Inspired by the Word: The Bible Through the Eyes of the Great Masters

by Dr. Sage Elwell, Museum of the Bible Books (Creator)

Combined expertise of a well-known art historian with a gifted inspirational writer brings each of these sixty beautifully depicted scenes to life. Short, inspirational reflections offer insight into the art, including the historical and cultural context and biblical background. Thought-provoking daily readings help readers interact with art pieces from ancient mosaics to medieval tapestries, from folk designs to acclaimed masterpieces.

Genres: Religion

256 pages, Hardcover

Published October 3, 2017

Reviews

[Debbie Wentworth Wilson]

This book was not what I hoped for. I was looking for a book on art that would be similar to The Gift of Music: Great Composers and Their Influence by Jane Stuart Smith and Betty Carlson. However, this was a good book and might be good for homeschooling with some discretion as there are some pieces that have nudes or exposed breasts.

Dr. Elwell discusses art that was inspired by the Bible from the fourth through the twentieth centuries. He follows the layout of the Bible. He includes paintings, inscriptions on pages of books, sculpture, wood cuttings, a tapestry or two, and even a sarcophagus from different cultures. Each chapter begins with a photograph of the piece of art, the name of the artist, and where the art is now located. Next, he includes a scripture related to the artwork. He describes the piece with information about the artist if one is known, its form, and a paragraph or two about the biblical interpretation or lesson of the artwork.

His descriptions of the forms and the reasons the artists did what they did helped me understand how an artist conveys his message. It was helpful and enjoyable. The chapters were short, so I read them with my devotions.

[Mona Randall]

A beautiful book of biblical paintings with corresponding scripture and commentary.