The Intention Behind Sacred Art Matters

Hanna Mangiovillano

When it comes to communicating the truth of our faith through art, can we always trust who is behind the canvas? What is the role of sacred art, and, perhaps more critical, the role of the sacred artist? Throughout history, the church has always been a patron of the arts, commissioning countless beautiful works to fill her sanctuaries. Thus, for a long time there has been a need for skilled hands to create sacred artwork.

Although society has changed and the role of the artisan has dwindled in culture since times past, the church is still in need of sacred artwork to be created for churches. However, this may raise the question, should one be a sacred artist to create sacred artwork? I do not mean in terms his or her material composition. Rather, the artist’s interior composition, within his or her heart.

Should the one who creates sacred artwork be personally devout and in relationship with God & His church? 

I believe this question is best answered through a comparison. Say someone was hired or asked to speak to a parish regarding a spiritual topic. It would be fair to assume that the one speaking would be a devout, or at least practicing, catholic. Likewise, if one was hired or invited to write a spiritual reflection for a catholic organization, newspaper, or online platform, the following audience of that catholic organization would assume and rightfully expect that author to share the core values of his or her faith.

Why should it be any different for a work of sacred art? For just like speaking or writing, artwork is another form of literacy. It is a way to communicate a message or a story or some truth. 

Why does this matter?

When it comes to communicating the truth of our faith, whether it be through speech or song or brush strokes, we must be careful that the one articulating that truth is listening to the Holy Spirit for his guidance. For truth comes from God. The role of a sacred artist is to bring to life visual messages from heaven. This can only be done effectively through prayerfully reading God’s word, being informed of the teachings of the church, and being open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

To create sacred art is a spiritual experience. At times it is mundane and ordinary, and at others it is full of rich spiritual encounter. But all the same, if willed, it is an act of worship and a result of friendship with God and knowledge of His teachings. Secondly, and maybe more importantly…

…sacred artwork should be prayerfully created for the sake of those who will behold it.

The Holy Spirit is free and fully capable of using imperfect, secular, and ordinary things to speak divine truth to souls. Yet it is important that we as God’s stewards make ourselves fully available to Him so that His work may be complete in us. When we do that, we will be infinitely amazed by what God wants to do with our gifts. If devout Catholics are prayerfully creating art for God’s churches, imagine what would be possible! The one who designed all of creation now creating art for His churches through the hands of a listening creative soul. 

Take some of the most famous artists throughout history for instance: Michelangelo, Fra Angelico, and William-Adolphe Bouguereau. They created some of the most beautiful,  beloved, and breathtaking pieces of catholic artwork in the world. And they were all practicing Catholics. I do not know the extent of their devotion. Yet one does not need to struggle much to see the touch of the divine within their handiwork.

What about art made by nonbelievers?

Now, I’m sure it is possible for aesthetic Christian images to be created by nonbelievers. I bet there are several lovely ones out there. But, how much more rich and beautiful is a work that was created from the heart, led by the creator of beauty Himself? For it is not only beautiful in regards to its visual aesthetics. It is beautiful for the work it does within the creator’s soul and the souls of all who behold it. For all works that God intends to be created will do good to those he has prepared it for. See what happens when God creates in and through us…

The Danger of Misrepresentation

God is fully capable of using the work of secular artists to speak truth. For His beauty and goodness transcend all the works of man. But we should take great care in how our brothers and sisters encounter God’s beauty. Don’t we want others to know the fullness of the Heart of the Father? How heartbreaking it is when that love and goodness is miscommunicated or misrepresented by those who do not understand or know this love. For whether it be done intentionally or unintentionally, historical inaccuracy, untruths, and heretical messages are all possible dangers that arise when sacred art is not prayerfully made by one who truly knows the Father.

And unfortunately, sacred art can be intentionally twisted for the sake of destruction or in spite of what it stands for. If you’ve paid much attention I am sure you have seen something similar at one time or another. 

The good news is that God is so much bigger than anything we create.

There are always flaws in the works of man, but God’s divine beauty purifies, sanctifies, and perfects even our worst efforts. He is the divine artist working in and through us. He will use the beauty that is originally His to complete His work and His will. Next time you behold a piece of artwork, whether it be lovely to you or not, say a prayer for all artists! That they may be continuously open to the movements of the Holy Spirit and use their gifts to glorify God!

Let’s review!

What it means to be a sacred artist today:

• invite prayer into your process
• know your values
• letting God work in and through your art
• point others to Beauty with your creativity

How does a working sacred artist put this into practice? We interviewed Kate about this very topic! Check it out here:

We know that Beauty communicates truth…

yet so many hearts are starving without it. If you found yourself connecting to this message, maybe you’ve desired to fill your life with more beauty – to be surrounded in your home and in your church with sacred art that draws heart up!

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