Below is a devotional statue of Saint John Vianney in a church in Dinan, France. A devotional image is different -in my personal view- from a liturgical work of art. Devotional images may be quite realistic in style. They are appropriate to serving the needs of private devotion and, therefore, should not occupy a significant place in the chancel or main nave of a church. Liturgical works, on the other hand, need a more stylized imagery suggestive of a transfigured state that is more appropriate in the public worship space of the church. Something more akin to an icon. Once again, that’s just my opinion.

If I remember correctly, this statue of St. John Vianney stands in front of a pier, in a side aisle between two apsidal chapels.

Statue of St. John Vianney, Dinan, France; photo by Bernard Dick

Tags: Devotional Images, Liturgical art

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