A Dictionary Of Christian Art

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.


Focusing on Christian subject matter that has been a source of inspiration in painting, sculpture, and architecture, this is an exploration of the art influenced by biblical stories and Christian history and beliefs. From Adam and Eve to Zachariah, this unique reference work features hundreds of detailed entries on all aspects of Christianity in art.
This book includes over 1,700 A-Z entries on the people and topics represented in art, artists and their works, buildings, places, themes, and visual images; major essays on periods and styles important in Christian art and architecture; hundreds of specific examples of works of art and where to locate them; and an invaluable glossary of architectural terms and a wide-ranging bibliography.