Religious art has long been at the very centre of the art world. After the fall of Rome artists poured their energies into the emerging strength of Christianity which swept through Europe to become the dominant force in society, culture and philosophy. From this came some of the most sublime art ever produced. The Italian Renaissance alone produced arguably some of the most distinct and well-known art in history.

One of the most popular is Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam from the ceiling of the Sistine chapel. As one of the most sublime works of any age it is instantly recognizable and as impressive now as ever. Michelangelo’s legendary attention to detail and supreme ability with colour is encompassed in this one small detail from what possibly ranks as the most famous piece of art ever created. Even 500 years after it was completed it is a staggering testament to the inspiration religious devotion created for artists through the ages.

A wide range of religious tapestries are now available showing saints, madonnas, icons and old masters. A particularly striking example is El Greco’s famous Trinity. A reproduction of the original mannerist painting it was originally painted in 1577 for the altarpiece of Santo Domingo el Antiguo church in Toledo, Spain. It achieved great fame in its day and clearly shows the artists’ influences, in particular the impact of Italian Renaissance art on his work. Reminiscent of Michelangelo’s Pieta it depicts Christ after the crucifixion, supported by the Holy Father and attended to by the Holy Spirit and numerous angels. Its vivid colours and impressive palette demonstrate the artists’ evident skill in composition and the intensity of his vision. The original can be found in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. A native of Crete, El Greco (1541 – 1614), as he was known throughout Spain and Italy, signed all his work with his native Greek name Dominikos Theotokópulos. Although very little is known about his early life he is believed to have trained in the Byzantine tradition of icon painting before moving to Italy. He later moved to Toledo in Spain, where he spent the rest of his life, finding the success that eluded him during his stay in Rome.

The Trinity wall tapestry, being based on such a famously vibrant and striking work of religious art, transfers well to woven fabric. The dynamism seen in the original blends well with the weave, especially so with very high quality reproductions. Because wall tapestries are textile based the weave often helps lift the original work making for a dramatic piece of décor.