Seasonal Topics
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.
From the Bishop of Myra to Santa Claus: The Many Faces of St. Nicholas
A popular saint across Christian history, St. Nicholas of Myra was—and still is—represented in a traditional religious context. Yet the many images of St. Nicholas are far surpassed in number and variety by the more recent portrayals of Old St. Nick. With lots of images, old and new, we’ll see the transformation of St. Nicholas over many centuries, from Early Christian saint to modern holiday icon. (St. Nicholas Day: December 6)
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.
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.
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.
‘GREETINGS, FAVORED ONE!’ THE ANNUNCIATION IN ART
Gabriel’s appearance to Mary, and the divine news the angel delivered, are important elements in the incarnation story. In fact, the Annunciation has been celebrated with its own festival day since the early centuries of the Christian church. In this illustrated presentation, we will see some of the ways that artists have told this important story throughout the Christian tradition. (Feast of the Annunciation: March 25)
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.
Art and the Reformation
How did the Protestant Reformation affect art and artists, and how did art help to shape the Reformation? In books, posters, pamphlets, and paintings, we will see new types of art and new uses for old forms. From portraits of the Reformers to propaganda pieces, this presentation includes many images from the lively visual arts of Martin Luther’s time. (Reformation Day: October 31)
The Reformation in Focus: Cranach’s Wittenberg and Weimar Altars
In this presentation, we’ll examine two famous sixteenth-century altarpieces by Lucas Cranach the Elder. Located in their original settings in Wittenberg and Weimar, these richly detailed paintings used the old tradition of decorated altars as a vehicle to show new ideas developed by Martin Luther during the Reformation. (Reformation Day: October 31)