Finding a suitable religious art gift for a Catholic friend or family member can be an overwhelming experience. There are many wonderful items from which to choose, ranging from prints and paintings to sculptures, statues and religious icons.
Suggestions
Before beginning your search, consider the art styles that the recipient prefers. Does she like modern or Dutch Baroque? Does she prefer paintings or sculptures? What are her favorite subjects--the saints, Mary, Jesus or the apostles? What colors would match with her home's décor? Does she have wall space to hang a large painting or would a table-sized statue be more appropriate?
Another idea is to find a piece of artwork from her favorite chapel, church, basilica or pilgrimage location. Do an Internet search to see if it the location has a gift shop that sells reproductions of its artwork.
You might also consider an art piece that depicts her patron saint.
Paintings
There are some beautiful religious paintings and prints that would be appreciated by any art lover. William Bouguereau, a 19th-century French artist, has created several popular religious pieces. His "Innocence" is a beautiful painting that depicts the Blessed Virgin holding the infant Jesus in one arm and a lamb in the other. "Song of the Angels" has a similar luminescent quality; it depicts the angels serenading baby Jesus. Both gifts would be especially perfect for a new mother.
If the recipient enjoys Picasso, she might also like the broad brush strokes of Eugene Delacroix's "Christ Walking on the Water" or "The Storm on the Sea of Galilee." If she likes studying Christ's parables, she might enjoy Rembrandt's "The Good Samaritan" or Bartolome Esteban Murillo's "The Prodigal Son."
Statues
Some art lovers collect religious sculptures and statues for indoor or outdoor use. These items range in size from a tiny two-inch sculpture that fits on a window sill to a life-sized 72-inch garden statue. Michelangelo's "The Pieta" is one of the best selling statues, but many angels and the Holy Family are also popular. Statues depicting Jesus as the Good Shepherd are also well-loved, classic pieces. Some stores also carry beautiful reproductions of Bavarian-carved wood statues. One famous example is the Bavarian Madonna, which depicts Mary lovingly holding the child Jesus in her right arm.
Many Catholic gardens include statues of Mary, Jesus and St. Francis. But you don't need to limit yourself to just these three figures. Some stores also sell statues of the St. Joseph, the Archangels, Padre Pio, St. Anne and other saints. A St. Anne statue surrounded by children would be especially appropriate for a new grandmother. Garden stepping stones with religious quotes are another good option for the gardener who also loves art.
Religious Icons
Although icons are more prevalent in Eastern Orthodox churches, many Catholics also enjoy this symbolic and meaningful artwork. Often written directly on wood or engraved into silver, icons depict angels, saints, religious items like the cross, parables or events in Jesus' life. Small wooden 3-by-4-inch icons that sell for about $5 are perfect for a desk or small shelf. Larger 23-by-14-inch icons may sell for several hundred dollars.
