Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

December 2, 2008 9:00:04 PM CST

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Vatican Gets Back in the Art Biz

Posted Sep 13, 08 7:54 AM CDT in Arts & Living 

(Newser) – The Vatican was the world's biggest buyer of modern art in the days when modern art meant Michelangelo, but its influence on art has ebbed in recent centuries. The church now plans to put itself back in the forefront of the art world, Newsweek reports. A commission of critics and clergy will search for artists able to put a new twist on ancient spiritual themes.

"We have made great progress with innovative church designs by top architects," says the monsignor spearheading the project. "Now we need artwork of the level we inspired centuries ago." Of course there may be resistance to contemporary work from some quarters: Last year Cologne's cardinal called for the removal of a stained glass window designed by Gerhard Richter. And to fulfill the mission, the Vatican will also have to find Medici-style patrons to finance commissions.

Source Newsweek

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Michelangelo Sketch Turns Up at Vatican

    Dec 7, 07 4:25 PM CST
    Michelangelo Sketch Turns Up at Vatican A red chalk drawing, possibly Michelangelo's last before his death at 88, has been found in a Vatican archive after nearly 500 years. The sketch is a plan for the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, which Michelangelo was put in charge of in 1546, the BBC reports. A researcher "happened upon this little sketch, which he believes is by the hand of Michelangelo," the head of the archives told the AP. More »

Jeff Koons' 1988 sculpture, "Michael Jackson and Bubbles," is on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago on Thursday, May 29, 2008.   (AP Photo)
A work by modern artist Jeff Koons juxtaposed with Michelangelo's 'Pieta.'   (Getty Images)
Michelangelo created "Pieta" in 1499.   (Archive Photos)
Two works of Vatican art depicting angels, a 1748 model painting, rear, and a painted wood carving, front, are shown June 7, 2007.   (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
The Creation of Adam, painted by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.   ((c) Sebastian Bergmann)
Sun shines through the new window (partly view) of the Cologne Cathedral, designed by German glass artist Gerhard Richter, in Cologne, Germany, on Monday, Aug. 27, 2007.   (AP Photo/Hermann J. Knippertz)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

We have made great progress with innovative church designs by top architects. Now we need artwork of the level we inspired centuries ago. We need to return to the spirit of the 1500s. - Monsignor Gianfranco Ravasi, head of the Pontifical Council for Culture

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 2)

Tags

art • Vatican • artist • Catholic church • modern art • Holy See • Michelangelo


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other Arts & Living Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser a team of editors and writers culls the most important stories from hundreds of U.S. and international sources and reduces them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. It's the Newser guarantee: we can take any report or column or video and pack what you need to know into 120 words or less. Newser's short-form aggregation, visual format, and unique information tools help you get more of the kind of news you want, in a quicker and more entertaining way. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »