Vatican Museums shows art works inspired by vision of Apocalypse

Published: 2007-10-19

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- In an unusual exhibit, the Vatican Museums has assembled 100 art works inspired by the New Testament vision of the Apocalypse. While the paintings, statues and engravings depict some catastrophic scenes, the emphasis is on hope and the victory of good over evil. In that sense, the exhibit takes a page from Pope Benedict XVI's audience talks last year, in which he said the Book of Revelation -- also known as the Apocalypse -- should not be read as a frightening warning of imminent destruction, but as an encouraging Christian vision. The images unveiled at the Vatican Oct. 18 include ancient and modern interpretations of scenes from the Book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament. The text is believed to have been written by St. John the Apostle based on visions he received on the island of Patmos, just off the coast of Ephesus. It is full of dramatic figures and images, including a woman giving birth, the book of seven seals, the lamb, the dragon and the beast. The exhibit is on display until Dec. 7 in the Sistine Hall of the Vatican Museums.

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