Thomism and the Arts

Thomism teaches that the primary purpose of art is to glorify God by reflecting His beauty and perfection.

Thomism divides art into three categories: liberal arts, which include grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music; mechanical arts, which include crafts such as carpentry, masonry, and metalworking; and fine arts, which include painting, sculpture, and poetry.

In Thomism, the artist is seen as a craftsman who uses their skills to create beautiful objects that glorify God.

Thomism teaches that beauty is a quality of art that makes it pleasing to the senses and the intellect.

In Thomism, the audience is expected to appreciate the beauty of art and to be uplifted by it.

Thomism teaches that art should reflect the moral values of the artist and that it should be used to promote virtue and discourage vice.

Thomism teaches that art has an important role to play in the liturgy by enhancing its beauty, teaching the faithful about the faith, and creating a sense of awe and reverence.

Thomistic art is not primarily didactic, although it may sometimes be used to teach moral lessons.

Landscape painting is not considered to be sacred art in Thomism because it does not depict religious subjects.

Religious painting is not considered to be secular art in Thomism because it depicts religious subjects.

Music is not considered to be a fine art in Thomism because it is not a visual art.

Painting is not considered to be a mechanical art in Thomism because it is not a craft that is used to produce useful objects.

Music is not considered to be a liberal art in Thomism because it is not a subject that is studied in the traditional liberal arts curriculum.

Religious painting is not considered to be folk art in Thomism because it is not a type of art that is created by ordinary people.

Folk art is not considered to be major art in Thomism because it is not a type of art that is created by highly skilled artists.