The whole series was very well produced and presented, even though I don't accept her theological position. But I have one big question: if you could talk to the artists today what would they make of the films? Would they say "you've analysed my intentions and symbolism perfectly"? Or would they say "these ideas never crossed my mind while I was producing these paintings: you've added meanings I never intended"?

Name: The audacity of Christian art: Unspeakable images: When words fail | National Gallery
Uploaded: 2020-03-27T17:18:44Z
Description: Christian art bravely uses imagery to convey complex ideas beyond words. This exploration of visual storytelling showcases the audacity and power of religious art.

You make a good point. I wonder if we might consider it through a slightly different lens. Rather than of paintings by people no longer alive to defend their original intent, consider preachers who may have to listen to recordings of their sermons and hear themselves, in the process of trying to proclaim one message, saying all sorts of things that are irrelevant or contradictory to their intent. It's possible that the artists in the series here, intending to show several things, also inadvertentl put in other things the interpretation of which was not at all what they meant to convey.

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AP®︎/College Art History

Course: AP®︎/College Art History > Unit 2

Lesson 5: Christianity

The audacity of Christian art: Unspeakable images: When words fail | National Gallery

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Christian art bravely uses imagery to convey complex ideas beyond words. This exploration of visual storytelling showcases the audacity and power of religious art.

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Roy Bell
Posted 4 years ago. Direct link to Roy Bell's post “The whole series was very...”
The whole series was very well produced and presented, even though I don't accept her theological position. But I have one big question: if you could talk to the artists today what would they make of the films? Would they say "you've analysed my intentions and symbolism perfectly"? Or would they say "these ideas never crossed my mind while I was producing these paintings: you've added meanings I never intended"?
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(4 votes)
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- David Alexander
  Posted 4 years ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “You make a good point. I ...”
  You make a good point. I wonder if we might consider it through a slightly different lens. Rather than of paintings by people no longer alive to defend their original intent, consider preachers who may have to listen to recordings of their sermons and hear themselves, in the process of trying to proclaim one message, saying all sorts of things that are irrelevant or contradictory to their intent. It's possible that the artists in the series here, intending to show several things, also inadvertentl put in other things the interpretation of which was not at all what they meant to convey.
  Comment on David Alexander's post “You make a good point. I ...”
  (2 votes)
Andrew
Posted 3 years ago. Direct link to Andrew's post “Well produced but there w...”
Well produced but there were many statements that I thought were a bit misleading. So my question is this: What is the defining line between historical art hermeneutics and sophistry?
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(2 votes)
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Isaiah Dunmeyer
Posted 3 years ago. Direct link to Isaiah Dunmeyer's post “Are you saying that God i...”
Are you saying that God is giving us a message into pictures.
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(1 vote)
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- David Alexander
  Posted 3 years ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “Sundry and diverse manner...”
  Sundry and diverse manners to the ancestors, to us, and to our progeny.
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  (1 vote)
abacad
Posted 3 years ago. Direct link to abacad's post “I am curious about the hi...”
I am curious about the historic background and scholarship about the thesis being advanced. Is Dr. Reddaway's analysis of the intention of these paintings supported by current and past scholarship regarding the paintings? I have greatly enjoyed watching these videos and appreciated the ideas regarding the intentions of the painters that are expressed. I think the analysis is compelling but I wonder about whether there is any contemporary (to the era in which the painting was produced) evidence of this intention of the artist or whether there is subsequent (over the past 400+ years) scholarship to support the interpretations presented (if this were a book, there would be footnotes).
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(1 vote)
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- David Alexander
  Posted 3 years ago. Direct link to David Alexander's post “You ask a good question, ...”
  You ask a good question, but this forum may not be the place where you can get the best answer. I suggest you go to https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/research/about-research/art-and-religion/the-audacity-of-christian-art-film-series and poke around there to see if you might find either the footnote you seek, or the scholar who might direct you to it.
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  (1 vote)

AP®︎/College Art History

Course: AP®︎/College Art History > Unit 2

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