What is Catholic Art?

As Catholics, we’re surrounded by art: statues, paintings, and stained glass windows, to name some examples. Not all of it is great art, but it all represents a deep-set spiritual need. As Pope Pius XII said, “The function of all art lies in fact in breaking through the narrow and tortuous enclosure of the finite, in which man is immerged while living here below, and in providing a window to the infinite for his hungry soul.” If we accept this definition, then we believe there is such a thing as a Catholic approach to art, one that aims to edify and uplift. McNamara’s Blog now offers a new column, featuring art done by a Catholic artist, or art done by a non-Catholic artist employing a Catholic theme. The above is a seventeenth century painting by Daniel Seghers, a Jesuit brother.