3 Classical biblical paintings

Our Classical biblical paintings app for iphone and android has about 1,000 paintings. Additionally, each painting has a link to the bible reference that inspired it.

Below is a sample of some images and an exposition.

1. Batoni The Prodigal Son Luke 15:11-32

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I think this is a beautiful depiction of a father's love for his child. The son was greedy and impertinent, doing what is unconscionable, demanding one's birthright while the parents are living; I would say unforgivable. 

This is what is so wonderful about the parable, our father in Heaven will forgive us for anything for as long as we ask and are remorseful; remember, we are his creation and there is nothing he cannot see.

The older son, like many of us, was self-righteous, unhappy about God's mercy to all humanity, and more so, the worst of us.

I have always thought about this, wondering if say Mother Teresa will be treated similarly to someone receiving God's mercy on their death bed, after a life devoid of God. My solution has been that we are headed to a Kingdom, where there is a hierarchy. The more righteous are closer to the King. For me, even cleaning the ablutions is sufficient.

2. Battista handing the keys to St Peter  Matthew 16:19-21

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"And may the gates of Hell never overcome the Church". Despite that gnawing feeling that evil is winning, always remember the words of St Paul, where evil abounds (as seen in the press, social media, internet, etc), grace abounds the more. 

Evil cannot exist in the absence of good; evil is a parasite of good. The press, social media, and the internet, simply focus on evil, and the good is left for you and me to personally find.

From my personal experience, it is easy to become despondent; evil seems to be winning everywhere. The trick is however to do what little we can, one day and one minute at a time. Sowing goodness and charity in every waking moment. We may not see it, but like-minded people exist the world over, and these small acts of charity do eventually pay off by changing people's minds, one person at a time.

3. Bergers - Adoration  Matthew 2:1-12

   

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The mystery of the incarnation is that of God becoming man. He could have been born to royalty, but he chose a simple carpenter and a simple housewife. Additionally, he was born in the lowliest of places, warmed by the heat emanating from the animals that were in the manger at the time. Many paintings and pictures show a rather rosy image, but the thought of the mud, the stench of the animals, and possibly the stench of humans, since bathing was a rarity, was more the likelihood of things.

The Nativity or birth of our Lord has significant implications for Christians and the world as a whole. Some of the most significant implications of the Nativity include:

Salvation: The Nativity is the fulfilment of God's promise to send a Savior to redeem humanity from sin and death. His birth marks the beginning of a new era of salvation and hope, and it is through his life, death, and resurrection that people can be forgiven and reconciled to God.

Incarnation: The Nativity represents the moment when God became flesh and dwelt among humanity. This event is known as the Incarnation and it is a central belief of the Christian faith. Through the Incarnation, God reveals himself to humanity in a tangible way, demonstrating his love and concern for people.

Love and compassion: The Nativity demonstrates God's love and compassion for humanity. His birth in a manger, surrounded by animals, shows God's willingness to humble himself and to reach out to people in their need. The story of the Nativity also highlights the themes of compassion, love, and generosity, as it is often accompanied by stories of the shepherds and the wise men who bring gifts to the newborn baby.

Unity: The Nativity has the potential to bring people together, regardless of their background, culture, or beliefs. It is a story that transcends national and cultural boundaries, and it is celebrated by Christians all over the world. The birth serves as a reminder of the unity that is possible among all people.

Hope: The Nativity represents hope for humanity. His birth represents a new beginning and a new hope for people, and it is a reminder that God is present and active in the world. Through the Nativity, people are encouraged to hope for a better future, both for themselves and for the world as a whole.

The Nativity of Our Lord is a significant event that has far-reaching implications for Christians and the world. It represents salvation, the Incarnation, love and compassion, unity, and hope, and it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's love and grace.

4. Carravagio The incredulity of St Thomas  John 20:24-31

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Even as I write a small commentary on various paintings, I do sometimes catch myself wondering whether all that is in the bible is gospel. Indeed we rely on oral tradition, written tradition, and historical writings supporting the same. I have always found that one of the simplest ways to authenticate biblical teaching is to practice what it teaches. 

The teachings of Jesus for instance, first require study, to understand them (many do not), and thereafter practice. Jesus' teaching has changed the world in a myriad of ways, and one can actually make a sweeping statement that Western civilization as we know it, is based on a Christian World view or if you want to be more general a Christian worldview.

5. Carravagio Conversion on the way to Damascus  Acts 9:1-19 

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First, you fall off your self-righteous horse, and then you start again. A beautiful story of self-righteousness turned to being downtrodden, then to being a Saint.  God bless you Saul, our St Paul, the Disciple to the Gentiles!

The conversion of Paul is considered one of the most significant events in the early Christian church. Saul, who was also known as Paul, was born a devout Jew and was a Pharisee, a member of the religious and political elite in Jerusalem. He was known for his zeal and commitment to his faith and was instrumental in the persecution of the early Christians.

However, on his way to Damascus to arrest and bring back to Jerusalem any followers of Christ, he had a life-changing experience. According to the New Testament, he was struck blind by a bright light and heard the voice of Christ asking him why he was persecuting Him. This experience transformed Saul from a fierce opponent of Christianity into one of its greatest advocates.

After his conversion, Paul began to spread the message of Christianity to the Gentiles, people who were not Jews. He travelled extensively, visiting many cities and establishing new Christian communities. He also wrote several letters, many of which were later included in the New Testament, that provided important insights into the nature of Christ, the role of faith, and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in the Christian community.

One of Paul's most important contributions to early Christianity was his teaching that salvation was available to both Jews and Gentiles, not just to Jews. This message helped to unite the early Christian communities and was a key factor in the growth and spread of Christianity.

Overall, the conversion of Saul of Tarsus had a profound impact on the early Christian church and continues to shape the beliefs of Christians around the world today. It demonstrates the transformative power of faith and serves as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of God's love and grace.

6. Cavalier Christ was taken prisoner Matthew 26:47-56

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 This happened in the garden of Gethsemane, where Judas betrayed the Lord with a kiss. In the painting, St Peter cuts off the ear of Malthus, a servant of the high priest. The Lord would, however, have none of it, and restored the ear, whilst also agreeing to be arrested; it was after all part of the larger design.

It took the apostles until after the resurrection and ascension for them to slowly understand that the Lord's mission was not a militaristic one, but one that required self-sacrifice, for the well-being of humanity. They would also endure the ultimate sacrifice, as they propagated the message of Christ.

7. Ciseri "Ecce Homo" - Behold the man  John 19:1-20

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Pontius Pilate presents the Lord to the people. They bay for his blood, despite all the good works done during his ministry. If you feel betrayed by anyone, don't forget this moment. If our Lord could endure it, so can you!

"Ecce Homo," or "Behold the Man," is a phrase from the Gospel of John, about Jesus of Nazareth. In the context of the story, the phrase was used by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, when he presented Jesus to the crowd before his crucifixion. Pilate intended to demonstrate that Jesus was a political prisoner and not a threat to Roman rule.

In Christian art and theology, "Ecce Homo" has taken on a broader significance, representing the humanity of Jesus and his willingness to sacrifice himself for the salvation of humanity. The phrase has been used to reflect on His humanity, emphasizing his physical and emotional suffering, and his ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

For many Christians, "Ecce Homo" serves as a powerful reminder of the Lord's love and compassion for humanity. It is a call to remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for all people and to respond with gratitude, devotion, and obedience to God. In this sense, "Ecce Homo" is a reminder of the centrality of the cross in the Christian faith, and of the importance of reflecting on the sacrifice of Jesus in one's daily life.

In addition to its spiritual significance, "Ecce Homo" has also been the subject of artistic expression, with many famous works of art depicting the phrase or the moment in which Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd. These works often serve to deepen the religious and cultural significance of "Ecce Homo" and to inspire contemplation and reflection on the humanity of Christ and the sacrifice he made for all people.

8. Eugeniusz Divine Mercy  Romans 9:1-33

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 The Divine Mercy image is a religious depiction of Christ that has become a popular devotional object for many Roman Catholics. The image was originally painted by a Polish artist, Eugeniusz Kazimirowski, in 1934, and is based on the visions of Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who lived in the early 20th century.

In her visions, Saint Faustina saw Jesus with rays of light shining from his heart, symbolizing the divine mercy that he offers to all people. The rays in the image are typically depicted as red and white, with the red representing the blood of Christ and the white representing the water of baptism. The image usually features the words "Jesus, I trust in You" written above the image of Christ.

For many Roman Catholics, the Divine Mercy image is a powerful symbol of the love and forgiveness that Jesus offers to all people. It is often used as a focus for prayer and meditation and is associated with many devotions and liturgical celebrations, including Divine Mercy Sunday. Many people find comfort and solace in contemplating the image and believe that it helps them to deepen their relationship with Christ and to experience his mercy in their lives.

In addition to its spiritual significance, the Divine Mercy image has also become a popular cultural icon, with many reproductions and adaptations of the original image available in various forms, including prints, medals, rosaries, and other religious objects. The image has been embraced by people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds and continues to be a source of inspiration and comfort for millions of people around the world.

9. Fetti  Veil of Veronica  Isaiah 53:3-5

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The Veil of Veronica is a religious relic associated with the passion and death of Christ. According to tradition, Veronica was a woman who offered a cloth to Jesus to wipe his face as he was carrying his cross to his crucifixion. The cloth is said to have been imprinted with an image of his face and became known as the Veil of Veronica.

Over the centuries, the Veil has become a powerful symbol of the passion of Jesus and the suffering that he endured for the salvation of humanity. It is often used as a focus for meditation and devotion and is revered by millions of people around the world.

The authenticity of the Veil has been the subject of much debate over the centuries, with some scholars and historians questioning its historical origins. However, for many Roman Catholics, the Veil of Veronica is a powerful and meaningful religious symbol, regardless of its actual history.

In art, it is often depicted as a cloth with an image of Jesus' face on it and is sometimes shown being held or displayed by Veronica. Many famous works of art have depicted the veil, including paintings, sculptures, and stained glass windows, and it continues to inspire artists and religious devotees today.

Overall, the Veil is an important symbol of the passion and death of Christ and continues to be a source of inspiration, devotion, and comfort for millions of people around the world. Whether or not its authenticity can be verified, it remains a powerful reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus made for all people and of the love and compassion that he offers to all who come to him.

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10. Josephs dream  Matthew 1:16-25

  

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I have always thought of Joseph as my personal hero. He must have agonized terribly while trying to decide what to do with his pregnant wife, in his mind at the time supposedly by another man, yet still trying not to dishonour her; what a man! The painting depicts the angel's explanation of the divinity of her pregnancy. 

The dream of Joseph is described in the Gospel of Matthew. According to the account, Joseph was betrothed to Mary but had not yet consummated the marriage when he learned that she was pregnant. Joseph was a righteous man and was concerned about how he would explain the pregnancy to others, as he did not want to expose Mary to public disgrace.

In a dream, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and told him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife, because the child she was carrying was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The angel also told Joseph that the child was to be named Jesus and that he would be the Savior of the world.

This dream played a significant role in Joseph's decision to take Mary as his wife and accept Jesus as his son. It also helped to reassure Joseph that he was doing the right thing, despite the potential public shame that he and Mary might face as a result of the pregnancy.

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