Gottes Bilder

Johann Hinrich Claussen tells the story of Christian art. Since ancient times, Christianity has produced fascinating images that bring to life the history of salvation and aim to uplift the viewer. Through outstanding and sometimes surprising examples, Johann Hinrich Claussen narrates the history of Christian imagery. He explains why these images became objects of worship or destruction and how entirely new visual languages were developed in modern times, yet still connect to the great traditions.

Jesus as the Good Shepherd, carrying a sheep on his shoulders: This touching and simple motif marks the beginning of the story of Christian images in the 3rd century. Soon, depictions of the Crucified and the Ruler of the World follow. Mary, apostles, prophets, martyrs, and saints come into the picture. The images themselves are venerated and thus contested. In the tension between religion and art, masterpieces emerge during the Renaissance that also serve to glorify their patrons—and the artists themselves. Johann Hinrich Claussen impressively demonstrates how the great iconographic traditions continue into the Baroque period, only to undergo a radical transformation in modernity. Now, a solitary monk by the sea can be spiritually moved. New symbolic languages and abstract forms emerge in the 20th century. In contrast, the old religious visual languages are hardly understood today. This masterfully written book offers a unique key to rediscovering this language.

“The painter should not just paint what he sees before him, but also what he sees within himself.” Caspar David Friedrich. A beautiful book for reading, viewing, and gifting, featuring 72 color illustrations from antiquity to the present day. The images that everyone should know—and surprising discoveries. A tempting read.