The Sacred Realm of Art - Essay Example

Summarizing an Essay: The Sacred Realm of Art The article en d The Sacred Realm of Art proffers various art forms that manifest the role of artin serving religion. Artistic creations, particularly through figures, masks or paintings, are significant manifestations providing evidence for diverse cultures for scholars of diverse endeavors. The essay provided distinct art forms exemplified by four religions, to wit: the jade statue of the ancient Olmecs, revealed to have existed some 1500 to 300 b.c.; the masks of the indigenous Bwa from West Africa; the painting of images of the Tathagata Buddha from Central Tibet; and the painting of the image of the Virgin Mary, as Madonna Enthroned from Italy.

There were marked differences but also intriguing similarities depicting prominent figures, profound meanings, portrayal of messages through expressions, positions of body parts and symbolisms. The jade figure of the ancient Olmecs, for instance, revealed contrasting expressions of two images manifesting the significant role of a shaman, an intermediary between two worlds. The masks of the Bwa people, on the other hand, likewise serve as a spiritual manifestation of presence that provides guidance and assistance to humans through various traditions and practices.

The comparative discourse provided by the paintings of the images of the Tathagata Buddha and the Madonna Enthoned showed remarkable similarities despite the diversity in religious beliefs. Depicting the central image as the signifying the most reverent role in the respective religions (Buddhist and Christian), the juxtaposition of body parts (hand, face, and other images) give meaning to the viewers. The similarities of providing halos to images indicate their sacredness as contrasted to human forms.

The smaller images that surround the focal point portray relevant celestial roles of assisting humans in achieving their eternal objectives. The article finally concluded by highlighting the relevance of art in making religion more concrete to devotees and believers. Work Cited Author’s Late Name, First Name. “The Sacred Realm of Art.” Book Title: Chapter 3: Themes and Purposes. Publisher. Date of Publication. Print.