The Сoncept of Man in Religious Painting of Medieval Western Europe

Authors

  • Mariya Yu. Kozlova Donbass State Technical University
  • Natalia S. Zvonok Lugansk State University named after V. Dahl

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52575/2712-746X-2026-51-2-451-460

Keywords:

Christianity, Middle Ages, Catholic Church, Catholicism, religion, religious painting, artistic image

Abstract

The article analyzes the interpretation of human nature in sacred images created during the Middle Ages in Western Europe: how iconographic elements and theological symbols conveyed the medieval understanding of human individuality. The authors explore the mechanisms of perception of sacred images by believers and demonstrate the key role of visual religious images in the formation of the spiritual worldview of people of that era. The main customer and ideological inspirer of medieval art was the Church, which determined the content and style of works. The clergy saw in art an instrument of instruction, helping to guide believers to the light of Christ's love. The central thesis of the study is that sacred painting of the Western European Middle Ages was not only a visualization of the dogmas of the Catholic faith, but also served as a special mediation channel, providing the opportunity for dialogue with the divine.

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Author Biographies

Mariya Yu. Kozlova, Donbass State Technical University

Senior Lecturer at the Department of Humanities
Alchevsk, Russia
E-mail: maria.sky@listl.ru

Natalia S. Zvonok, Lugansk State University named after V. Dahl

Doctor of Philosophy,  Professor of the Department of Philosophy
Lugansk, Russia
E-mail: zvonok1962@mail.ru

References

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Published

2026-06-30

How to Cite

Kozlova, M. Y., & Zvonok, N. S. (2026). The Сoncept of Man in Religious Painting of Medieval Western Europe. NOMOTHETIKA: Philosophy. Sociology. Law, 51(2), 451-460. https://doi.org/10.52575/2712-746X-2026-51-2-451-460

Issue

Section

Religious studies and state-confessional relations