European Art Through 1700 (Level 2)

A hallmark of the University of Notre Dame’s collection is its sacred art. The thematic installation in these galleries, called “Spirit : Matter,” examines the function of art in the practice of Christian faith. Paintings, sculptures, prints, and decorative art objects used for private and public devotions, in the liturgy, and for missionary work embody the words of the fourth-century Church father Saint Augustine who believed that “. . . by the means of corporal and temporal things we may comprehend the eternal and spiritual.” Tenets of the Christian faith, including the Holy Trinity, the Incarnation, redemption, the role of saints, and biblical narratives depicted in art from Italy, Germany, Britain, and France are presented for inquiry and reflection.