In a beautiful fusion of sacred text and visual masterpiece, The Art of Scripture offers a resonant new way to experience the Bible through the lens of Western art. Published by the National Gallery, London, this landmark volume pairs 100 paintings from its collection with the King James Bible, creating a dialogue that is as much a cultural document as a spiritual one.
The selection thoughtfully reflects the scriptures accepted by the Church of England, presenting a canon that has profoundly shaped British history and the National Gallery’s own collection. From the dramatic Old Testament stories of Adam and Eve, Moses and David, as envisioned by masters like Rembrandt and Rubens, to the New Testament miracles captured by Caravaggio and Raphael, the book is a curated journey through the narratives that have anchored the Church’s tradition for centuries.
Broadcaster Andrew Marr, in his foreword, praises the volume for placing great art ‘back in its original narrative setting’. The book is not only a visual delight but also an invitation: every artwork featured can be seen in person at the National Gallery in London.
Arriving during a resurgence of interest in Christian heritage, The Art of Scripture provides a focused gateway into the biblical stories that are central to the Anglican tradition. As a gift or a personal treasury, this elegant hardback is a testament to the enduring power of the Word, as preserved and celebrated within the Christian faith.
RIGHT: God the Father, c.1430–40, Italian, Florentine. Egg tempera on wood. The National Gallery, London. BELOW: The Finding Of Moses, c.1630 by Orazio Gentileschi. Oil on canvas. The National Gallery, London.
The book is a curated journey through the narratives that have anchored the Church’s tradition for centuries
Featured image: The Finding Of Moses, c.1630 by Orazio Gentileschi. Oil on canvas. The National Gallery, London.
- ‘The Art of Scripture: The King James Bible in Masterpieces’ is published in Anthology Volume 24. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
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