The Trumpet shall Sound: Music in Christian art

In every culture, music or singing have always been one of the most basic expressions of

faith and spirituality, but for artists, expressing the power of music in a silent, visual medium

is a paradox. Yet visual representations of music are essential in Western Christian art.

In this lecture, we will look at images of some of the Biblical narratives that show the power

of music in all its variety: from David’s soothing harp to the terrifying trumpets of the

Apocalypse. There will be a particular focus on angels: why are they so often depicted with