Synopses & Reviews
Now available for the first time in the Oxford Paperback Reference series, the
Dictionary of Christian Art is a fascinating exploration of the art and architecture that has been influenced and inspired by Christian history and beliefs. Combining general essays on the periods and styles important in the history of Christian art with many shorter entries that describe specific works, artists, themes, and visual images, the
Dictionary permits a deep understanding the artistic creations this religious movement has inspired over the centuries.
A vast storehouse of knowledge, the Dictionary weaves together general background on the Old and New Testaments and Christian tradition with the forms of art Christian beliefs have influenced. It includes a survey of the artists and architects moved by their Christian faith and a listing of the places and buildings where their art can be found. Furthermore, explanations of features of the Christian churches, sculpture, and painting are given deeper significance through the description of important saints, popes, rulers, and preachers of the Christian religion. Finally, the volume offers a glossary of architectural terms and a detailed bibliography to aid further inquiry into this captivating subject.
Synopsis
The Dictionary of Christian Art, now rebranded in the best-selling Oxford Paperback Reference series, is a unique and fascinating exploration of the art and architecture that has been influenced and inspired by biblical stories and Christian history and beliefs. The Dictionary combines general essays on the periods and styles important in the history of Christian art with lots of shorter entries that describe specific works, artists, themes, and visual images, and which give the reader practical guidance on where in Europe to locate the works described.
Among the many features of this dictionary are: detailed essays on periods and styles in art and architecture, including Byzantine, Renaissance, Baroque; general background to the Old and New Testaments, and to Christian tradition and beliefs; forms of art influenced by Christianity, such as illuminated manuscripts, stained glass; artists and architects and their works, for example Fra Angelico, Donatello, Pugin, and many others; and places and buildings, including Assisi, Roma, St Paul's, the Sistine Chapel. There are also descriptions and explanations of features of Christian churches, significant saints, popes, saints, and rulers, and a glossary of Architectural Terms and detailed bibliography.
About the Author
The late
Peter Murray FSA and his wife
Linda Murray FSA are well-known art historians with over 30 years' teaching experience, and several books written in collaboration, as well as those written independently. Peter Murray was Professor of the History of Art at Birkbeck College, in the University of London, from 1967 until his retirement in 1980.
Linda Murray taught art history in the University of London Extra-Mural Department from 1949 to 1979.
Table of Contents
Preface
Note to the Reader
1,700 A-Z entries
Glossary of Architectural Terms
Bibliography