Walking into an art museum can be overwhelming! And that’s why we’re highlighting the top 10 art pieces that a Christian must see at The High Museum.

The High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia, houses an impressive collection of artworks spanning various periods and styles. Due to its location, it is one of our family’s favorite art museums. While the High Museum does not focus exclusively on Christian art, there are several pieces that we’d recommend. Each can be appreciated from a Christian worldview for its artistic excellence and the potential for spiritual reflection. We hope that next time you’re at the High Museum, you stop by the following 10 exhibits.

Top 10 Christian Art Pieces at the High Museum

1. Madonna and Child by Giovanni Bellini. It’s noteworthy for its innovative use of color, light, and tender emotion, elevating the traditional religious subject to a new level of artistic expression during the Renaissance period.
2. Revival Meeting by Benny Andrews. This oil painting powerfully captures the fervent spirit and emotional energy of religious gatherings, while also addressing broader themes of community, spirituality, and African American experiences, making it a significant work in both religious and cultural contexts. (Full disclosure, this is one of my favorite American art pieces!)
3. Madonna and Child with Two Angels, St. Francis and St. Louis of Toulouse by Paolo di Giovanni Fei. A rare and beautiful example of Sienese art from the 14th century, it is notable for its delicate and graceful depiction, its rich colors and intricate gold leaf, and the original frame which still houses it. It is considered to be one of the most important paintings at the High Museum.
4. Jesus on the Cross by Ulysses Davis. This wooden sculpture, the largest Davis made, is a powerful and moving depiction of the crucifixion. Davis was a renowned African American folk artist known for integrating African-inspired imagery in his intricate woodcarvings of religious and historical figures.
5. Adoration of the Magi by Benvenuto Tisi. This oil painting exemplifies the artist’s skill in depicting religious subjects with a harmonious blend of classical and Renaissance elements, conveying the timeless narrative of the Three Wise Men paying homage to the newborn Jesus, and contributing to the rich tradition of religious art during the Italian Renaissance.
6. Christ at Emmaus by Rembrandt van Rijn. This etching on paper is a captivating depiction of the resurrected Jesus revealing his identity to his disciples.
7. I Took the Pieces You Threw Away by Howard Finster. This hand-lettered sign is a captivating and imaginative composition, created with Rev. Finster’s signature style of combining various materials, recycled objects, and religious imagery to convey a powerful message about redemption and the transformative power of art.
8. Autumn on the Seine, Argenteuil by Claude Monet. This example of the “high” phase of Impressionism offers a breathtaking portrayal of God’s natural creation, reflecting the beauty and harmony of the world He has made.
9. Blind Woman, New York by Paul Strand. This photograph showcases Strand’s mastery in capturing the human condition with stark realism and empathy, provoking viewers to contemplate the challenges and resilience of individuals with disabilities, inviting reflection on compassion and understanding in society.
10. Mother and Child by Mary Cassatt. This tender and intimate portrayal of the maternal bond showcases Cassatt’s exceptional talent in capturing the emotional connection between a mother and her child.

Museum collections and displays may change over time. Therefore, we recommend checking the High Museum’s official website before your visit to ensure that these artworks are on view.

Can’t make it to the High Museum? They actually have an online database of all their permanent pieces. So you can enjoy them from anywhere where you have internet access! It’s also a great way to peruse any pieces that aren’t currently on display.

Christians & the Arts

As always, be discerning when viewing art, whether it is explicitly Christian or not. Believers are uniquely able to appreciate artistic ability no matter from where it stems. The rain falls on the righteous and the wicked alike, after all (Matt. 5:45). As Francis Schaeffer outlines in Art & the Bible, Christians should evaluate art by considering its content, form, and context. And each piece should be critiqued based on its worldview, moral implications, and potential for conveying truth and beauty (as defined from a Christian perspective). At all times, when admiring mastery, we should praise the Giver of the gifts.