Religion in Art: Carracci, Bosch and Van Der Weyden

Art has long been a keystone in the religious world. It has oft been used to substitute literacy and influence congregations, as well as pay homage to revered mythological gods and goddesses. Men such as Annibale Carracci, Hieronymus Bosch and Roger Van Der Weyden, in particular, have greatly contributed to the common perceptions of the eternal concepts of religion, morals, and judgment by providing a unique perspective of each issue. Whether through depictions of the creation, the fall of man, or the final judgment, no tool, save The Bible, has had such a great affect on the religions of the world as has the impact of spiritual art.

The Loves of the Gods, painted by Annibale Carracci between 1597 and 1601, offers a unique perspective on love through mystical religion. This extremely large work, located on the ceiling of the Farnese Gallery in the cardinal's family palace, is frequently ranked alongside Michelangelo's Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in both size and religious influence. Although the scene depicted clearly places a stronger emphasis on mythology rather than Christianity, the earthly and divine love portrayed remain quite relevant.[1] This piece has often been described as "human love governed by celestial love". This love, portrayed both in Heaven and on earth, is a true and pure love. Though scenes of a sensuous nature are depicted, they are in no way intended to be taken amorally.[2] Seen especially in the detail of Jupiter and Juno, this pure love is eternal. Though it may appear, at first glance, to simply be a pleasure scene, it is clear upon further inspection these figures are in love. Their bodies are scantily clad, however they do not seem to notice the minimal coverage. Rather, both Jupiter and Juno stare intently and lovingly at one another. This piece opens up the pathway between the earth and the heavens, and shows the everlasting sanctity of love. Contrary to the majority of pre-17^th century Christian art, this piece gives no reference to the last judgment, only to the fusion between earthly and heavenly beings who are blessed by their unadulterated love of one another.[3]