Sacred art
I’ve heard the Vatican described as the oldest organization in the world and as the one with the best communications network. At a public relations conference a few years ago, the presenter marveled at how words from the Vatican can reach the smallest parish anywhere in the world faster than any other network of the same size can communicate with its members. Organization is a hallmark of the Vatican.
Great art is another of the Vatican’s gifts to the world. In the centuries when art geniuses created sacred works, the Roman Catholic Church was the repository of their masterpieces. Bernini, Michelangelo, Giotto, El Greco and Rembrandt created beauty that returned to God the gifts He had given them in the form of artistic expression. I know that if I were ever fortunate enough to visit the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, I would be blown away by Michelangelo’s prodigious creation. Looking at plates in art books leaves me speechless and they’re only flat representations of a vaulted canvas depicting the glory of God.
This week, I’ll be viewing some of the Vatican’s art treasures near my home. Vatican Splendors runs at the Florida International Museum in St. Petersburg, FL until May 11. Florida is one of only three locations in the world where the Vatican will be sharing some of its vast holdings. The thought of being near great art that’s also religious art fills me with expectation. The collection has the Mandylion of Edessa, one of the oldest representations of the face of Jesus, relics of St. Peter and objects that belonged to Pope John Paul II, who became the Holy Father to the world, not just to us Catholics.
The Florida International Museum has hosted excellent installations in past seasons; I’ve seen wonderfully curated exhibits about the Titanic, treasures of the Russian Czars and art associated with Alexander the Great. I have higher hopes for Vatican Splendors because of the melding of art and religion, which is a potent combination. Like a child before Christmas, I’m counting the days until Friday.
