Religious Items
1950s Spanish Expressionist Vintage Religious Items
18th Century Unknown Spanish Colonial Antique Religious Items
Canvas
Mid-20th Century American Expressionist Religious Items
Paper
18th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Religious Items
Iron
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items
Pewter
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Religious Items
Pewter
17th Century Spanish Antique Religious Items
Copper
20th Century Spanish Modern Religious Items
Wood
20th Century American Expressionist Religious Items
Paper
Early 20th Century European Expressionist Religious Items
Silk, Plexiglass
19th Century Spanish Antique Religious Items
1890s Spanish Sporting Art Antique Religious Items
Wood, Giltwood
Early 20th Century Italian Religious Items
Brass
Early 20th Century Israeli Religious Items
Wool
Antique and Vintage Religious Items
Religious art has had an enduring and significant role throughout history and continues to resonate with modern audiences. Over the years, vintage, new and antique religious items 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 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 items and art that can be searched by style, period, artist and material, such as wood or metal.