Throughout the centuries, painters trained in the Western tradition have used their formal skills and talents to interpret biblical stories using their mind’s eyes.

In Christian communities, the biblical narrative served as a thematic source of reflection on a contemporary issue of that society (e.g., Christian habits and virtues, moral issues facing Christians, formative and liturgical practices).

Several of these themes will be discussed through an analysis of the visual examples using theological insights and art-historical methods.

Heidi Hornik is Professor of Art History and Chair of the Department of Art and Art History at Baylor University, Texas. She is globally renowned for her expertise in Renaissance and Western Art and was recently named Cornelia Marschall Smith Professor of the Year at Baylor University for her excellence in teaching, research, and service.

Heidi is teaching PAST 322/MINS 414 Christian Theology and the Arts as a visiting lecturer at the University of Otago.

This lecture is funded by the University of Otago Theology Programme.