Sacred and religious art

Religious artifacts include objects of worship like a processional cross, and religion related objects like christening medals. They can be made out of metal, silk, ceramics, or new materials like Plexiglas or polystyrene. Religious artifacts can also comprehend different types of artifacts like procession banners or Madonna and Child. In Europe art was originally religious, commissioned by the Catholic Church. Some of these commissions are genuine works of art, like “the Madeleine pénitente” by Donatello circa 1453 or the “Christ on the Cross” by the Bagard family in the end of 17th century. Many saints were portrayed in paintings or sculptures, namely Saint Barbara, Saint Lucy, Saint Eustache, Saint Sebastian and Saint Joseph.