T4: Forms of Expresssion and Ways of Life Flashcards
Triptych
A painting with three sections
E.g. Rubens’ Stoning of St. Steven
Quote for Artwork
“Sacred art is true and beautiful … it evokes the mystery of God” - CCC 2502
Importance of artwork
It is a visual expression of faith, helps illustrate, supplement and portray the teachings of the Church, depicts important biological narratives, captures the essence, helps the illiterate learn about God, used at home and at church, way of evangelisation, form of devotion and prayer, appeals to our sense of beauty,
Use of icons
Icons are images of saints, Mary, Jesus etc
church def and quote
House of the Lord
“A house of prayer … ought to be in good taste and a worthy place for prayer” - CCC 1181
Importance of churches
A place of worship, communities gather to celebrate their faith and join together in the Body of Christ, place for mass to happen although “worship is not tied exclusively to any one place” meaning mass can be held outside of a church, place for personal prayer, receive Eucharist, place of sanctuary, symbol of God “visible churches … signify … the dwelling of God with men”
Structure and design of churches
Face east (where sun rises to symbolise the resurrection of Jesus), spires (to be higher and closer to God), cruciform, round (symbolise community eternity), octagonal (represent a star bringing light), stained glass windows (tell Biblical stories and reflect Jesus illuminating the world)
Uses of churches
Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, sacraments, personal prayer, feeling strengthened by God’s presence
Quote for Lectern
“This is a stand where readings are professed”
Communicates message of salvation
“The dignity of the Word requires a suitable place (to) be proclaimed”
Emphasises importance of the Bible
Quote for Altar
“It is a representation of the Last Supper, a table of sacrifice”
Focus of attention, congregation has a clear view of the Eucharist as it is being consecrated
“Table of the Lord, to which the people of God are invited”
Symbolises,
Quote for Crucifx
“His most holy passion … on the cross merited justification for us”
“Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven”
Quote for Tabernacle
“Should foster adoration before the Lord”
Quote for Baptismal Font
“Gathering of the people of God begins with baptism”
Quote for scared objects
Jesus, Mary and the angels and saints are to be “exhibited in the holy churches of God on Sacred Vessels”
“The contemplation of sacred icons … enters into the harmony of the signs of celebration”
Objects may be decorated “so that the mystery celebrated is imprinted in the heart’s memory”
Quote for Sculptures and Statues
“Art is a form of practical wisdom, uniting knowledge and skill”
Quote for Symbolism and Imagery in Religious Art
“Christian iconology traditionally uses a dove to suggest the spirit”
“I will make you fishers of men”
Those who wait for God will be rewarded with “wings like eagles”
“First living creature like a lion, second an ox, third with the face of a man, fourth like an eagle”
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end”
Quote for Drama
God and humanity’s relationship is a “covenant drama which engages the heart”
Quote for Music
“Make melody to the Lord with all your heart”
“He who sings prays twice”
Importance of art
Spurs discussion of artist’s interpretations, it can be used as a focus on prayer, used to support the illiterate appeals to our sense of beauty, expresses belief in God’s glory and our love for God. It is a way of evangelisation since it can be publicly shown, used as a form of devotion and prayer
Significance of painting
E.g. Rembrandt’s Prodigal Son
It expresses belief and love and glory of God. Enhances ones own faith. Evokes emotions. Interpretation of expression, gesture and symbolism. Multiple meanings. Can be put up in homes and museums. Daily visual reminder focus for devotion and prayer
Examples of art
Leonardo Di Vinci The Last Supper. Sistene Chapel ceiling Michelangelo Creation of Adam. Rublev Trinity painting.
Frescoes
Mural painting on plaster. E.g. Sistene chapel. Shows the glory and greatness of God. Expression of faith to many.
Icons
Form of prayer and reflection. Depict important individuals. Focus on prayer and adoration. Visual reminder of important events. Deepens understanding of scripture
Iconoclasm
Destruction of religious icons for political moves. “You shall not make yourself a graven image … this is in heaven above”. Veneration (treating them with respect but not worshipping them. Only God should be worshipped.
Importance of sculptures and statues
E.g. Christ the redeemer, Our Lady of Lourdes. Teaching tool. 3D. More realistic. Helps illiterate. Recall person being depicted. Aid to prayer. Focus of attention. Sacred objects dedicated to God
Disagreements of statues
Idolatry. Too close to reality. No respectful distance between God and humanity. God can’t be correctly completely portrayed by humans. Wrong emotion evoked to statue rather than God. Reformation Protestants. Calvaninsts
Symbolism and Imagery
Cross and crucifix (clear reminder of Jesus’ death and resurrection). Fish (secret symbol, connected to Apostles, Jesus Christ Son of God Saviour). Chi Ro (represents Jesus as Christ, used in battle). Dove (Holy Spirit, baptism, peace). Eagle (divine nature). Alpha and Omega (eternity of Christ as part of the Trinity)
Importance of Drama and quote
Engages and captivates humans, form of entertainment and education, visual acts help understand stories, “drama engages the heart”, brings Bible to life, unites, modern and relevant, observer focus on prayer, participated Act of worship
Mystery plays
Focus on biblical stories, town centres,grew into elaborate and professional performances
Passion plays
Ecumenical, depict Passion of Jesus, Easter, dramatic presentation, trial, suffering, death, more people can take part
Tableaux
Freeze frame scene accompanied by music. Simplistic, evokes emotional response
Traditional music
Huns, plainchant, psalms
Hymns
Praise, adoration, prayer. Link to readings or theme. Whole congregation can join in
Plainchant
E.g. Gregorian chant. Latin
Psalms
Found in Bible. Praise God. Jewish and Christian.
Contemporary music
Charismatic, protestants, appeal to young Christians, evokes feelings of the Holy Spirit. Emotive
Music expressing faith
Whole church community expressing belief together, personal, emphasises key teachings. Remember Church teaching. Derived from Scripture
