Art

Painting pilgrimage

Among the many treasures in and around Northwest Ohio are stunning pieces of sacred art. You are just a road trip away from admiring true religious masterpieces from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Visit one of these nearby art museums, and take notice of these famous paintings.

BY ANNIE LUST

TOLEDO MUSEUM OF ART

The Liberation of St. Peter (1660) by Italian artist Luca Giordano. Possibly the largest painting in the museum, this Baroque masterpiece was unveiled in Toledo in 2014. The scene depicts St. Peter’s third imprisonment, captured at a time when early Christians were persecuted by the Roman Empire. Bishop Daniel E. Thomas spoke at the painting's unveiling, saying, “For this moment in time, our meditation on Giordano’s depiction of Peter’s miraculous release from prison, with the assistance of the angel of the Lord, reveals to us what it offered to those who were first called Christians. The promise and power of the Holy Spirit to carry them into every time and place.”

COLUMBUS MUSEUM OF ART

Christ Triumphant Over Sin and Death

Christ Triumphant Over Sin and Death (c. 1615-1620) by Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens and Studio. Sir Peter Paul Rubens was the most influential painter of the Flemish Baroque tradition. His work emphasized movement and color. In this work, Rubens depicted Jesus with a snake and skull underfoot to illustrate His triumph over sin and death. He made several similar versions of this painting, all sending the message of Christian hope.

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART

The Crucifixion of Saint Andrew

The Crucifixion of Saint Andrew (1607) by the Italian Baroque master Caravaggio. Caravaggio is such an influential painter that he requires little introduction. His bold style includes areas of light contrasted with deep shadows. This work is a dramatic depiction of St. Andrew’s death. According to tradition, St. Andrew went to Greece after Pentecost. In 60 AD, he was martyred in the city of Patras. He survived two days on the cross, converting bystanders.

CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM

Madonna and Child

Madonna and Child (c. 1450s) by a follower of the Italian artist Fra Angelico. Fra Angelico was an early Renaissance artist notable for his breathtaking work, but even more so because he was beatified by Pope John Paul II. Blessed Fra Angelico was a Dominican priest who is now the patron of Catholic artists. Among his artwork wellknown depictions of the Annunciation and the Transfiguration. A follower of Blessed Angelico’s created this work, which features Mary and the child Jesus. The Cincinnati Art Museum says, “This small devotional painting is characteristic of images produced in Florence in the mid-1400s. The realistic depiction of depth and volume and the tender gestures of the holy figures reflect the influence of Fra Angelico.”

DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS

The Flight into Egypt

The Flight into Egypt (c. 1647-1650) by Spanish Baroque painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. This Spanish Baroque painter was renowned in particular for his religious artwork. He painted almost exclusively for churches and religious orders. This depiction of the Holy Family balances reality and spirituality, a speciality of Murillo’s.