Religious Items
Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Religious Items
Bronze
Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Religious Items
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Religious Items
Metal
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Religious Items
Silver Plate, Sheet Metal
Early 20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Religious Items
Wood
Early 20th Century French Arts and Crafts Religious Items
Copper
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Religious Items
Elm, Paint
Early 20th Century Belgian Renaissance Religious Items
Glass, Wood, Paper
Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Religious Items
Metal
Religious Artifacts and Antiques for Sale on 1stDibs
Religious art has had an enduring and significant role throughout history and continues to resonate with modern audiences. Over the years, vintage and antique religious artifacts have become popular with collectors and the devout alike, and religious art has been used to express devotion across a range of media.
Historic examples of religious art remain evocative. From the Renaissance to 1800, many Old Masters actively explored sacred themes from Christianity. In the Baroque period, painters infused religious scenes with intense emotions through the technique of chiaroscuro, which uses strong contrasts between light and dark.
From the 18th to 19th century, Gothic Revival saw designers using elements that evoked the Middle Ages. Artists found inspiration in the romantic qualities of medieval paneling, furniture and other accoutrements, such as candelabras, statues and crosses. Works created in the Gothic style add drama and a grandiose elegance to any room.
Religious art reflects the diversity of beliefs around the world. Islamic art and Judaica are just a couple of examples of the vibrant expression that has coursed through faith-based art over the centuries. Sculptures have long depicted the image of Buddha, while intricately carved reliefs have stunningly depicted deities from Hinduism, like Ganesh. Members of Nepalese religions that emphasize shamanism have made ornate drums, artistically enhanced with images of animals like birds.
In some cases, artisans have created pieces that celebrate specific religious holidays such as the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. But even everyday items are an opportunity to bring both art and religion into a space. For example, designers of furniture over the years have drawn on elements found in cathedrals and other religious settings in order to elevate their work.
On 1stDibs, find a varied collection of antique and vintage religious artifacts and other objects that can be searched by style, period, artist and material, such as wood or metal.