Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez (June 6, 1599 – August 6, 1660) was a Spanish painter who was the leading artist in the court of King Philip IV. He was educated by his parents to fear God and, intended for a learned profession, received good training in languages and philosophy. But he showed an early gift for art. He was an individualistic artist of the contemporary baroque period, important as a portrait artist. In addition to numerous renditions of scenes of historical and cultural significance, he painted scores of portraits of the Spanish royal family, other notable European figures, and commoners, culminating in the production of his masterpiece Las Meninas (1656).

From the first quarter of the nineteenth century, Velázquez's artwork was a model for the realist and impressionist painters, in particular Édouard Manet. Since that time, more modern artists, including Spain's Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí, as well as the Anglo-Irish painter Francis Bacon, have paid tribute to Velázquez by recreating several of his most famous works.
 

Christ and Child

Painting religious themes with strong Christian motifs, contemporary artist Danny Hahlbohm has been creating inspirational artwork for over three decades. Born in New York and living in coastal Florida, his artwork, full of iconic religious images and messages, is well-known throughout the world. After serving overseas in the U.S. Armed Forces, Hahlbohm began painting in earnest and his work found its way in to galleries and auction houses. Now one of the world’s most recognized Christian spiritual artists, he also indulges his childhood fascination with the sea by painting gorgeous nautical themes inspired by his own sailing experiences.
 

Heinrich Hofmann’s religious works resonate with the profound faith that guided his life and nourished his creativity. Hofmann (1824 – 1911) painted subjects from literature and mythology, but is best known for his paintings of the life of Christ. Deeply affected by his beloved mother’s death, Hofmann was inspired to paint his first large religious work, “The Burial of Christ.” Intensely devout, he diligently studied the Bible before painting any scene from Christ’s life. He strongly believed that unless someone was moved to their innermost soul while painting religious subjects, they were incapable of the task. Four of Hofmann’s most famous works are currently displayed in New York’s Riverside Church.
 

Christ in Clouds

Gerrit van Honthorst , 1590-1656, Dutch portrait, genre, and allegorical painter. In Italy (c.1610-1620) he gained a sound understanding of the works of Caravaggio, which greatly affected his style. He was a master at painting candlelit genre pieces and biblical scenes. Upon his return to Holland, he introduced the Italian manner of illusionistic decoration into Dutch interiors, as in his decorative scheme for the palace of Honselaarsdijk. In 1628, Charles I invited him to England, where he decorated Whitehall and painted portraits of the king and nobility. Several of these are now in the National Gallery, London. He also worked for the court of Denmark, and from 1637 to 1652 at The Hague. Together with Terbrugghen and Baburen he led the influential Utrecht school of painting that introduced Caravaggesque dramatic realism into Dutch art.

Christ Before the High Pr...

Heinrich Hofmann’s religious works resonate with the profound faith that guided his life and nourished his creativity. Hofmann (1824 – 1911) painted subjects from literature and mythology, but is best known for his paintings of the life of Christ. Deeply affected by his beloved mother’s death, Hofmann was inspired to paint his first large religious work, “The Burial of Christ.” Intensely devout, he diligently studied the Bible before painting any scene from Christ’s life. He strongly believed that unless someone was moved to their innermost soul while painting religious subjects, they were incapable of the task. Four of Hofmann’s most famous works are currently displayed in New York’s Riverside Church.
 

Christ at Thirty-Three

Heinrich Hofmann’s religious works resonate with the profound faith that guided his life and nourished his creativity. Hofmann (1824 – 1911) painted subjects from literature and mythology, but is best known for his paintings of the life of Christ. Deeply affected by his beloved mother’s death, Hofmann was inspired to paint his first large religious work, “The Burial of Christ.” Intensely devout, he diligently studied the Bible before painting any scene from Christ’s life. He strongly believed that unless someone was moved to their innermost soul while painting religious subjects, they were incapable of the task. Four of Hofmann’s most famous works are currently displayed in New York’s Riverside Church.