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Religious Paintings

Religious paintings are one of the most often-used artistic expressions on the planet. In the West, images from Christianity are the most prevalent. Figures are painted literally to represent important scenes, such as the Lamentation of Christ or the Annunciation. These images are found in plastered walls of old churches, in stained glass windows, and in self-contained paintings on canvas.

In Judaism, the use of images is restrained. Many architectural details of synagogues are similar to Christian churches. Motifs including the menorah, ram’s horns, and references to the destroyed Temple in Jerusalem might be included in the interior design scheme. Jewish synagogues also utilize stained glass.

Painting the likeness of God is strictly forbidden in Islam, and painting the likeness of Muhammad is highly unusual. Islamic artists have developed a rich tradition of geometric and vegetal patterning, as well as calligraphy. In the Hindu tradition, deities are painted as well as scenes of gurus and seekers meditating and interacting. Hinduism, like Christianity, makes free and liberal use of imagery to inspire the faithful.


Quick Facts

  • On January 29, 2014, Christie’s New York sold an exceptionally fine 500-year-old illustrated manuscript, known as the Rothschild Prayerbook, for $13.6 million
  • In the same sale, "Adoration of the Shepherds," painted in oil on canvas circa 1562-63 by Jacopo Bassano, sold for $8.9 million
  • On January 29, 2015, Sotheby’s New York offered for sale "Paradise Landscape with the Animals Entering Noah’s Arc," by Jan Brueghel the Elder. The oil painting on a copper support sold for $3.97 million

Recommended Items at Auction

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DIPINTO
Mar 05, 10:00 AM EST
DIPINTO
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Est: $300- $350
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DIPINTO
Mar 05, 10:00 AM EST
DIPINTO
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Est: $300- $350
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Attributed to LUIS DE MORALES "THE DIVINE" (Badajoz c. 1510 - 1586) - The Pietà
Mar 04, 10:00 AM EST
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Mar 04, 10:00 AM EST
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Mar 04, 10:00 AM EST
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Attributed to Francesco de Mura, 60 x 38 cm, oil on canvas
Mar 04, 10:00 AM EST
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Apr 16, 6:30 PM EDT
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Apr 16, 6:30 PM EDT
Spanish School of the 18th Century - Vision of Saint Anthony of Padua
by DP Test House
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Spanish School of the 18th Century - Immaculate Conception
Apr 16, 6:30 PM EDT
Spanish School of the 18th Century - Immaculate Conception
by DP Test House
Est: ¥1,500- ¥3,000
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17th Century New Spanish School - Immaculate Conception
Apr 16, 6:30 PM EDT
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Following models by Anton van Dyck (Antwerp, 1599 - London, 1641) - The Pietà, 19th century
Apr 16, 6:30 PM EDT
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by DP Test House
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Spanish School of the late 16th century - Saint Pascual Bailón adoring the Holy Sacrament
Apr 16, 6:30 PM EDT
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by DP Test House
Est: ¥3,000- ¥6,000
¥1,5000 Bids
Spanish School of the late 16th century - San Gonzalo García
Apr 16, 6:30 PM EDT
Spanish School of the late 16th century - San Gonzalo García
by DP Test House
Est: ¥3,000- ¥6,000
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Apr 16, 6:30 PM EDT
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by DP Test House
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Follower of PERE SERRA (act. between 1357 - 1406) - The Virgin of the Angels, 16th century
Apr 16, 6:30 PM EDT
Follower of PERE SERRA (act. between 1357 - 1406) - The Virgin of the Angels, 16th century
by DP Test House
Est: ¥6,000- ¥12,000
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17th Century Italian School - Saint Joseph with the Child
Apr 16, 6:30 PM EDT
17th Century Italian School - Saint Joseph with the Child
by DP Test House
Est: ¥6,000- ¥12,000
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JUAN EGEA Y MARÍN (Active in Murcia around 1860) - Apparition of Christ
Apr 16, 6:30 PM EDT
JUAN EGEA Y MARÍN (Active in Murcia around 1860) - Apparition of Christ
by DP Test House
Est: ¥2,000- ¥3,500
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The Last Supper
May 28, 3:30 PM CEST
The Last Supper
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Est: €2,000- €2,500
€1,8000 Bids
After Quentin Matsys (1466�1530), St. Mary Magdalene, 30,5 x 47 cm
Feb 20, 11:00 AM EST
After Quentin Matsys (1466�1530), St. Mary Magdalene, 30,5 x 47 cm
by SSA-smokehouse
Est: $300- $500
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The resurrection of Lazarus, 83 x 120,5 cm
Feb 20, 11:00 AM EST
The resurrection of Lazarus, 83 x 120,5 cm
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The adoration of the shepherds, 17th/18thC, 114 x 161 cm
Feb 20, 11:00 AM EST
The adoration of the shepherds, 17th/18thC, 114 x 161 cm
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Sellers Who Sell Religious Paintings


Weschler's

Weschler's

Auktionshaus Bloss

Auktionshaus Bloss