In the middle ages paintings of this kind were a kind of historical record for a largely uneducated populace. As much as the gilt paint and brightly colored figures may have pleased the eye they bolstered religious belief by reinforcing the Bible's message. It was early marketing or advertising.
For non-believers one of the best things about an exhibition like this is the ability to get up close and achieve real contact with a work of art. It is not something you can do with a reproduction.
For instance, in Ludovico Urbani's (1460-1493) Adoration of the Magi you can see how the artist has made impressions, or stippled the gold-painted surface of the wood so that light is reflected at angles from the halos, which appear brighter for the effect.
In another work, by Barnadino Fungai, one can observe the original painting is convex and how subtle the brushwork is. The baby Jesus holds a dove and one may discern how the artist has wrought delicate wisps of hair on his head. A different kind of painting effect tones down the appearance of his sexual organs. Guido Reni's (1575-1642) Saint Giuseppe with Child is equally painterly.
Slaughter of the Innocents by Caroto is part realistic, occasionally surreal. Herod's men attack with knives while a mother lies prostrate over a pile of blue babies. Jesus, Joseph and Mary can be seen in the distance escaping to safety. It is imaginative and action-packed.
Though the paintings have thematic unity, there is enough diversity to please most palates. To be picky, there are few English translations. Also, video segments, such as the spread of Catholicism and confession of faith biographies, are either redundant or too preachy. Overall, however, Art and Religion is a classic and at times inspiring exhibition.
Performance notes:
What: Art and Religion, religious paintings from 14th- to 17th-century Italy
Where: Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (國父紀念館), Chung Shan National Gallery at 505, Renai Rd Sec 4, Taipei (台北市仁愛路4段505號)
When: Opened last week; until March 15, 2007
Open: 9am to 5:30pm
Price: NT$150, with half price concessions
Contact: (02) 2758-8008
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