Original essays from Visio Divina

The Bible Art Blog

Close readings of Scripture and the paintings it inspired, with biblical text, Christian tradition, and artistic imagination kept carefully in view.

The Birth of the Virgin by Francisco de Zurbarán, showing Saint Anne in bed and attendants caring for the newborn Mary

The Birth of the Virgin, Francisco de Zurbarán, c. 1627

Latest essay

The Life of the Virgin Mary in Paintings

Twenty-eight paintings follow Mary through the Gospel story and later traditions of her death and Assumption, with Scripture, tradition, and artistic imagination as our guides.

Read the essay