Arbitrary compilation of various works on monks, sketches, drawings, studies
More related works can be found in the portfolio
Some of the artwork now is listed at saatchi gallery others at artmajeur
Blog posts on these and similar topics are posted regularly on https://zettl.blog/journals/
about monks in the arts
Monks have been a popular subject in art for centuries, appearing in paintings, sketches and sculptures from around the world. These religious figures have been depicted in a variety of ways, from realistic to stylized, and have had a variety of symbolic meanings throughout history.
During the Middle Ages, monks were often depicted in religious art such as illuminated manuscripts and frescoes. They were often depicted as sacred and spiritual figures, and their depiction was often used to convey religious teachings and messages. For example, in Christian art, monks were often depicted in scenes from the Bible, such as the life of Christ or the Last Supper.
Renaissance and Baroque
During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, monks began to be depicted more realistically in art. Artists such as Albrecht Dürer, Jan van Eyck, and Diego Velazquez included monks in their paintings, often as symbols of piety and devotion. Many of these depictions were highly detailed and anatomically accurate, showing the artist’s skill and knowledge of the subject.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, with the advent of the Realism and Romantic movements, artists began to depict monks in more dramatic and expressive ways. Artists like Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne and others were known for their emotional and powerful depictions of monks in their paintings.
Monks remain a popular subject in contemporary art, with artists using a variety of styles and techniques to depict these religious figures in new and interesting ways. For example, contemporary artist Zhang Xiaogang uses a surreal and abstract style to create thought-provoking and symbolic depictions of monks in his paintings.
Sketching monks can also be an exciting challenge for artists due to their complexity of features, expressions and movements. Sketches can be made in pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, or other media, and can be a great way to study monk anatomy and movement. Artists can also use their sketches as the basis for larger works such as paintings or sculptures.