The Artsy Bible Study

Hello and welcome to the second edition of the Artsy Bible Study. The arts and the Bible have been intertwined for centuries; as an art history lover and a Christian, I’ve found myself looking for a good tool to study and learn more about both of them together. Last year (2023), I made combining the study of these two my “Lenten intention,” and I found it so beneficial that I’ve decided to do it again this Lenten season.

I’ve provided no commentary, just the painting, its basic information, and the corresponding biblical verses. Though this is my own Lenten project, religious affiliation is not required; my aim is for this to be useful and interesting to anyone looking to learn more about art history and the Bible. Studying the Bible alongside biblically-themed paintings—of which there are many, as the Church was a major patron for many artists throughout history—deepens the viewer’s understanding of the painting itself, and vice versa.

This year, in an attempt to make this more structured, I’ve followed the Episcopal Lectionary (the guidelines put forth by the Episcopal Church for services’ readings) so that the painting and biblical text will correspond to one of that Sunday’s readings. I am an Episcopalian, so this makes sense for me! We start and end this edition of the Artsy Bible Study with Easter Sunday.

I’d love to hear from you if you decide to use this Artsy Bible Study in your own life, and do feel free to send this to friends who might also benefit. New this year: I’ll be sending out a weekly email with that week’s pairing (or pairings, if there are multiple that week, like during Holy Week). Send me a note (lucyclarespooner@gmail.com) or click the “Newsletter” tab on my website) to sign up.

Enjoy!
xo Clare
March 2024