: A critical distinction in this tradition is that honor shown to an image passes to the "prototype"—the person it represents (like Christ or a saint)—rather than the wood and paint itself. Key Pillars of Christian Artistic Tradition
The legitimacy of sacred art in the Christian tradition is rooted in the . Because God became visible in the person of Jesus Christ, believers argue that he can—and should—be portrayed in images. The Foundations of Christian Art (Sacred Art in...
: Cathedrals are often described as "stone gospels," where every proportion and light source is designed to elevate the soul. : A critical distinction in this tradition is
: In early manuscripts like the Lindisfarne Gospels , even abstract ornamentation was meaningful, corresponding to specific spiritual concepts. Historical Evolution even abstract ornamentation was meaningful