Free downloadable Catholic paintings which are in the public domain
Joshua with the Sun: Old Testament scene where Joshua commands the sun to stand still during battle (Book of Joshua, chapter 10). The painter (Jean‑Hippolyte Flandrin): 19th‑century French painter and Ingres student, known for calm, classical religious and historical works. Free DownloadThis image is in the public domain306112rg....
Saint Zaccharie: the biblical priest-prophet Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Nicolas Auguste Hesse (1795–1869): French academic painter known for religious and historical scenes. Free DownloadThis image is in the public domain307369rg.jpg376 KBdownload-circle...
This Lectionary was created ca. 1000 in Trier. Written in a clear Caroline minuscule, it contains decorated initials at the openings of important readings. A set of illuminated letters marks the beginning of the Epistle and Gospel lessons for Easter; they display the hierarchy of scripts with capital letters decorated...
This Lectionary was created ca. 1000 in Trier. Written in a clear Caroline minuscule, it contains decorated initials at the openings of important readings. A set of illuminated letters marks the beginning of the Epistle and Gospel lessons for Easter; they display the hierarchy of scripts with capital letters decorated...
This Lectionary was created ca. 1000 in Trier. Written in a clear Caroline minuscule, it contains decorated initials at the openings of important readings. A set of illuminated letters marks the beginning of the Epistle and Gospel lessons for Easter; they display the hierarchy of scripts with capital letters decorated...
This Lectionary was created ca. 1000 in Trier. Written in a clear Caroline minuscule, it contains decorated initials at the openings of important readings. A set of illuminated letters marks the beginning of the Epistle and Gospel lessons for Easter; they display the hierarchy of scripts with capital letters decorated...
This leaf once belonged to a small missal and was created in the late eleventh or early twelfth century. The distinct style of its miniature suggests it was made in Southern Germany, or possibly in the Tyrol region of Austria, where line drawing in colored inks had developed into a...
* This painting refers to the biblical story, from the book of Numbers, in which Balaam, a prophet, foretells the coming of a powerful leader, or messiah, from the people of Israel. * The painting by Jean-Hippolyte Flandrin (1858) illustrates this prophetic moment, symbolizing hope and the rise of a new era...
The biblical figure Daniel is known from the Old Testament for narratives such as Daniel in the lion's den and his wisdom under the Babylonian kings. Flandrin was a Neoclassical painter, meaning his works often feature calm, idealized representations and clear storytelling, especially with religious themes. Free DownloadThis...
Jean-Hippolyte Flandrin was a French painter famous for his portraits and religious works during the 19th century. The name Élisée refers to the biblical prophet Elisha (Élisée in French), who followed Elijah and was known for performing miracles in the Old Testament. Free DownloadThis image is in the public domain304133rg....
Samson was the last of the judges of the ancient Israelites mentioned in the Book of Judges (chapters 13 to 16) and one of the last leaders who "judged" the twelve tribes of Israel before the institution of the monarchy. Samson was a Nazirite, and he was given...
The Last Supper of Jesus and the Twelve Apostles has been a popular subject in Christian art, often featured in cycles depicting the Life of Christ. Depictions of the Last Supper in Christian art date back to early Christianity and can be seen in the Catacombs of Rome. The Last...
The account of Ruth and Boaz comes from the book of Ruth. Ruth was a poor widow staying with her Jewish mother-in-law. She met Boaz, a wealthy landowner, and impressed him with her loyalty and work ethic. He married Ruth, and their great-grandson would be King David. Fugel uses gentle...
This painting depicts the presentation of Christ in the temple (Luke 2:25-38). During Christ's Redemption of the Firstborn ceremony, Simon (a righteous man) and Anna (a prophetess) make prophecies about Christ, His future impact, and how He will redeem the world. Fugel's paintings tend to...
“The birds of the air and the lilies of the field” (1932) by Gebhard Fugel captures the artist’s ongoing engagement with biblical themes, rendered with clarity and contemplative devotion. Created during an era of great uncertainty in Germany, the painting draws inspiration from Christ’s teachings in the Sermon...
“The Burning Thorn Bush” (1932) by Gebhard Fugel emerges from a period of intense religious revival in early 20th-century Germany, where biblical scenes were often revisited to reaffirm spiritual values during times of cultural upheaval. Fugel—well known for his large-scale, immersive religious panoramas—applies his characteristic naturalism and meticulous...
This panel represents Catherine Benincasa of Siena, one of the most influential women of the late Middle Ages. Affiliated with the Dominican order, she was renowned for her devotion to the poor and sick as well as for her mystical visions. In one such vision, she saw herself marked with...
The grief-stricken faces of the Virgin Mary and John the Evangelist once faced another panel referencing the Crucifixion. Their expressive features and weighty three dimensionality make their sorrow over Jesus’s death palpably human, while the golden space that they inhabit reinforces their sanctified status. Netherlandish devotional scenes sought to...
"Noli Me Tangere", originating from a predella created in medieval Italy, reflects the transition from Byzantine to early Romanesque artistic styles, characterized by stylized forms and spiritual symbolism over naturalistic representation. This scene, showing the resurrected Christ’s appearance to Mary Magdalene, was part of a narrative ensemble...
"Birth in Bethlehem" by Gebhard Fugel exemplifies the revival of religious painting in late 19th- and early 20th-century Germany, a period marked by a search for spiritual depth and clarity amidst rapid societal change. Fugel, celebrated for his devout Christian motifs, drew on the traditions of German academic...
Created by Pietro Perugino during the height of the Italian Renaissance, "The Baptism of Christ" (1500–1505) reflects the period’s fascination with harmonious composition, balanced figures, and luminous color. Perugino, renowned as one of the leading artists of his generation and Raphael's teacher, masterfully incorporates...
The "meeting of Anthony and Paul" refers to a famous story from early Christian monasticism. Saint Anthony the Great and Saint Paul of Thebes are considered two of the very first Christian monks (also called Desert Fathers), living in the Egyptian desert in the 3rd and 4th centuries...
Saint Onophrios, also known as Onuphrius or Onofrio, is a Christian saint and hermit who lived in the Egyptian desert, probably in the 4th or 5th century. He is revered in both Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions, especially among Coptic Christians. Free DownloadThis image is in the public domainSaint_Onophrios....
Coptic icons often present the Crucifixion with characteristic stylistic elements—flattened perspective, strong lines, and deeply expressive faces—focusing on spiritual, rather than physical, suffering. These images invite viewers to contemplate the mystery and meaning of Christ's sacrifice. Free DownloadThis image is in the public domainCoptic_Crucifixion_Icon....
