms
Buddhism is cool. All around us we see Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Tibetan prayer flags, and people standing at bus stops with their hands in mudras. Buddhism has been cool for a long time and throughout Asia smart people and devoted people have spent a long time delving into the elaborate stories about enlightened ones, buddhas of the past and future, celestial deities. Some have morphed from men to women. Some can save your soul, heal you, make you happy when you're sad. Meher McArthur's book can help you find your way through the bewhildering maze of Buddhist imagery and iconography. Laid out in a intuitive style and clearly explained, this guide is especially useful to students trying to get a grip on why that statue has eleven heads and eight arms. Highly recommended.

Extremely valuable reference for students
"Reading Buddhist Art" has been so helpful to me as a student studying Asian art because it breaks down complex symbols and iconography and makes it easy to understand. The pictures are great and the text is clear and concise. I highly recommend this book to any students or anyone who has an interest in learning and understanding the fundamental artistic components of Buddhist art. It is a key reference for me as I continue my studies. ... Read more

Book Description

Behind Tibet's Potala Palace--seat of the Dalai Lamas since 1649--lies a sacred pond said to be inhabited by serpentlike deities called Lu. There, on a willow-covered island in the middle of the lake, is a pagoda-roofed Khang, or temple. During the brief reign of the Sixth Dalai Lama, who built the temple in the eighteenth century, unknown artists created a series of mysterious paintings on the walls of the temple's private chapel. Comparable in quality and ambition to the Sistine Chapel in Rome, these masterpieces of Tibetan art are reproduced for the first time in this extraordinary publication. The chapel was reserved exclusively for the Dalai Lamas as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat. For centuries the Lukhang murals, which illustrate the path to spiritual liberation, guided the Dalai Lamas in a form of mystical contemplation called Dzogchen--the most secret practice in Tibet's Tantric tradition. Beyond their Tibetan origins, the murals display a universal spiritual vision. Merely to contemplate them, Tibetans believe, can open the mind to timeless spiritual truth. At the heart of this book are more than 150 color photographs of the murals and their temple, taken in the most difficult conditions by the American explorer-photographer Thomas Laird. Ian Baker's text, which places these remarkable works within their historical and cultural perspective, is augmented by accounts from other Tibetan sources. A special feature of the book is an introduction and quotations by Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet, as well as additional drawings from Buddhist texts. This treasure of Tibetan Buddhist spirituality is presented in a magnificent large-format edition. The vivid detail, rich color, and awe-inspiring impact of this path to spiritual liberation can at last be experienced outside the Lukhang chapel. Introduction by Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet.

200 illustrations, 151 in color. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Evidence is compelling
Herein one can see unmistakable evidence of the ancient Secret Doctrine so well-protected by the Sacred Order of Tibet. It is a shame that this doctrine is lost in a proliferation of intellectualism and out-right black magic, but the clarity and powerful beauty of these images reveal that the doctrine exists for those who seek it. The writer even acknowledges with quotes from H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama the essential clue of White Tantrism; but this book isn't the place to learn that. A beautiful book, a tantalizing glimpse at a hidden science. For more information on the Secret Teachings of the Tibetans, read "The Perfect Matrimony" by Samael Aun Weor.

Impressions of Esoteric Buddhist Art
In addition to being a meticulously executed illustrated art book, The Dalai Lama's Secret Temple: Tantric Wall Paintings from Tibet by Ian A. Baker, et al. guides the reader through some lesser known biographical details of Tibet's greatest Dalai Lamas and of the history of Tibetan Buddhist culture as a whole. The amazing drawings, many of which painted in an almost feverish surrealistic style, are accompanied by insights into the lore of the Dalai Lamas, with thoughtful excerpts from their writings. I am also much obliged as a book shopper to show my appreciation to the book's publisher, Thames & Hudson, for the excellent printing quality and overall layout and binding of this book, details which for me always work to enhance the message of a book and to demonstrate the seriousness and loving care with which the authors themselves have treated their creation.

beautifully captured
The Dala Lama's Secret Temple is a wonderful and insightful look into one of the most spectacular temples in Lhasa. Having just visited the Lukhang, I had the pleasure to personally view the murals. Many of which are unique to Tibetan paintings. And still very preserved. Better than I could have photographed myself, this book presents each of the walls paintings in the highest quality plates. Descriptions of the historical significance of the temple mirror the detail works of the painting. A nice addition to a library of Tibetan Art and Buddhism.

A must-read book for Tibetan Buddhist
This book is highly recommended for anyone who are interested in tibetan buddhism. The tantric wall paintings in this book are breath-taking, and also very informative. It is like a illustrative guide to the pathway of great perfection. A must-read book!!

Beautiful coffee table photo book of rarely seen art
This is a lovely book filled with fabulous images which have not been published before. The temple is like the Sistine Chapel of Tibet, intended, as the Sistine Chapel was, originally for the eyes of the spiritual leaders alone, but has now been opened.

Images are breathtakingly beautiful and quite unusual.

Another great book to get, if you like this kind of book, is the book Alchi, from a temple in Ladakh (published by Shambhala) which shows a temple from several centuries earlier than the Tibetan one. An interesting contrast.

Also recommended in the spiritual coffee table book genre is Richard Lannoy's Benares book, about the holiest of cities in India, where the Tibetans got their Tantric yogis from originally around the year 1000 or so. ... Read more

Book Description

Expressions of Faith combines the best of renowned artist Greg Olsens work with carefully chosen poems from some of Christianitys most admired poets. These two unique art forms are synthesized in one gift volume, which touches us with its beauty and simplicity.

Through the delights of rich illustration and intense lyrical poetry, the reader will be challenged and uplifted. Twelve of Olsens stunning paintings, offered for the first time in a gift book format, continue to attract and inspire a wide audience. Those who are discouraged and weary will find renewed vision and encouragement from the pens of inspirational poets, including Gerard Manley Hopkins, George Herbert, John Newton, Anne Bradstreet, and William Cowper. Olsen also reflects on each of his paintings and offers insight into his motivation as an artist.

Art and poetry lovers will delight in adding this book to their collections, or in giving it as a gift for any occasion.

Painting titles:
O Jerusalem
Forever and Ever
The Good Shepherd
A Light to the Gentiles
Precious in His Sight
The Light of the World
Sacred Grove
Be Not Afraid
The Harvester
In His Constant Care
Lost No More
In Remembrance of Me ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Finding Peace in Christ
Probably nothing or no one else has ever been the subject of more artwork or literature than Jesus of Nazareth. And if you look through this book you'll understand why. The amazing artwork and beautiful poetry and prose contained in these pages will do nothing less than uplift and inspire. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, Christian or not. It truly captures the gentle meekness and unfathomable love of the Savior in a Spirit of genuine devotion.

A truly beautiful book in all the important ways.
Greg Olsen is my favorite current artist of Christ. His exquisite paintings offer a picture of Christ which embodies both his mortal/human side and his immortal being. This particular book was a much appreciated gift. Olsen uses the warm colors of the palette to bring a sense of peace and concern, that emanates from the person we see in the pictures of Christ and the time period in which he lived. Of course, none of us can know what He truly looked like, but the readings and poems present in this book illustrate the compassionate Person he was, and that we all should try to be.

These are the books that I leave out for others to see. These are the books I look through to find guidance and peace when the daily happenings of life get me down. The art and the writings remind me of what is truly important...the service and the love that we give to others.

I hope to see more of Olsen's work in the future.

Karen Sadler

The Heart, Mind, and the Eye
Greg Olsen has a talent that seems to cross the bridges of time. In his book "Expressions of Faith" readers may feel that they are actually living during the time of Christ. His paintings have the ability to pull you into the scene, and you feel that pehaps it is you who the Savior is reaching out to save.

Greg Olsen, has chosen some excellent poetry and has written some beautiful prose which complements his art. In my opinion, poetry is the art work of the mind, and art work is the poerty of the eye. Prose, is the heart that describes what the mind and the eye see. That is the secret of this book; it appeals to the heart, mind, and the eye.

M.D. Cummings

Good for what ails
Christian worship is a difficult thing to describe. But it must look an awful lot like this book. Buy it. Actually, buy two. If you enjoy communion with the Lord, you'll probably wear one out.

The art is indescribable.
This is truly one of the most beautiful books I have seen in a long time. It would make a wonderful gift - one that should be out on a coffee table for all to see! ... Read more

Book Description

This book features 107 of the finest examples of illuminated pages from medieval and Renaissance Books of Hours. Roger Wieck's comprehensive text introduces the Book of Hours--a "bestseller" for three hundred years--to the general reader, discussing its iconography, the artists who illuminated this genre, and its role as a religious text in the lives of its owners. As a collection of both stirring words and inspiring images, the Book of Hours thus comprised a series of "painted prayers." ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Nicely Illustrated Volume of Books of Hours
The Pierpont Morgan Library's collection of manuscripts and printed works contains some truly beautiful works of art. I was privileged to see some of them at an exhibit in the Kimbell Art Museum. This book was offered as a catalog of the exhibit and I immediately bought it as a reminder of what I had seen. The illustrations in this book, though not quite as visually stunning, are nevertheless representative of the originals. Bibliographic information is rather sparse but the further reading section is nice.

Painted Prayers gives both the structure of the book itself and the reason behind its popularity during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It was the laity in general, and more specifically the female laity, that owned these works as a kind of, "direct, democratic, and potentially uninterrupted access to God, the Virgin Mary, and the saints." (p.14). It is fascinating to see the incorporation of Christian, and sometimes pagan, symbols and iconography, and even humor, in the miniatures and marginalia of the Books of Hours. The miniatures often depicted biblical, or historical, scenes in modern settings and dress. Patrons would often have their portraits, coats of arms, monograms, or intials incoprorated into the Books of Hours that they had commissioned. With the advent of printing in the 15th century Books of Hours, with their pictures, became even more successful as they could now reach out to a wider audience.

If you ever have the opportunity to see an exhibit featuring Books of Hours I recommend you see it. Failing that, Painted Prayers is a good stand in.

Marvelous illustrations carefully explained
While this book contains chapters of material e.g. introduction, calendar, Gospel Lessons, Hours of the Virgin, Pentitential Psalms etc., the core of the book is the descriptions of the illustrations themselves. These description provide a variety of information - bits of biography of the artist, history of the manuscript (confirmed and confirmed), information regarding the style, the imagery etc. The "chapter" material provides samples of the texts, the development of the specific portion of the Book of Hours, etc. This provides the overall context for the materials.

The indices provide access by manuscript, artist, early owners; an appendex provides the outline of the major offices by incipit (first phrase) to place individual illustrations in the overall context of the prayer hour.

Don't be intimidated - the text is easily followed but one unfamilar with the prayer book content or with illuminated manuscripts. But you can also enjoy the book simply going through the pictures - like a stroll through a museum without a docent or tape.

Beautifully Illustrated Gem
This well-organized survey of the Book of Hours in Medieval and Renaissance art takes the reader through the various parts of the book of hours illustrating both the historical and artistic development from the earliest manuscript examples to incunabula. Lavishly illustrated with examples taken only from the Pierpont Morgan Library, where Wieck is a curator, the book is also a mini catalog of that collection. While the "reader" could fully enjoy this book by simply looking at the pictures, Wieck's text is full of illuminating tidbits. The book also contains some detailed descriptions of medieval liturgy and religious practices that may be of interest to some readers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent overview
For me the real beauty of this book was not the illustrated catalogue of images in the Wellesley College collection, it was the excellent essay by Melissa Katz. Robert Orsi's essay was superb as usual, but rather short, and the other essays are so short (2 pages each) as to be almost unmentionable. Katz on the other hand takes her readers on a historical tour of Marian imagery that is also thematically related to the hours of her devotion. In this way, her essay is not only an overview of Marian imagery, but it is also an overview of the history of the Roman Catholic church, an overview of Marian devotional practices, and the social forces in Europe which shaped these two phenomena. My only criticism of her essay, which might be more accurately a criticism of the Wellesley College collection, is that there is very little information on Marian imagery and devotion outside of Europe. ... Read more