Art as Spiritual Perception [eBook]

Essays in Honor of E. John Walford

Making a critical contribution to the field of art history, this reader covers everything from sixth-century icons to contemporary art from a Christian perspective. Written by experts around the world, this book reflects the work of noted scholars, most especially John Walford and Hans Rookmaaker, as well as the richness of the history of Christianity and the visual arts. This wide-ranging collection of essays will be an encouragement and inspiration to all who love art and love God.

James Romaine (PhD, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York) is a New York based art historian. He is cofounder of the Association of Scholars of Christianity in the History of Art as well as an associate professor and chair of the department of art history at Nyack College.

“Over many years, John Walford has been an extraordinary and energetic scholar, writer, teacher, and artist. This festschrift is a fitting tribute to a man whose life has touched so many and in such profound ways.”
—Jeremy S. Begbie, Thomas A. Langford Research Professor of Theology, Duke Divinity School; author, Resounding Truth: Christian Wisdom in the World of Music

“Over the course of his distinguished career as an art historian, John Walford has given generations of students the gift of sight. Professor Walford has enabled us to perceive in the visible world the spiritual meanings inherent within works of art. This collection of essays displays the fruit of his labors through the work of scholars who have received his artistic insights and share his passion for close readings of visual imagery, clear expressions of doctrinal truth, and joyful experiences of aesthetic delight.”
—Philip Graham Ryken, President, Wheaton College

“Art as Spiritual Perception is a rich kaleidoscope of art historical essays all centered around one common theme of increasing importance today—the way in which artists’ views of the world, not least their religious beliefs, shape artistic perception and meaning. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to the impressive work and legacy of John Walford.”
—Adrienne Dengerink Chaplin, coauthor, Art and Soul: Signposts for Christians in the Arts; former senior member in philosophical aesthetics, the Institute for Christian Studies

“It is with great delight that I herald the arrival of Art as Spiritual Perception in honor of Dr. Walford. James Romaine and his fellow scholars have created a fitting work in tribute to Walford and—perhaps more importantly—have added a significant new volume to the select canon of books on art and faith. This is a fantastic book. The chapter on van gogh alone is worth the price of admission.”
—Ned Bustard, editor, It Was Good: Making Art to the Glory of God; illustrator, The Church History ABCs

“This wide-ranging collection of essays by current colleagues and former students will be an encouragement and inspiration to all who love art and love God. It is a fitting testimony to the career of John Walford, whose life and work have been characterized by faithfulness to his guild, faithfulness to his students, faithfulness to his college, and above all, faithfulness to God.”
—Lisa DeBoer, Professor of Art, Westmont College