Biblical Events and People

In the Beginning: The Art of Creation 

While Michelangelo’s famous Creation of Adam is revered as an emblem of the creation narratives in Genesis, many other fascinating artists have found intriguing ways to capture these scenes. From beautiful medieval mosaics to modern textiles and paintings, we walk through the creation by looking at the episodes and elements in this famous story.

Noah’s Art 

From the catacombs to contemporary art, the fascinating Noah story has intrigued artists and viewers. In this richly illustrated presentation, we look at the ark, its animals, the deluge, and the dove to learn about Noah’s faithful obedience to God’s challenging commands.

From the Realms of Glory: Angels in Art 

In this image-filled class, we meet famous angels, like Gabriel and Michael, and we look at important encounters with angels, such as the Visit of the Three Angels to Abraham and Sarah. We'll also see the varieties of angel appearance and the many types of angel tasks in selections of art from across the Christian tradition.

The Life of Christ in Art 

Dozens of beautiful slides make up this class on the life and ministry of Jesus, including views of miracles, parables, and the calling of the disciples. This topic can be presented over two or three weeks with the addition of Christmas and Lenten images.

Preparing the Way: Advent in Art 

Using the texts assigned for the Advent season, this presentation highlights the New Testament fulfillment of Old Testament promises and prophecy about the birth of Jesus. We will see the stories of the Annunciation, the Visitation, and John the Baptist in this richly illustrated lecture.

Blessed Among Women: Mary’s Place in Christmas Art

Christmas art features one figure more than any other: the Virgin Mary. Many others populate the scenes--Jesus, Joseph, angels, shepherds, the Magi, and animals--but Mary appears everywhere. In this slide presentation, we'll look at the many places Mary is seen in the beautiful images of the Christmas season.

The Christmas Story in Art 

Enrich the holiday season with this detailed look at Christmas stories from the Annunciation through the Flight into Egypt. Meet angels, shepherds, kings, and the holy family as we explore a sampling of Christmas art from across the Christian tradition.

IN FOCUS: THE PORTINARI ALTARPIECE

Hugo van der Goes painted the Portinari Altarpiece in the mid-1470s for Maria and Tomasso Portinari, Italians living in Flanders. With rich colors and abundant detail, the triptych shows many parts of the Christmas story. The presentation will focus on this complex altarpiece in depth, allowing for a full exploration of its many elements.

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh: The Story of the Three Kings

The art of Christmas includes a wonderful range of beautiful images, and none are more spectacular than the scenes showing the three kings. With gorgeous clothes, sparkling crowns, and lavish gifts, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar present a striking contrast to the humble shepherds at the manger. In this illustrated lecture, we will see the various ways that artists throughout the centuries have depicted the Magi.

Bright and Glorious! Art of the Epiphany Season 

In the weeks after Christmas, we encounter a series of stories that launch Jesus’ public ministry. Beginning with the visit of the Magi at Epiphany and the Presentation in the Temple, we follow Jesus from his baptism to the calling of the disciples and the Transfiguration.

Holy Week and Easter in Art

The powerful stories of Holy Week--the Entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection--have inspired artists over the centuries to create many beautiful and meaningful images. This presentation explores a range of scenes from a variety of times and places in the Christian tradition.

IN FOCUS: LEONARDO’S LAST SUPPER

Widely known but only partly understood, Leonardo’s Last Supper rivals his Mona Lisa as one of the most famous paintings in western art. Leonardo altered the then-familiar formula for images of the Last Supper to create a new standard for depictions of this story. In this presentation, we will look closely at the painting’s setting, its history, and its many intriguing details.

Bible Women by Women Artists

Although often indistinguishable from similar portrayals by their male colleagues, the images of Biblical women by female artists are sometimes distinctly different. In this slide presentation, we will see how the particular vision of women artists created fascinating perspectives on familiar religious characters and stories.

Full of Grace: The Virgin Mary in Christian Art 

From the very beginning, the Virgin Mary has been a familiar and beloved figure in Christian art. She appears in nearly every Christmas image, at the crucifixion, and as a character in other biblical narratives, but she also stands apart as an iconic figure—for instance, in the innumerable Madonna and Child images. In this presentation, we will consider Mary’s important and inspirational place in Christian imagery.

‘Greetings, Favored One!’ The Annunciation in Art

IN FOCUS: REMBRANDT’S PRODIGAL SON

The story of the prodigal son has been a popular choice for artists and patrons. Some chose to depict the prodigal’s bawdy behavior and wanton spending, while others emphasized the poverty and hardship that resulted from his dissolute life. Rembrandt’s famous painting shows the prodigal’s return and his father’s welcome in a deeply moving portrayal of love and forgiveness. In this presentation, we will focus on the painting in the context of Rembrandt’s life and career, learning how it stands apart from more typical treatments of the story.