Reviving Sacred Art: A New Renaissance in Worship and Beauty

New Renaissance: The Revival of Sacred Art in the Catholic Church

In 1992, the world of art seemed to be dominated by shock value and controversy. However, for one individual, a life-changing encounter with Russian iconography sparked a deep contemplation on the importance of beautiful, expertly-crafted sacred art in worship.

Beauty has the power to inspire, to uplift, and to point towards the divine. This belief is echoed by Pope St. John Paul II, who emphasized the significance of sacred art in his 1999 Letter to Artists. He wrote, “Art must make perceptible, and as far as possible attractive, the world of the spirit, of the invisible, of God.”

Today, there is a growing movement towards a new Renaissance in sacred art within the Catholic Church. Artists like David Clayton, Provost of Pontifex University, and Enzo Selvaggi, Creative Director for Heritage Liturgical, are at the forefront of this revival.

Clayton notes the increasing interest in sacred art among artists, especially in America, while Selvaggi sees a resurgence of beauty and sacredness despite the prevailing culture of destruction. Both believe that sacred artists are rebuilding something that has long been dormant.

Sacred artist Cindi Duft emphasizes the purpose-driven nature of Catholic art, where every stroke and color is directed towards invoking God. In contrast to other forms of art that focus on individual expression, sacred art is meant to inspire spiritual contemplation and adoration.

Ateliers and sacred art workshops are also playing a crucial role in nurturing the talents of aspiring sacred artists. Institutions like St. Edmund’s Sacred Art Institute and Pontifex University offer programs that teach traditional artistic techniques with a focus on sacred art.

However, one major barrier for sacred artists remains funding. Unlike the Renaissance era where artists were supported by patrons, modern-day sacred artists often struggle to make a stable living. This highlights the need for greater financial support and patronage for artists dedicated to creating sacred art.

Despite these challenges, the resurgence of interest in sacred art is a sign of hope for the Catholic Church. As Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI once said, “Art and the saints are the greatest apologetic for our faith.” The noble mission of sacred artists to make visible the invisible continues to inspire a new generation of artists committed to creating exceptional sacred art.

Stay tuned for Part II of this article, where we will delve into the stories of four sacred artists who are shaping the revival of sacred art in the Catholic Church.