7 Traditional Catholic Art


Our Traditional Catholic Art app has many examples of art from the Renaissance to more recent times. We have collated over 1000 paintings for your personal enjoyment. Some of the painters include the likes of Carravagio, James Tissot, Carl Bloch, etc. We have highlighted a few in this post, along with a commentary. 

1. Giovanni Christ in Gethsemane Mark 14:32-42


Giovanni- Christ in Gethsemane Mark 14:32-42

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This painting shows the agony in the garden of Gethsemane, as our Lord looks towards what is to come. He prayed fervently, imploring his father to remove the cup from him while acknowledging that he would go through it as the father willed it.



2. Feti David and Goliaths head 1 Samuel 17:34-58


Feti- David and Goliaths head 1 Samuel 17:34-58

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The story of David defeating Goliath is a well-known account from the Old Testament, found in the First Book of Samuel (17:1-58). According to this account, the Israelites were at war with the Philistines and a giant named Goliath, who was a champion warrior of the Philistine army, challenged the Israelites to send out a man to fight him in single combat.
David, who was a young shepherd at the time, heard of the challenge and volunteered to fight Goliath. King Saul, the ruler of Israel, was hesitant to let David fight, as he was just a youth and Goliath was a seasoned warrior, but David was confident in his faith in God and his ability to defeat the giant.

When David confronted Goliath, he refused to use the weapons of war, relying instead on his trust in God and his skills with a sling. David took a stone from a stream, placed it in his sling, and with one swift motion, he struck Goliath in the forehead, killing him instantly. The Israelites then defeated the Philistine army and David became a hero in Israel.
The story of David and Goliath has been interpreted in many ways over the centuries. At its core, however, it is a story about faith, courage, and the power of God to deliver his people from their enemies. David's faith in God, even in the face of overwhelming odds, is a reminder of the importance of putting our trust in God, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Furthermore, the story of David and Goliath is a reminder of the power of courage and determination. David was not discouraged by Goliath's size or reputation but was willing to step forward and face him, relying on his faith in God and his skills. This is a powerful example of the courage that we all can muster when we put our trust in God.
The story of David and Goliath remains an inspiring and powerful story to this day, reminding us of the importance of faith, courage, and determination in our own lives.

Recently the social scientist and author Malcolm Gladwell suggested a different view of the story. We have always assumed that it was David who was the underdog, but apparently not. In those days, armies had slingshot companies, as they would have for foot soldiers and archers. These slingshot companies were very deadly and would easily kill large beasts and men within a 50-meter distance. Imagine a stone about the size of a closed fist, hurling through the air at 300km per hour and striking bone and flesh with precise accuracy.

In David's case, all he had to do was keep a distance from Goliath, and keep the stones flying. According to the story he only used one and it cracked Goliath's forehead wide open, leading to his immediate death.

3. Moses on Mt Sinai Visiting with Yahweh Exodus 19:1-6

Gerome- Moses on Mt Sinai Visiting with Yahweh Exodus 19:1-6

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  This occurred after the Israelites left Egypt. This was where much was learned about the covenant between Yahweh and Israel. It is where the ten commandments were delivered, the generation that left Israel was accursed to travel the desert for 40 years, and where the community learned the Pentateuch as written by Moses and many other landmarks.


Mount Sinai is where all the Jews and many non-Jews that chose to leave Egypt were trained on the worship of the most high. The Jewish people were chosen to be an example to all nations on earth of what righteous and correct behaviour is in regard to our creator. It should be noted that there is nothing even remotely special about the Jews. Their behaviour in the presence and absence of righteousness and sin would be no different from any other nation on earth. Our common denominator is original sin and the fact that we are all men created in the image and likeness of God.

I am a gentile, in the biblical sense, but I find it very difficult to understand why Jews are hated and have been hated especially in Europe for many centuries, as the killers of Christ. I am convinced that any tribe on earth, would have acted just as the Jews did. It s only the leadership that was against Jesus, but they did so out of self-preservation and envy. How different is that from any other tribe? It is hypocritical that Jews are persecuted, yet in the persecution of the Jews, their atrocities against the Jews, seem much worse than what they did to Jesus. It is truly a mad mad world that we live in.

4. The wise King Solomon Judges 1 Kings 3:16-29

Luca - The wise King Solomon Judges 1 Kings 3:16-29

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In this painting, King Solomon was the son of King David and ruled over Israel in the 10th century BCE. He is widely known for his legendary wisdom and wealth. According to the Bible, King Solomon was famous for his wisdom, which God granted to him in a dream. He used this wisdom to make just and fair decisions as a judge, settling disputes among his people. He was also known for his writing, including the book of Proverbs and the Song of Solomon.


One of the most famous stories about King Solomon's wisdom is the story of the two women who came to him with a baby, each claiming to be the child's mother. Solomon proposed to divide the baby in half with a sword and give each woman half of the child, but the true mother immediately offered to give up her claim to the child to save its life. Solomon then declared her the true mother and gave her the baby.  It truly demonstrated his wisdom; if you value something, it is better you lose it and allow it to exist than have it destroyed altogether. It brings out clearly the value of listening to both sides of an argument.

King Solomon's reputation as a wise judge spread far and wide, and people came from all over the world to hear his wisdom and have their disputes resolved. Despite his wisdom and wealth, King Solomon faced many challenges during his reign, including opposition from neighboring nations and problems with his own family. Nevertheless, he is remembered as one of the greatest kings in Jewish history and as an exemplar of wisdom and justice.


5. Martynov The witch of Endor

Martynov- The witch of Endor

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The Witch of Endor is a figure mentioned in the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament of the Bible. According to the story, King Saul was facing defeat in a battle against the Philistines and sought guidance from God through prophecy, but God was not answering him. In his desperation, Saul sought out the Witch of Endor to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel and ask for guidance.


When the witch summoned Samuel's spirit, Samuel delivered a prophecy that Saul and his sons would die in the upcoming battle. This prophecy came true, and Saul died in the battle as predicted by Samuel. The story of the Witch of Endor is often seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking guidance from sources other than God and the importance of following God's commandments.

The story of the Witch of Endor has also been interpreted in various ways over the centuries. Some have seen it as an example of necromancy, or the practice of communicating with the dead, while others have interpreted it as a demonstration of the power of God over life and death. The tale continues to be a source of fascination and debate for scholars and religious communities.

6. Eli and the boy Samuel 1 Samuel 1:21-28

Eli and the boy Samuel 1 Samuel 1:21-28

Eli and the boy Samuel 1 Samuel 1:21-28

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 The paintings show Hannah, Elkanah's wife, dedicates her son, Samuel, to Eli The high priest, on being granted her wish for a child. This was after many years of suffering, largely due to her co-wife Peninah, having many children. After the dedication, Hannah bears more children.


Eli and Samuel are important figures in the history of Israel, as they played key roles in the establishment of the monarchy and the preservation of God's laws.
Eli was a priest and judge in Israel and served as the high priest in the temple in Shiloh. He was a wise and respected leader, but his sons were known for their wickedness and disregard for God's laws. 

Despite Eli's efforts to correct their behaviour, they continued to behave corruptly, leading to their eventual downfall and the downfall of Eli's house. Despite his shortcomings, Eli was remembered as a righteous and faithful servant of God who helped to preserve the traditions and teachings of the priesthood.

Samuel, on the other hand, was a young boy chosen by God to be a prophet. He was dedicated to God from a young age and was mentored by Eli, who taught him about God and the ways of the priesthood. When God called Samuel, he responded with humility and obedience, becoming a powerful prophet and leader in Israel. Through his teachings and miracles, Samuel helped to unite the people of Israel and prepare them for the establishment of the monarchy. He anointed Saul as the first king of Israel and later anointed David as king, setting the stage for the establishment of the Davidic monarchy.

The story of Eli and Samuel highlights the importance of obedience and listening to the voice of God, as well as the consequences of following or disregarding God's will. It serves as a reminder of the role of priests and prophets in preserving the traditions and teachings of God, as well as the importance of righteous leadership in God's people. Additionally, it underscores the need for humility, faith, and devotion in responding to God's call.

7. Judith with the head of Holofernes  Judith 13:1-10


Crist - Judith with the head of Holofernes Judith 13:1-10

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Judith is a figure in the deuterocanonical book of Judith in the Old Testament of the Bible. According to the story, Judith was a beautiful and pious Jewish widow who lived in the city of Bethulia during the time of the Babylonian conquest of the Israelites. Holofernes was the commanding general of the Babylonian army, who laid siege to Bethulia.


In the story, Judith saw that her people were suffering and sought to do something to help them. She devised a plan to enter the camp of Holofernes and win his trust by using her beauty and charm. Once she had gained his trust, she was able to enter his tent and find him in a drunken stupor. With a sword, she beheaded Holofernes, thus delivering her people from the siege and the Babylonian army.

The story of Judith killing Holofernes is often seen as a tale of bravery, cunning, and faith. Judith's actions are a powerful example of how one person, no matter their social status or perceived weaknesses, can make a difference and stand up against oppression. The story is also a testament to the courage and faith of the Jewish people in the face of adversity and the power of God to deliver His people from their enemies.

The story of Judith is still widely read and celebrated today, especially in Jewish and Christian communities, and is considered a classic of Jewish literature. It continues to inspire people with its message of bravery, faith, and determination in the face of adversity.

8. Gentileschi Artemisia Lot is inebriated by his daughters Genesis 19:32-35


Gentileschi Artemisia - Lot is inebriated by his daughters Genesis 19:32-35

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The story of Lot and his daughters is a complex one that is both a warning about the dangers of sin and a testament to the perseverance of the human race. According to the story, Lot lived in the city of Sodom, which was known for its wickedness and immorality. When the city was destroyed by God as a punishment for its wickedness, Lot and his family were the only ones saved.


Lot's daughters, believing that they were the only people left on earth, decided to get their father drunk to have children with him. This act is seen as morally wrong and a violation of the laws of God and serves as a warning about the dangers of alcohol and its ability to impair judgment.

Despite this, the story of Lot and his daughters also serves as a testament to the human desire to survive and perpetuate the species. The two daughters, who became mothers to the Moabites and Ammonites, are considered the mothers of two significant tribes in the ancient Near East.

Overall, the story of Lot and his daughters highlights the dangers of sin and the importance of maintaining moral integrity, even in difficult circumstances. It also serves as a reminder that even those who are saved from destruction can still fall into temptation and sin.

9. Pieter David handing a letter to Uriah  2 Samuel 11:1-26


Pieter - David handing a letter to Uriah  2 Samuel 11:1-26

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King David, out of lust for Bathsheba, Uriah's wife, consigns Uriah to death on the war front by having his generals place him in the thick of the fighting. It was a despicable act. God punished David by firstly the loss of the child from the union and thereafter David's House was always intractably at war on all fronts.

The story is found in 2 Samuel 11. In this story, King David of Israel committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, one of David's soldiers. When Bathsheba became pregnant, David attempted to cover up the affair by bringing Uriah back from the battlefront and encouraging him to go home and sleep with his wife. However, Uriah refused to do so, as it would have been considered dishonorable for a soldier to leave the battlefield and return home while others were still fighting.

To further conceal his sin, David wrote a letter to Joab, the commander of his army, instructing him to place Uriah on the front line of battle where he would be likely to be killed. The plan worked, and Uriah was killed in battle. David then took Bathsheba as his wife, but God's judgment eventually fell upon him as a result of his actions.

The story of David and Uriah is considered a significant event in the history of ancient Israel and serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and deceit. It is a cautionary tale about the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and avoiding wrongdoing.

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