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Using Sacred Art to Bring the Faith Alive
How to Use
Because sacred art is a proven way to infuse your classroom with beauty while encouraging fruitful discussions, we have included several images below, along with ways to bring the painting to life.
Art featured in Spirit of Truth: Jesus Teaches Us How to Live (4th Grade)
The Anastasis
Reflecting on this dramatic fresco helps your students understand the Harrowing of Hell, which took place on Holy Saturday when Jesus freed the just who had gone before Him.
Apse fresco of the Anastasis, Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora.
The Transfiguration
This image is a great lead-in to class discussion on Jesus' human and divine natures, Old Testament Prophets, and other topics.
c. 1395-1455, Bl. Fra Angelico, Guido di Pietro, Cell 6 of the Convent of San Marco, Museo di San Marco, Florence.
Jesus Washing Peter’s Feet
Use this image to help your students reflect on and understand the model of service to others that Jesus gives us.
1856, Ford Madox Brown, City of Manchester Art Galleries, Manchester, UK.
Promulgatio Legis Scripte per Moisem
Help students understand the significance of the Ten Commandments, revealed to humanity through Moses as the covenant mediator.
c. 1482, Cosimo Rosselli, Sistine Chapel, Vatican.
The Pietà
This image takes the phrase "He died for our sins" to a whole new level.
c. 1498, Michelangelo Buonarroti, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
The Agony in the Garden
This image brings to life the struggles of Jesus before His Passion.
c. 1610-1612, Dominikos Theotokopoulos, Budapest Museum of Fine Arts.
Annunciation and Visitation
Religious sculpture has always served a teaching role. This is a great example depicting the life of Mary.
c.1230-1255, jamb statues of central doorway, west façade, Reims Cathedral, Reims, France.
The Creation of Adam
This image is a powerful rendition of the relationship between Adam and God and the moment of creation.
c. 1511, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Sistine Chapel, Apostolic Palace, Vatican City.