Holy Spirit in Christian art
Encyclopedia
The Holy Spirit
has been represented in Christian art
both in the Eastern and Western Churches using a variety of depictions.
The depictions have ranged from nearly identical figures that represent the three persons of the Holy Trinity to a dove to a flame.
The Holy Spirit is often depicted as a dove
, based on the account of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus
like a dove when he was baptized in the Jordan. In many paintings of the Annunciation
, the Holy Spirit is shown in the form of a dove, coming down towards Mary on beams of light, as the Archangel
Gabriel announces Christ
's coming to Mary.
A dove may also be seen at the ear of Saint Gregory the Great─as recorded by his secretary or other church father authors, dictating their works to them.
The dove also parallels the one that brought the olive branch to Noah
after the deluge (also a symbol of peace), and rabbinic traditions that doves above the water signify the presence of God
.
The book of Acts describes the Holy Spirit descending on the apostles at Pentecost in the form of a wind and tongues of fire resting over the apostles' heads. Based on the imagery in that account, the Holy Spirit is sometimes symbolized by a flame of fire.
Holy Spirit (Christianity)
For the majority of Christians, the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and is Almighty God...
has been represented in Christian art
Christian art
Christian art is sacred art produced in an attempt to illustrate, supplement and portray in tangible form the principles of Christianity, though other definitions are possible. Most Christian groups use or have used art to some extent, although some have had strong objections to some forms of...
both in the Eastern and Western Churches using a variety of depictions.
The depictions have ranged from nearly identical figures that represent the three persons of the Holy Trinity to a dove to a flame.
The Holy Spirit is often depicted as a dove
Dove
Pigeons and doves constitute the bird family Columbidae within the order Columbiformes, which include some 300 species of near passerines. In general terms "dove" and "pigeon" are used somewhat interchangeably...
, based on the account of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus
Jesus
Jesus of Nazareth , commonly referred to as Jesus Christ or simply as Jesus or Christ, is the central figure of Christianity...
like a dove when he was baptized in the Jordan. In many paintings of the Annunciation
Annunciation
The Annunciation, also referred to as the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary or Annunciation of the Lord, is the Christian celebration of the announcement by the angel Gabriel to Virgin Mary, that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus the Son of God. Gabriel told Mary to name her...
, the Holy Spirit is shown in the form of a dove, coming down towards Mary on beams of light, as the Archangel
Archangel
An archangel is an angel of high rank. Archangels are found in a number of religious traditions, including Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Michael and Gabriel are recognized as archangels in Judaism and by most Christians. Michael is the only archangel specifically named in the Protestant Bible...
Gabriel announces Christ
Christ
Christ is the English term for the Greek meaning "the anointed one". It is a translation of the Hebrew , usually transliterated into English as Messiah or Mashiach...
's coming to Mary.
A dove may also be seen at the ear of Saint Gregory the Great─as recorded by his secretary or other church father authors, dictating their works to them.
The dove also parallels the one that brought the olive branch to Noah
Noah
Noah was, according to the Hebrew Bible, the tenth and last of the antediluvian Patriarchs. The biblical story of Noah is contained in chapters 6–9 of the book of Genesis, where he saves his family and representatives of all animals from the flood by constructing an ark...
after the deluge (also a symbol of peace), and rabbinic traditions that doves above the water signify the presence of God
Presence of God
Presence of God is a term used in Catholic theology and devotion.In theology, it refers to the belief that God is present by His Essence everywhere and in all things by reason of His Immensity...
.
The book of Acts describes the Holy Spirit descending on the apostles at Pentecost in the form of a wind and tongues of fire resting over the apostles' heads. Based on the imagery in that account, the Holy Spirit is sometimes symbolized by a flame of fire.