Unit 1 - Creation Flashcards
Why is art helpful for believers?
It allows complicated ideas to be expressed simply
Where is Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam?
The Sistine Chapel in Rome
What is the main focus of the Creation of Adam?
The fact that humanity is dependent on God and they are made in his image
How is the nature of God expressed in the Creation of Adam?
- God is the creator - Adam is reaching out towards him for life
- God is omnipotent - he is muscular in body
- God is ancient - he has white hair and beard reflecting the idea that he is eternal and humanity is still young
- Transcendance - God is being carried by a group of angels
How is the nature of humanity expressed in the Creation of Adam?
- Humanity is made in the image of God - both Adam and God are lying in the same position and they look alike
- Humanity is dependent on God - Adam is reaching out to God for life
- Adam is the ideal man - he is full of strength and potential
- Humans have a unique place in God’s creation - God creates humanity personally and in his image
How is the relationship between God and humanity shown in this painting?
There is a longing for a close relationship with one another as they reach out towards the other and it is one of harmonious love, knowledge and appreciation of the other
Give three reasons why this painting is viewed as controversial
- It says that God made man out of dust and breathed life into him in the Bible, nowhere does it say that God touched Adam
- God and Adam are depicted as nearly the same size suggesting they are equal which goes against Catholic teachings
- Some people are against the idea that the eternal God is shown as an old man
Which other two art pieces depicting creation have we studied?
Capronnier’s stained glass window and Meiere’s ‘Hand of God’
How is humanity’s place in creation shown in Capronnier’s stained glass window?
Their importance is shown as Adam and Eve are positioned in front of God whereas the rest of the animals watch from behind
Referring to Bible passages, what is one key difference between the Creation of Adam and the stained glass window?
The Creation of Adam could refer to Genesis 1 or 2 but the stained glass window clearly refers to Genesis 2
Which Bible passage is referred to in the stained glass window that is not referenced in the Creation of Adam
In between God and Adam and Eve there is a tree and a snake set in the background which refers to Genesis 3
How is the relationship between God and humanity expressed in Capronnier’s stained glass window?
Humanity is shown in physical similarity to God expressing imago dei but their body posture shows that they are obedient and subservient to God
How are Catholic beliefs about the nature of God expressed in Meiere’s ‘Hand of God’?
- Omnipotence - lines from God’s hands reach out to the edges of the mosaic which represents the whole universe showing his power and influence
- God’s hand is large compared to the cloud showing his power
- Creator - God touching the whole of the universe showing that God is always creating
How can ‘The Hand of God’ be controversial?
People are uneasy with presenting God in the form of a hand because they think that it may suggest that God is like humans just in a much bigger form
Why might a Catholic prefer ‘The Hand of God’ to ‘Creation of Adam’?
People are more comfortable with God being expressed like this rather than a whole body image because God is eternal
