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1 minute read
in art
were eaten at a low table while reclining on one’s side.”
There are more famous High Renaissance art pieces that depict biblical figures inaccurately. “The Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo shows Adam as a European man, God as a bearded man and the angels as babies and humans.
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It is uncertain what Adam may have looked like due to a lack of visual description for his appearance, and God is said to be without a physical form.
“The Agony in the Garden” by Ra aello Sanzio, meant to depict Matthew 26:36-46 and other similar verses, is also inaccurate. It not only depicts ethnic inaccuracies, but the time of day is also incorrect. Scripture says that this moment in Jesus’ life would have occurred in the middle of the night since it takes place right after the last supper.
“We can see these two pieces of art, ‘The Last Supper’ and ‘The Virgin and Child with St.
Anne’ by Da Vinci, are very westernized in how individuals dress,” said Dorothy Koopsen, junior Christian behavioral science major. “I believe we have to remember that da Vinci’s main goal was to make a beautiful piece of art. His main goal was not necessarily accuracy of the true events.”
Ethnic and cultural accuracies in art and media have become somewhat of a demand in the 21st century, as people have brought awareness to inaccuracies portrayals of other ethnicities and cultures through protests and boycotts. Regardless, art is always meant to be beautiful and impactful.
“I believe something far more important is for the audience to remember that art is supposed to be beautiful, inspiring and have a new take on the events they are depicting,” Koopsen said. “Art is not the word of God, it is not authoritative, and we should not view it that way.”