“The eye through which I see God is the same eye through which God sees me; my eye and God’s eye are one eye, one seeing, one knowing, one love.”
— Meister Eckhart
Plaque with the Calling of Saints Peter and Andrew
Teaching Religion Through Art
Churches and cathedrals became canvases for art. Stained-glass windows, illuminated manuscripts, and frescoes depicted biblical stories in vivid colors, teaching scripture to populations that were largely illiterate. Saints and angels were often shown larger than ordinary people, symbolizing their spiritual importance rather than their physical reality.
Mosaic of Jesus
Art as an Expression of Religion
Medieval art, spanning roughly from the 5th to the 15th centuries, reflects a world in which religion dominated nearly every aspect of life. Unlike the naturalism of Greek and Roman art, Medieval works often appear more symbolic and less concerned with realistic detail. The purpose of Medieval art was not to celebrate human achievement, but to glorify God and instruct the faithful. The painting on the right Plaque with the Calling of Saints Peter and Andrew depicts a story from the Bible where, according to the tale, Jesus walks on water to his disciples in a storm.
Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence
Stained Glass Panel with a Holy Man and Six Suppliants
Religious Storytelling
Medieval art carried messages about morality and salvation. Heaven and hell, sin and virtue were common themes, reminding viewers of their spiritual duties. The focus on the afterlife underscores the belief that earthly life was temporary compared to eternal salvation. Artworks were not created for individual enjoyment but as communal expressions of faith.
