By Stefano Zuffi. Published J Paul Getty Museum, 2003. Reviewed by Brendan Bergin

Gospel Figures is an art book in the Getty Museum’s “Guide to Imagery” series introducing readers to the visual vocabulary of Western Art. It depicts stories and characters of the Gospels as they have been portrayed in art through Christian history. Each image has a brief description of the Gospel episode along with information about the characters, customs and historical nuances shown in the art.

The book shows paintings of characters and events as they appear in chronological order in the Gospels. The opening chapter presents illuminated images of the evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke and John together with their identifying symbols. The book includes helpful appendices of Gospel episodes and image titles and artists. As well as the four Gospels the book also has images from the Apocryphal gospels.

Gospel Figures would be a valuable reference book for Art History, Biblical Studies and Religious Education. Although the book has full-page painting reproductions it is small enough to fit in the rucksack of an intrepid art traveller. The size of the print could be a challenge for some readers.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 250 July 2020: 28