By Rosa Giorgi. Published by J Paul Getty Museum, 2003. Reviewed by Katrina van der Water

This is a wonderful “go to” book of art masterpieces — over 120 saints imagined in beautiful art and with clear, informative descriptions of each saint’s life and the symbolic references in the artworks. It belongs to the Getty Museum’s "Guide to Imagery" series.

The paintings are classics from the 15th to the 19th centuries all held in the Getty Museum. The accompanying text helps the reader understand the artwork and the artist’s interpretation of each saint. Each explanation is connected by a line to the particular symbols, cultural aspect or characters in the painting.

The one-page factual description of each saint includes the name, early life, patronage, special devotions that arose and the feast day. I think this book could easily help direct discussion in Religious Education, history or art lessons. A great book to use before confirmation.

A difficulty is the book size — roughly A5 — which is too small for viewing by a class. I recommend it for the RE teacher’s toolkit. It’s also a wonderful little book for anyone who is fascinated with the lives of the saints — without heavy hagiography — and how they have been imagined in art over time.

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 250 July 2020: 28