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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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The Last Supper
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Est: €2,000- €2,500
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The Last Supper
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Attributed to LUIS DE MORALES "THE DIVINE" (Badajoz c. 1510 - 1586) - The Pietà
Apr 16, 6:30 PM EDT
Attributed to LUIS DE MORALES "THE DIVINE" (Badajoz c. 1510 - 1586) - The Pietà
by DP Test House
Est: ¥30,000- ¥40,000
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Spanish School of the 18th Century - Vision of Saint Anthony of Padua
Apr 16, 6:30 PM EDT
Spanish School of the 18th Century - Vision of Saint Anthony of Padua
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Est: ¥2,500- ¥5,000
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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
Following models by Anton van Dyck (Antwerp, 1599 - London, 1641) - The Pietà, 19th century
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
Spanish School of the late 16th century - Saint Pascual Bailón adoring the Holy Sacrament
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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
¥1,5000 Bids
Spanish School of the late 16th century - Holy Friar Martyr
Apr 16, 6:30 PM EDT
Spanish School of the late 16th century - Holy Friar Martyr
by DP Test House
Est: ¥3,000- ¥6,000
¥1,5000 Bids
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
¥4,5000 Bids
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
¥3,5000 Bids
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
¥1,0000 Bids
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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Bolognese school, Mary Magdalene, 17thC, oil on canvas 70 x 55 cm. (27.5 x 21.6 in.)
Apr 10, 10:00 AM EDT
Bolognese school, Mary Magdalene, 17thC, oil on canvas 70 x 55 cm. (27.5 x 21.6 in.)
by Asté Maison de ventes
Est: $2,500- $3,500
$2,0000 Bids
After Quentin Matsys (1466�1530), St. Mary Magdalene, 30,5 x 47 cm
Oct 24, 11:00 AM EDT
After Quentin Matsys (1466�1530), St. Mary Magdalene, 30,5 x 47 cm
by SSA-smokehouse
Est: $300- $500
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Madonna & Child, O/B (Property of Museum)
Apr 02, 1:00 PM EDT
Madonna & Child, O/B (Property of Museum)
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Est: $100- $150
$500 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Religious Paintings


Asté Maison de ventes

Asté Maison de ventes

Weschler's

Weschler's

Auktionshaus Bloss

Auktionshaus Bloss