Rembrandt van Rijn (Dutch, 1606–1669)
Abraham Caressing Isaac, c. 1637
Etching
The year 2022 marked the 40th anniversary of the Thrivent Collection of Religious Art. Unique among corporate collections, the artworks express the Christian tradition and span nine centuries, from the 13th century to the present day. As a membership-owned fraternal organization that serves Christians, Thrivent recognizes the powerful connection between art and religion.
In this exhibition, a wide array of original works on paper by some of the most recognized artists in Western art history are featured, from Albrecht Dürer and Rembrandt van Rijn to Édouard Manet and Elizabeth Catlett. Works on paper are fundamental in the history of art. Decidedly modest and accessible, original prints and drawings have historically held extraordinary influence on artistic and societal trends.
Numerous prints and drawings in this exhibition illustrate different techniques and media. Subjects in the exhibition range from scriptural stories to great Cathedrals, depictions of the lives of the Saints, Mary and Christ, portraits of historical and allegorical religious figures, and Church traditions. Religious art has held our fascination and devotion for centuries. The wide variety of art in this collection moves us and inspires us to contemplate our faith and our world.