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Kira Morris
5/4/2016
Western Civilization 2
Topic: “Google “The Agony in the Garden” by El Greco and “The Ecstasy of St. Teresa” by Bernini, and
“The Prodigal Son” by Rembrandt and “The Milkmaid” by Vermeer (among other, similar images). Write
a comparison/contrast paper that explains how the more religious art of the southern, Catholic areas of
Western Europe differs from the more secular work of the artists in the Protestant areas north of the
Alps. Notice the complex, visionary religious themes of the Catholic painters and the simple, more
domestic piety of the Protestant painters.”

Art style comparison

Art has been a noticeable factor in the development and progression of many different

cultures throughout time, with the Renaissance period being no exception. Several examples

such as pottery, sculptures, as well as paintings such as the ones mentioned, reflect on the lives

and societies of their designer and illustrate what they were trying to convey to their public.

Aspects and styles of these expressional works tend to differ depending on the era and artist, and

they frequently capture the values and cultural influences around them. During the Renaissance

period, a noticeable difference in style arose between the southern Catholic-influenced works

and those from areas further to the north, which were Protestant.

As a start, the Catholic oriented artists give their work a more detailed and complex

appearance. They often tie their art in with their religious beliefs in some way as if trying to tell a

story. In the piece “Agony in the Garden”, Jesus Christ is seen in center focus as he makes his

way through the garden, along with an angel who is there to strengthen him on his journey with

the apostles. This paintings focuses on prayer, which is highly viewed as an act of reparation in

the Roman Catholic religion. The artist, El Greco, incorporated the scene in a way that would

catch someone’s attention, using vivid colors and little details such as Jesus look of relief when
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the angel hears his prayers. His style was extremely strong and unique, and the work that was put

into this piece was definitely shown.

The other Catholic oriented piece, “The Ecstasy of St. Teresa”, shows two sculptures in

the center with more along each side. The main focus of this scene is that the two center

sculptures have an underlying religious meaning. St Teresa is seen floating on a cloud with an

angel about to stab her with a spear. Teresa was put through an immense amount of pain as the

spear pierced through, and it made her feel as though a love for God was her only solution. Her

newly strengthened affection for her lord outweighed any pain she felt from the wound. The

creator of this dramatic piece, Bernini, managed to somewhat capture the emotion the saint was

feeling. The other sculptures involved are seen as witnesses to the divine event unfolding before

them.

While the Catholic artists depict religious stories in their work, the Protestant painters

seem to go with a simplistic approach. In the piece “Prodigal Son”, we see a young man on his

knees before his father, seeming upset over something he’d done. After having wasted

everything he had while journeying, he has returned to beg for forgiveness from his family. The

artist, Rembrandt, shows the father being firm yet understanding while the brother disapproved.

This painting is based off religious views, but it shows how forgiveness is just as much an

important aspect as prayer. The oil colors give it a warm, home like domestic style and was a

good choice for the lesson he was trying to convey.

Protestant art didn’t have to stand out quite as much just so the artist’s objective could be

understood. In Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid”, the image seems like a picture out of everyday life. It

depicts a maid simply pouring milk, food is set out on the table and a heaters running while

sunlight illuminates the room. In the time this was created, women were being used for male
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pleasure, leaving it very rare to see a woman such as this to be respected for her work within the

household. Although there are still hints to the sexual behavior, depicted as art along the back

wall, this shows how much women did in their lives as maids. They aren’t just toys to be played

with and the artist tastefully gave us an example of that. This strays away from the religious

influence and looked more on society itself.

In conclusion, the themes between the highly religious Catholic art style and the

Protestant style based on values and different views. Catholic art seemed a bit more vibrant,

showing a detailed biblical story in awe inspiring ways with their attention to details. Protestants

on the other hand took things a bit deeper without having to show much at all. Using simple oil

colors and props, Protestant art seemed more realistic and down to earth while Catholics depicted

angels and strong religious beliefs with stories from the bible. Both kinds of artists had religion

in mind throughout their work, but there’s a major difference between using direct religious

content like Catholics showed, and just using imagery to deeply elude to your underlying views

or beliefs like the subtle Protestants.

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Works Cited

"Ecstasy of Saint Teresa." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 05 May 2016.

"Agony in the Garden." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 05 May 2016.

"The Return of the Prodigal Son (Rembrandt)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 05

May 2016.

"The Milkmaid (Vermeer)." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 05 May 2016.