: The work spans from the earliest Christian art to the present day, covering Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant traditions.
First published by Oxford University Press in 1996, this volume is much more than a simple dictionary. It features over that meticulously interconnect the religious and the artistic.
The Ultimate Key to Western Masterpieces: Exploring The Oxford Companion to Christian Art and Architecture
Deciphering the layers of meaning in Western art often requires more than just an appreciation for aesthetics; it demands a deep understanding of the biblical and historical contexts that inspired them. The Oxford Companion to Christian Art and Architecture , authored by the late Peter Murray and his wife Linda Murray, serves as an indispensable reference for bridging this knowledge gap.
: It provides essential background on Christian doctrine, liturgical years, and symbols (like the rose window or illuminated books) as they specifically apply to visual arts.