The Supper at Emmaus — Sacred Art by Cindi Duft

This reproduction of the Roman artist Caravaggio’s 1602 painting portrays Luke 24:13-32. Shortly after Jesus's resurrection, He appeared to two disciples (Cleopas and the other unnamed by Luke) walking on the road to Emmaus. They did not recognize Him, but their hearts burned within them at His words. When they arrived in Emmaus, they had supper at an inn. The innkeeper, shown standing at the left, does not know anything about Jesus or what is going on. When Jesus blesses and breaks the bread, the two disciples finally realize that it is the risen Christ who is among them.

Some of the symbols in this painting:

The unbearded Christ = Christ has a different resurrected appearance
Seashell = mark of a pilgrim or traveller
Bread & wine = Eucharistic, but also have the rest of the feast = heavenly banquet awaiting them
Tablecloths = everything a little more royal or heavenly than would be expected
Torn sleeve, normal men = to contrast the heavenly, but also to show us as we are
Light — from above left, but also kind of coming from Jesus

This mural is painted in the vestibule of St. Mark's Church in Boise, ID, right over the doors that lead into the nave. This particular painting, with the angles of the lines and action, as well as Jesus’s hand extended in welcome, was chosen to draw people into the church where we are invited to be fed. The two disciples recognize Jesus’s presence in the breaking/blessing of the bread. If viewers look through the doors below the mural, they see the altar, where we should recognize the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. How many of us are like the innkeeper... there at Mass, but not really paying attention or realizing the miracle right in front of us?

January 27, 2018

The Process of Transforming St. Charles'

The goal for St. Charles’ was make the church feel more sacred and more inviting. The church had some nice Stations of the Cross and gothic-arched stained glass windows, but the walls were all white, and the sanctuary stark.

January 21, 2018

The Process of Transforming St. Jude's

When Fr. Oscar Jaramillo talked with me about painting, I began by thinking about their patron, St. Jude, who is the patron saint of desperate or impossible causes. Why would we ask him to pray for us in these circumstances?

January 17, 2018

About the Crucifixion Altarpiece

An “altarpiece” is a work of art that decorates the space above and behind the altar. In some Catholic churches, the altarpiece is very ornate and includes a structure of carved wood and/or sculpted stone as well as painted images. In this case, four canvases bolted together create a “structure” which include decorative details very similar to those on the existing altar and Communion rail.

The Four Evangelists with Sts. Peter and Paul

The four men in the middle are the Four Evangelists: Sts. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They can be recognized as such by the scrolls they are carrying and their symbols of the winged angel, lion, ox and eagle in the border design. Sts. Peter and Paul, the "pillars of the Church", stand on the right and left. Peter can be recognized by the key around his neck, and Paul by his sword.

The Supper at Emmaus

The Secrets of the Pentecost Mural

This reproduction of French artist Jean Restout’s 1732 painting tells the story of Acts 2:1-4. Mary and the 11 apostles along with other disciples are in Jerusalem 50 days after Jesus’s death, hiding in “the upper room”, fearing their own persecution and death. A strong, driving wind comes and then tongues of fire descend upon them, and they are filled with the Holy Spirit and with courage to go out and preach the good news.