Christianity and art

Little is known about Jesus beyond biblical accounts, though we do know more about the cultural and political context in which he lived.

Beginner's Guide

videos + essays

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How to recognize the Four Evangelists
How to recognize the Four Evangelists

How to identify the Christian figures of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John by their iconography, or symbols, in art

The Christian Bible
The Christian Bible

The Christian Bible has had a long and complex genesis.

Who’s who? How to recognize saints
Who’s who? How to recognize saints

Why does St. John the Baptist carry a lamb? Catherine a wheel? Mary Magdalene a jar?

The lives of Christ and the Virgin in Byzantine art
The lives of Christ and the Virgin in Byzantine art

The stories behind the art—a quick guide for understanding Byzantium's most common images.

Architecture and liturgy
Architecture and liturgy

Liturgy provided the script, architecture the set—and the altar sat center stage.

The life of Christ in medieval and Renaissance art
The life of Christ in medieval and Renaissance art

From the Annunciation to the Last Judgment, this handy guide explains key moments in Christian art.

Christianity, an introduction
Christianity, an introduction

Jesus is the central figure of this religion, but there are many sects—and great diversity of belief and practice.

Selected Contributors