It often happens that after seeing the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, the stained glass of Chartres or the mosaics of San Vitale, pilgrims lament, “Why can’t we make these things anymore?” or “Aren’t there people around who can still do this?”
I respond that it’s not because of a lack of talent; rather, there has been a decline of thoughtful patronage.
The great eras of Christian art — medieval manuscripts, Renaissance paintings, Baroque sculptures — were fueled by people who valued and treasured faith and beauty. While many people love faith and others appreciate beauty today, the two rarely go hand in hand.
In what appears to be a “change of era” for the world and Church, is it too much to ask what part laypeople can play in bringing about a “New Renaissance”?
Many assume that the institutional Church should spearhead such a movement, but it’s been laypeople who have been a critical force for beauty through the ages.
The Medici family, commissioning Donatello’s “David” for their courtyard, patronizing Benozzo Gozzoli’s frescoes, and welcoming the young Michelangelo into their midst, shaped styles, determined demand, and catapulted careers. The Burghers of Bruges vied to hire the most exquisite painters to produce devotional works.
These were investments in both their earthly legacy and spiritual futures. Proud owners displayed their works, and others attempted to emulate the taste of these early “influencers.” The high demand drew more and more talented people to the arts, while experience taught patrons how to elicit the best work from competing artists.
Talent abounds in the world of Catholic art; what is needed now are patrons to promote new faith-based works. Perhaps one of my contributions can be providing a sampler of what is out there. While this is only the tip of the iceberg, my hope is that it will help develop a taste for Catholic art.
Father Richard Baker and Archbishop Diarmuid Martin look on…