Christian art is sacred artwork that uses symbols and themes from Christianity. Many Christian groups have used or at least have used religious art to a certain extent, including papyrus frescoes and medieval architecture. It may not be to every Christians, but this kind of art can also have a deep impact on people who are not Christian, even if they aren't particularly religious themselves. This kind of art can have a powerful effect on people, regardless of their faith.
Christian art is not only limited to religious images, but can include other types of imagery as well. For example, renaissance paintings of the Virgin Mary and Jesus can include images of the cross and of the Madonna. In addition to this, many Christian artists have used images of nature such as animals, angels, and plants. Some Christian artwork even incorporates the concept of the Trinity of God into the imagery. These types of images can often be found in church paintings and even popular depictions of Jesus.
Early Christian artwork usually focuses on religious scenes from the Bible, but many modern-day artists have expanded on this theme. Some of the images from early christian art are more realistic, while others are more abstract. Many early Christian artwork artists also drew on their personal experience with God or with their faith in general. They may draw images of themselves as a child of God, or of the Word of God spoken by a believer. Others may focus on the pains and sufferings of Jesus during the cross. No matter what the specific genre of early christian art was, these images helped Christian artists portray the suffering of Christ on a much more personal level.
Christian artists have also used images of redemption, specifically those found in the Bible. These images of redemption are used not only to emphasize the presence of God in Christian art, but also to show the pain and suffering Jesus went through as a child of God. Many Christian art artists have created imagery of the Last Supper, the Last Judgment, and the resurrection of Jesus. These images help artists explain why Christ was resurrected from the dead.
One of the most popular genres of Christian art is artwork that is focused on the relationship between God and the world. Many artists have produced work that depicts aspects of the biblical subjects and situations. Pictures of the Last Supper show bread and wine being shared on the body of Christ. Artwork focusing on the punishment of Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church also frequently depict animals in a way that is meant to symbolize the work and love of God. The idea that all things in the universe are connected is central to the concepts most Christian artists have when it comes to creating meaningful imagery.
Even though artists have portrayed many subjects related to Christianity in the past, modern-day Christian art has rarely stray from the themes and symbols found in traditional artwork produced by early Christians. Christians have always portrayed Jesus in unique ways, so that he can be understood more completely by people of all ages. Artists who portray Jesus as a human being with flaws is not viewed as "Christian" art, but as "art within the Christian tradition." In other words, the same ideas that inspired artists to portray Jesus as completely and uniquely divine can be applied to any work of art.
