Watch Mass Online

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in posts
Search in pages

5 Books on Sacred Art for Catholics

Throughout the centuries, the Church has supported art as a medium to convey conceptions of the true, the good, and the beautiful to the faithful. Whether you are an art aficionado or someone who simply wishes to bask in the rich artistic heritage of the faith, we invite you to discover five books on sacred art. From exploring the role of Catholic art in the counter-reformation movement to how the story of salvation is told through art, these works feature breathtaking pieces from every era and style.

How Catholic Art Saved the Church How Catholic Art Saved the Faith

Centuries ago, theologians enlisted artists to create a glorious wave of sacred art to draw people together. In this book, you can meet the fascinating artists who formed this cadre’s core – from the legendary Michelangelo and Caravaggio to Barocci, Bernini, and others! Each of these creative souls, despite their own interior struggles, was a key player in this magnificent, generations-long project. How Catholic Art Saved the Faith presents scores of their full-color paintings alongside explanations of their lovely creations: works that have touched the hearts and deepened the faith of millions of pilgrims. Now, you can join them in an encounter with the magnificent artworks of the Catholic Restoration – artworks which from their conception were intended to delight, teach, and inspire.

The art of Thomas Merton The Art of Thomas Merton

Few religious scholars have been the subject of as much scrutiny and interpretation as Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk, social critic, ecumenist, and prolific author of The Seven Storey Mountain as well as 20+ other books. Even fewer have embodied the paradox of earthly devotion as fully as Merton, a man committed to a life of withdrawal from the world and yet fearlessly vocal about the abuses of power, civil rights, the environment, nuclear weapons, and Vietnam.

This inspiring anthology allows Merton to speak for himself, offering both an introduction to his thought and an aid to private devotion, a signpost for our personal journeys of discernment and encounter. The Art of Thomas Merton brings together entries from Merton’s journals, extracts from his letters, quotations from his books, articles, and poetry. But what truly sets this collection apart is the inclusion of his abstract drawings, exercises in quiet reflection that convey something of the awareness through silence that he was always eager to explore. The drawings invite us to stop, reflect, and surprise ourselves by new depths of understanding.

Sacred Art Every Catholic Should Know

For centuries, the Catholic Church served the cultural role of principal patron of the arts, from the rustic art of the catacombs to the Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages. Sacred Art Every Catholic Should Know is a unique invitation to discover a selection of the world’s most renowned artistic masterpieces, including:

Sacred Art Every Catholic Should Know

  • Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”
  • Michelangelo’s “Pieta” and the Sistine Chapel Ceiling
  • Rublev’s “The Trinity”
  • Jan van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece
  • Angelico’s “Annunciation”
  • Raphael’s “The Disputation of the Most Holy Sacrament”
  • Bernini’s “Ecstasy of Saint Teresa”
  • Caravaggio’s “The Calling of Saint Matthew”
  • El Greco’s “Pentecost”

Saints A Year in Faith and Art Saints: A Year in Faith & Art

This richly illustrated volume portrays more than 375 Catholic saints, arranged by the days of the year on which each beatified figure is honored. The images range from world-famous works of art by such masters as Caravaggio, Rubens, Velázquez, and El Greco to more modern and obscure depictions. Rosa Giorgi has chosen up to three saints for each day of the year and has composed a brief accompanying description of each, including: etymology of names, historical background, occupations, cities, and countries of patronage.

With angels and abbots, mystics and martyrs, priests and prophets, virgins and visionaries, the exquisite saint portraits in these pages will not only inspire Catholics, making this an ideal confirmation or Christmas gift, but will also fascinate scholars and art historians.

The Story of Our Salvation in Art The Story of Our Salvation in Art

Take a biblical journey through salvation history with 40 artistic masterpieces from greats such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, Rubens, Murillo, Rembrandt, and others. This eclectic collection spans artistic trends across the ages, presenting high-quality renderings of paintings, sculptures, and tapestries showcasing various techniques. Together, the Mouquin sisters provide spiritual and artistic commentaries to reveal the great things the Mighty has done for us (cf. Lk 1:49).

 

*Book descriptions adapted from their respected publishers.


Vatican CookbookLooking for more book recommendations?

There’s always more to read! In this Basilica Book Club post, discover five Catholic cookbooks featuring everything from vegetarian recipes straight from monastery kitchens, to saint-inspired dishes from around the world. Bon appétit!

4 Places to Find Pope John Paul II Portrayed in the Basilica
The 2024 National Shrine Shops Christmas Gift Guide