Thursday, January 6, 2011

Vatican Splendors: A Journey Through Faith and Art

My husband and I recently viewed the exhibit called Vatican Splendors. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity and it was quite an extraordinary experience to say the least. We both had a wonderful time viewing all the relics and works of art. It was really awesome to be able to experience 2000 years of art and history of Christ's Church.  Here is a small list of items to give you an idea of what we saw: Golden Angels which were created in the workshop of Bernini, Michelangelo's Caliper -drawing compass he used in his work in the Sistine Chapel and Basilica-, A large sculpture from the 15th century showing the crucifixion of Saint Peter, and a bronze cast of hand of Pope John Paul II.

These Golden Angels are similar to the ones by Bernini:

Here is a picture of Michelangelo's Caliper: 
These pictures are from the internet since in order to preserve the integrity of the relics visitors weren't allowed to take photos at the exhibit. 

Vatican Splendors covered: Early Christian Dialogue between Faith and Art
                                           The Rise of Christian Rome
                                           The Early Renaissance
                                           Michaelangelo
                                           The Renaissance Basilica
                                           Art in the Service of Faith
                                           The Art of the Liturgy
                                           Dialogue With the World
                                           The Successors of Peter - Papal Portraiture
                                            Art and the Contemporary Papacy
                                           Catholicism in Western Pa.

I purchased a Vatican Splendors catalogue which consists of informational essays, commentary, and photographs so I will be posting a series on the individual objects in the exhibition as well as historical data from Church history.

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