What is Sacred Art

Sacred art is the set of artistic manifestations related to religiosity and which are included in cults and religious places.

Generally, this type of art is associated with Christianity, however, even “pagan” religions have their sacred art.

It manifests itself through paintings, sculptures, mosaics, architecture, music, clothing and utensils.

Although there is a strong relationship between sacred art and religious art, there are differences between them, due to their purposes.

On the left, an example of sacred art, the painting The Last Judgment, by Michelangelo, present in the Sistine Chapel. On the right, urban graffiti displaying religious art

In both manifestations the motivation is religiosity and devotion, however, sacred art has a more specific objective.

It is necessarily inserted in the sacred environment, such as temples and churches, the “liturgical spaces”, generally exhibiting a ritualistic characteristic.

Its function is to assist believers in their spiritual practices, whether by explaining biblical passages or providing inspiration to strengthen faith.

Religious art, however, is not necessarily sacred. This is because it can be inserted in the most varied locations, whether in domestic or urban environments, as in the case of street art murals, for example.

Therefore, we can say that all sacred art is a type of religious art, but the same does not apply the other way around.