How Catholic Art Saved the Faith: The Triumph of Beauty and Truth in Counter-Reformation Art

by Elizabeth Lev

Not long after Martin Luther's defiance of the Church in 1517, dialogue between Protestants and Catholics broke down, brother turned against brother, and devastating religious wars erupted across Europe. Desperate to restore the peace and recover the unity of Faith, Catholic theologians clarified and reaffirmed Catholic doctrines, but turned as well to another form of evangelization: the Arts.

Convinced that to win over the unlettered, the best place to fight heresy was not in the streets but in stone and on canvas, they enlisted the century's best artists to create a glorious wave of beautiful works of sacred art Catholic works of sacred art to draw people together instead of driving them apart.

How Catholic Art Saved the Faith tells the story of the creation and successes of this vibrant, visual-arts SWAT team whose war cry could have been art for Faith's sake! Over the years, it included Michelangelo, of course, and, among other great artists, the edgy Caravaggio, the graceful Guido Reni, the technically perfect Annibale Carracci, the colorful Barocci, the theatrical Bernini, and the passionate Artemisia Gentileschi. Each of these creative souls, despite their own interior struggles, was a key player in this magnificent, generations-long project: the affirmation through beauty of the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church.

Here you will meet the fascinating artists who formed this cadre's core. You will revel in scores of their full-color paintings. And you will profit from the lucid explanations of their lovely creations: works that over the centuries have touched the hearts and deepened the faith of millions of pilgrims who have made their way to the Eternal City to gaze upon them.

Join those pilgrims now in an encounter with the magnificent artworks of the Catholic Restoration artworks which from their conception were intended to delight, teach, and inspire. As they have done for the faith of so many, so will they do for you.

Genres: Catholic, History, Nonfiction, Art, Religion, Theology, Art History

310 pages, Paperback

Published September 20, 2018

About the author

Elizabeth Lev is an American-born art historian with the good fortune to live and work in Rome. Life in the “Eternal City” allows her the perfect environment to pursue her many passions. For on an average day, one can find Elizabeth working on her latest article or book, preparing for one of her worldwide speaking engagements, touring visitors through the treasures of Rome, or using her skills as a sommelier to find the perfect wine to pair with dinner.

Reviews

[TheCatholicBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible! I know that when you read this, you will come back and write your own five-star rating.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reformation came about because of Martin Luther and his 95 Theses. Ostensibly these were about selling indulgences or 'get out of hell free' cards.

This book taught me that he was against a lot more than that.

I hope to study these Theses and highlight the Italian art that was created to combat Luther's errors.

I read this book on my Kindle and was delighted that so many of the artists' works were included and I could click on them and zoom and see great detail.

I can't say enough good things about Lev's writing style, the content and layout of the book, and what she has taught me.

5 stars

[Margaret Gipson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating read and a beautiful book for anyone interested in religious art. Lev organizes her book well as a series of responses to Reformation beliefs and pairs her insightful readings of Counter-Reformation artwork with gorgeous reproductions. It is refreshing and at times revelatory to consider this artwork within its original historical context and to consider the theology it was tasked with reinforcing. My education has been strongly weighted towards the Protestant side of this point in history, so I learned a lot here.

As anyone who can read will notice from the title, this book is not an unbiased consideration of the topic, and Lev hews very strongly to a Protestants(bad)/Catholics(good!) formula. Lev has a real knack for choosing the most unflattering quotes from Luther and Calvin while brushing aside spotty Catholic moments, such as when she describes the trial and judgement of Galileo as "a comedy of errors" that "embarrassed people," or when she neatly and quickly sanitizes "Globalization, Catholic style" to focus on only the rosiest aspects of Jesuit missionary efforts.

While I understand that it is perhaps outside of the scope of the book, I found myself wanting more from her rebuttals to Reformation departures on theology. Lev does a great job showing how Counter-Reformation artwork insisted upon and taught orthodox Catholic beliefs, but the reader is clearly expected to understand the orthodox beliefs as truth without considering the Protestant perspective or recognizing why they might have been protesting. Her mentions of reformation theology felt exclusively dismissive. The paintings and sculptures themselves are truly beautiful and inspiring, which makes me think the church was onto something when they commissioned these pieces. If beauty was more effective at conveying truth than all the "let him be anathema" language 500 years ago, it probably still is.

[Aline FitzGerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I never knew I was waiting for. A wonderful example of the marriage of art and faith in brief, easy essays. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the visual descriptions as well as the historical and papal contexts for art in the Catholic world post-Reformation. Lev does a brilliant job engaging and inspiring the reader to continue a tradition of understanding Catholic art in a modern environment not much different than that of 1600. Her arguments are perspective-changing. And with the most stunning of bibliographies.
Might be too soon to say, but I think I’ve found the person I want to be when I grow up. Hmu to join my fan club

[Manny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Dr. Lev takes us through the Counter-Reformation art, links it to the history of the times, and provides superb analysis of the art for its aesthetic qualities, its theological meaning, and its history. Her knowledge of the times, the artists, and the art is amazingly rich. Perhaps a more comprehensive review may be provided in the future. Highly recommended.

[Illiterate · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lev’s annoying religious bias distorts her history. She offers little evidence of why patrons and artists adopted themes.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredibly done, with beautiful photographs of the masterpieces Lev discusses in each of the chapters. I had heard Liz Lev being interviewed on EWTN, and I was intrigued. Knowing that I was going back to Italy this past spring, I wanted to be more aware of the artwork I would see in the churches in Rome. Who knew that this book would teach me how art played an important role in the Counter Reformation? I am not an art student, but Lev writes clearly, and I found myself going back and forth between the prose and the pictures. I was thrilled when I got to go to St. Cecilia's Church in the Trastevere section of Rome, and saw the sculpture of the Martyrdom of St. Cecilia by Maderno! Well done! Thank you, Liz Lev.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely fascinating read... I love visiting art galleries and have a huge appreciation for many famous works of arts/artists, but I don't think I have ever read a specific art history book before and now I am keen to read more of this genre. This book is specifically analyzing various well-known works of Renaissance art through the lens of the reformation/counter-reformation to reveal how the artists and their patrons were trying to portray elements of the Catholic faith that were under attack in this time period.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and accessible! Amazing how much we have lost the ability to "read" great works of art, but I also appreciated her suggestions for how to recapture that vision.

[Marie Trotter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some intriguing readings of sacred art. The book's thesis suffers slightly from an assumption that every artist cited was in agreement with Catholic Counter-Reformation theology and was actively working towards the aims of the Church in the period, rather than just being artists who were getting paid. There isn't sufficient evidence presented for each artist's own theological views to support this notion.

[SweetAileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already anticipated liking this book since I’ve seen some of the author’s interviews and lectures prior. But I ultimately knew this when I watched a video of her saying she enjoyed the inclusion of a great lobster in one of the many depictions of “ The Temptations of St. Anthony”. Even though I’m not an east coaster myself I happily agreed.

Onto the actual review:
This was an interesting take on the battle between Catholic and Protestant theology during the time of the “ Reformation”. Many people ( including the faithful) just view Catholic art as something pretty to look at when in reality there’s so much more to the story and this book definitely does tell it.

I would like to add that I did appreciate that I hadn’t seen or wasn’t as familiar with a number of the pieces shared. Despite there being a large variety of Catholic works of art it sometimes feels like I’m just seeing the same things. But even with the art I’ve seen dozens of times it was amazing to learn about them and see them in a new light.

The author doesn’t just teach you history or art but gives theological insights and shows how you might want to incorporate art into your own spiritual life. The lives of the artists behind the masterpieces are also shared.

I’m a firm believer in art especially sacred art so it was nice to see this same sentiment illustrated in this work. Puritans often believe that art is done in vain but they are wrong. Art requires you to open up your soul and reach outside yourself. As Catholics it’s our birthright to participate in many of the Church’s traditions and art is one of them.

Favorite passage:
John Calvin knew what he was rejecting when he preferred the peace of enlightenment over the passion of ecstasy, but later centuries have grown so tragically lost in the immediacy of bodily pleasure that viewers have come to lack the capacity even to imagine divine love p.g 151

[Rachel Zehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this book 5 stars, but I thought the characterization of the Protestant Reformation was shaky in spots (Zwingli rejected infant baptism and founded the Anabaptists, to cite one such spot) and the writing was sometimes weak. The main argument was strong, and the art analysis was--I assume, not being an art historian myself--beautifully crafted and powerfully presented.

[Leslie Moellering · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent look at art around the time of the counter-reformation. The author gives great information on the artists and the culture and political situations of the time. She shows well how the art had a positive impact on the faithful as well as on those who were wavering in their faith. Definitely worth reading. The images in the book are stunning.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this and would give 4.5 stars if I could! I think the rebuttals to the reformation could’ve been better and less dismissive, but loved reading about the art, different artists and how they showed the beauty+truth of teachings that were under attack

[Maximo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing! Lev’s knowledgeability and enthusiasm are lucid in these artistic essays.

[Elizabeth Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love me some religious art
"The message is clear: no one is beyond repentance and no one is beyond redemption"

[C. Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is both visually attractive and attractively written, as befits a book about art. It presents a substantial amount of history, theology, and art interpretation in prose that never bogs down with excessive detail or wordiness. Many of the works that are featured will be familiar to anyone who has studied art history, but Lev's interpretations are not always the same as those promoted in current mainline art history texts. Paintings are featured, but sculpture, architecture, and urban design find their place as well. I find Lev's approach to be consistently reasonable. This book is a great introduction to its topic. Since it is an introduction rather than a highly detailed treatment of its subjects, a useful bibliography is also provided.

[Connor Curts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and a nice overview of some art that the Church produced in response to the Reformers, but a bit misleading with the title. It doesn’t go very much in depth about how the art saved the faith or how it truly affected people, mostly just the intent behind it and historical background of why and where it was created.

[Seth · Rating 3 out of 5]

H**Not a review**

Experimenting with ChatGPT generated insight about nonfiction after reading. I used to bullet point every non fiction book I read but no longer have the time so in the name of information retention I'm using AI to help me remember whats discussed in the book in the future.

How Catholic Art Saved the Faith: The Triumph of Beauty and Truth in Counter-Reformation Art by Elizabeth Lev examines the crucial role that art played in the Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation. Lev argues that during the Counter-Reformation, the Church strategically commissioned art to reinforce its teachings, counter Protestant criticisms, and inspire devotion among the faithful.

The book delves into how the Church used visual art as a powerful tool to communicate key Catholic doctrines and evoke emotional responses from viewers. Artworks were designed not only to be aesthetically beautiful but also to serve as theological expressions that reaffirmed beliefs in the sacraments, the veneration of saints, and the importance of the Virgin Mary—doctrines that were being contested by Protestant reformers.

Lev discusses the contributions of a wide array of artists who played a significant role in this artistic movement. These include:

- **Michelangelo**, whose works in the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica embody the grandeur and spiritual power of the Catholic Church.
- **Caravaggio**, known for his dramatic use of light and shadow to create intense, emotionally charged religious scenes.
- **Gian Lorenzo Bernini**, whose sculptures and architectural designs, like the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa and the colonnade of St. Peter’s Square, were instrumental in conveying the spiritual dynamism of the Catholic faith.
- **Peter Paul Rubens**, whose large-scale altarpieces combined Baroque dynamism with rich symbolism to reinforce Catholic teachings.
- **Titian**, who contributed to the visual narrative of Catholic doctrine through his vibrant use of color and composition.
- **Guido Reni**, known for his idealized and emotionally resonant religious paintings.
- **Lavinia Fontana**, one of the few prominent female artists of the time, whose work also contributed to the visual culture of the Counter-Reformation.

Lev emphasizes how these artists, among others, created works that were both theologically profound and visually compelling, helping the Church to engage believers and sustain their faith during a period of significant religious upheaval. Through their art, the Catholic Church was able to communicate its message in a way that words alone could not, making these works central to its efforts to preserve and promote Catholicism during the Counter-Reformation.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was easy to read, enjoyable, and I devoured it in a few hours, though it was helped that I was also a little familiar with the subject matter. The author’s passion for the art was a major factor, it was like when someone at a party is talking to you about something they are particularly passionate about - you might not have the foggiest idea of what they’re on about but you’re drawn in anyway by their sheer enthusiasm.

What I felt let this book down though was the authors often dismissive attitudes toward Reformist arguments. To be fair, she’s primarily writing for a Catholic audience, so there is that, but a stronger position would be put forward were she have to put her opinions aside a little further in order to better illustrate the artists’ intentions and her points.

Nevertheless, there’s a lot to consume in this book. I particularly enjoyed learning about Lavinia Fontana, who I’d never come across before but was arguably the first major female public figure in Italian art history; Guido Reni, whose works I’d become familiar with in Rome but didn’t know much about his life heretofore; Artemisia Gentileschi, another major female figure who had her early life fractured by rape and went on to become a force in art against the odds; and the Carracci brothers who each had their own respective talents that influenced the art world at the time.

If you’re familiar with the more specific details of the Reformation or the counter-reformation, I would recommend this book. Otherwise, I might suggest trying to find a book with a similar thesis but that is perhaps less blatantly Catholic-inclined so that you gain a better idea of the actual substance of the debates and what the artists were responding to.

[Audra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book as a journey to lean into the mysteries of the faith. I loved getting to see the beauty that transcended any written words that naturally draw our hearts higher to the Creator of all beauty.

Some of the pieces that I loved to rest in...

Lamentation over the Dead Christ by Andrea del Sarto
The Institution of the Eucharist by Frederico Barrocci
The Last Communion of St Jerome by Domenichino
St Peter Penitent by Guido Reni
Christ and the Good Theif by Titian
Madonna of the Rosary by Caravaggio
Madonna del Popolo by Frederico Barrocci
The Death of the Virgin by Caravaggio
The Crucifixion of St Peter by Caravaggio
St Francis by Frederico Barrocci
The Ecstacy of St Teresa by Gian Lorenzo Bernini
The Vision of St Thomas Aquinas by Santidi Tito
The Incredulity of St Thomas by Caravaggio
Archangel Michael by Guido Reni
The Death of St Joseph by Francesco Trevisani

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous and superbly written, this book's everlasting value is its ability to present the great works of art in context. These famous paintings and sculptures weren't created in a vacuum for art's sake - they were a direct response and powerful refutation of the Protestant heresy of the day. Through beauty, the truth of the faith was re-presented to embolster faithful Catholics, shatter Protestant lies, and beckon the unsure back on the path home to Holy Mother Church.

This is an excellent homeschool resource to integrate art, history, theology, and apologetics. I plan to present this in a Charlotte Mason style to all my children - show the work of art, enjoy it, and talk about it in its context. Why it was made and what truths it presents.

This book beautifully complements another book co-authored by Lev - Roman Pilgrimage by George Weigel and Elizabeth Lev.

[Peter Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written book with high definition graphics in just about every chapter. The publisher (Sophia Institute) must have spent a fortune printing it. Elizabeth Lev has serious creds in the Catholic art world, and that shows in her analysis of the post-Reformation period. Exquisitely researched but written as if she were standing in front of the painting offering a casual analysis with students while pointing out details. The whole theme of art saving the Faith was new to me and deeply refreshing as it confirms many of my basic intuitions about the religious sensibilities of culture and people. Her historical analyses were also marvelously revealing. Great, great book. Easy to read and enlivening.

[Rev. M. M. Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elizabeth Lev does a credible job in relating art to history and theology. My appreciation of the works cited has certainly been enhanced. However, I must offer one caveat. Some of the illustrations are too small to see the details that she points out. A case in point is the Last Judgement by Michelangelo which covers the back wall of the Sistine Chapel. Lev draws attention to a tonsured religious ministering to the souls on their way to Purgatory. Even though I looked t a larger reproduction from another book, I couldn't see it. Other paintings in the book suffer from the same fate; they're either too small or to dark to really appreciate them.

[Deirdre E Siegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the pictures been full page, this review would have a large drooling emoji.
Fabulously erudite Elizabeth Lev has ticked the boxes for wallowing in religious artistic history,
her breadth and depth of knowledge along with her ability to verbalize art in terms of faith,
makes this a superb listen while looking at the voluptuous works of art on iPad.
Thank goodness for the capitalist cardinals, filthy rich Italians, bourgeoisie bishops and the Vatican treasury, I love being a Catholic.
Thank you for your collected words Elizabeth Lev and Nancy Peterson your eloquence,
very much appreciated ladies. :-)

[Giovanna Caravetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely exquisite read—one I will surely return to! I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the art and artists of the Catholic Restoration era alongside the images of the paintings, sculptures, and churches themselves. The artists of this time were tasked with re-presenting the faith and biblical scenes in a way that reflected the beauty and truth of Catholicism, and this book evokes such a revelatory, meaningful depth of understanding.

Reading of these artistic masterpieces increased my love for my faith and expanded my love for art!! Already looking forward to the next time I can visit Rome!

[Ashley Strukel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book to prep for some homeschool stuff, and ended up just reading it out of interest. I came to it with a passing knowledge of the Protestant reformation and knowing next to nothing about art. I found this book to be approachable and easy to understand for someone with almost no knowledge in these two areas. It was interesting, approachable, and encouraging. The art pieces are depicted beautifully and clearly and I will definitely appreciate having this as a resource in my library.

[Emily Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wholeheartedly appreciate the fact that this book included so many full-color treasures of Catholic art. One of the more memorable lessons I learned throughout the book was to notice how artists, through unoccupied space or a pointed gaze, left a place in their work for the viewer. It's amazing to think how many individuals have interacted throughout the years with the messages included in these beautiful monuments. So grateful to Elizabeth Lev for providing an introduction into this world!

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no art education growing up and this book was a beautiful introduction to Catholic art. It wove artists backgrounds, explanations of works of art and Catholic doctrine to produce a beautiful story of paintings and sculpture following the Protestant Reformation. It touched on works by Caravaggio, Carracci, Michelangelo, Bernini, Gentileschi and more. I’m looking forward to picking up my next art book to continue my self education.

[Frank Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant professor once told me that to understand history one must also understand art. And that was especially true for ancient, medieval and counter-Reformation history. This book is a wonderful guide to understanding the impact of art on history, faith, counter-reformation politics and our faith today. Beautifully written with elegantly added pictures of some of the pieces of the time. It’s comprehensive, highly readable and a delight to read.