Art
Seminary Exhibits Artistry of Bible, and Others
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood is renowned as an exceptional institution for religious learning. But Philadelphia’s archdiocesan seminary is also home to some of the most fascinating and diverse religious art in the region.
The seminary is featuring an exhibit of religious art, “Images from the Old Testament,” through Oct. 31.
This series of colorful and evocative religious prints by Helen Siegl can be seen and purchased at the seminary’s Ryan Memorial Library. The collection dramatically illustrates scenes from familiar Old Testament stories.
At first glance, the prints might seem like the fanciful near-cartoons from a childhood Holy Bible. But closer inspection reveals a dramatic intricacy. Siegl’s works include “Crossing of the Red Sea,” “Jonah in the Whale,” and a view of the Garden of Eden, among many others.
The New York artist is a talented Catholic, mother of eight, and former resident of the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia.
“Art has always been a means of religious expression,” said Lorena Boylan, the seminary’s director of library sciences. “Well into the Renaissance, almost all art was religious.”
Although the seminary is usually closed to the outside community, the exhibit was placed in the library to make it more accessible to the public, according to Boylan.
Visitors can also view an extraordinarily diverse collection that includes other artists, most notably the prolific American painter Thomas Eakins. Eakins often traveled to the seminary earlier this century from his studio in the city’s Fairmount area and painted a number of seldom-seen portraits.
“Thomas Eakins often traveled to the seminary from his studio in the city’s Fairmount area and painted a number of seldom-seen portraits.”
There is also an interesting collection of sculpture and memorabilia relating to past archbishops of Philadelphia, including their ornate episcopal chairs. The seminary also features a massive portrait of John Cardinal Krol commissioned for the 41st International Eucharistic Congress in 1976.
Boylan will arrange large or small private tours on request.
The current exhibit of Helen Siegl’s work is open to the public during regular business hours, as is the grand, barrel-vaulted 19th-century library that houses it.
A good time to view all the seminary’s art, including the Eakins collection, is Sunday, Oct. 1, from 3 to 5 p.m., when St. Charles traditionally opens its majestic doors to the entire community.
For more information, call St. Charles Seminary’s Ryan Memorial Library at (610) 667-3394, ext. 274.
Bob Koenig is a frequent contributor to this newspaper.
Image caption: “Images from the Old Testament”—Shown above is one of a colorful series of religious prints by Helen Siegl then on exhibit at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. The featured print reads: “In the beginning of creation, when God made heaven and earth, the earth was without form and void.”