Global Perspectives

The expressive power of visual art to articulate important religious values as well as complicated spiritual beliefs has been utilized by artists throughout the ages. From elaborate sculptures representing important deities, to paintings of sacred spaces, to small vessels that mediate contact between the earthly realm and the divine, devotional artwork has served an essential function for those pursuing spiritual understanding.

This companion exhibition to The Art of Devotion: Panel Painting in Early Renaissance Italy explores devotional traditions manifest in visual art from a diverse array of cultures and time periods.  Reflecting both the thoughtful interpretations and scholarly expertise of contributing faculty, students, staff,and other friends of the Museum, the accompanying texts and brochure seek to provide insight into why these objects have inspired humans of every tradition, enhancing their faith and connecting them to a higher purpose.

Rachel Beaupré and Ellen Alvord, Project Coordinators

View a pdf of the exhibition brochure.