I thank my Mother for my new-found interest in sacred art!

I would like to share a surprising personal development in my first year of seminary - I have a real interest in religious art and sculptures. It has been gradual over the past two and half years, beginning during my discernment period prior to seminary. I spent time looking at various paintings and sculptures of saints and apostles on the Internet. However, I cannot say it started only two years ago. I really get it from my mother. One of the greatest things about my Mom is her career as a Docent at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts here in Minneapolis, MN. Years ago, my mother went back to school studying art history. She began working as a docent; leading individual and group tours at the museum. She has loved her work for 25 years now. Mom teaches on artists, history, style, artistic methodology, and historical significance. When our family traveled she had passes to exciting exhibits at different museums around the United States and the world. This contribution of Mom's to the family dynamic is invaluable.

Now, I do not want to present the idea that I am an authority on art history in any way. The truth of the matter is that, as the youngest of the family, I was usually complaining about how museums were “boring” or “stupid.” I recall taking an interest in impressionists like Monet during my years in college. I am really excited about this newly developed interest in sacred art. My pilgrimage to Rome, Italy, in August 2007 solidified it. I simply had no idea how much beauty and grandeur has been created in the Catholic Tradition.

I want to share three paintings that recently caught my eye. The first painting is of the Apostle Paul. Second, is the evangelist Matthew. Finally, is the Madonna with Christ child.

They were painted by Pompeo Batoni (1708-1787), a Romantic Italian painter from the “Rococo” generation of artists. The Rococo movement was an 18th century style that initially came out of France and later moved to Italy. It primarily was a decorative style for designing homes, castles, and grand ballrooms. However, it largely influenced portrait paintings. Batoni’s most significant influnce is the Renaissance artist Raphael. Batoni's style reveals a taste for the dramatic and extravagant; at the same time his figures appear authentically human. He painted political, Catholic, and Biblical figures.

These particular paintings really catch my eye. I believe they are owned by the Basildon National Trust Gallery in London. They capture the mysteries behind these divinely inspired writers of the New Testament and the Madonna. Batoni lived during the interesting period of the Enlightenment. Perhaps he painted these Christian figures to further contribute to a culture immersed in reading philosophy, creating magnificent works of art, and pursuing the sciences. The images of the Apostles Paul and Matthew are vibrant and elaborate. The Madonna is very gentle and caring. I absolutely love them!

Thanks for listening.