Sanctuary

Alexander Bogardy, Sanctuary, 1960, oil on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1990.97.2
Copied Alexander Bogardy, Sanctuary, 1960, oil on paperboard, 2029 78 in. (50.876.0 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1990.97.2

Artwork Details

Title
Sanctuary
Date
1960
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2029 78 in. (50.876.0 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of the artist
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on paperboard
Classifications
Keywords
  • Architecture — religious — sanctuary
  • Religion — saint
Object Number
1990.97.2

Artwork Description

Alexander Bogardy traveled every day from his small apartment on Capitol Hill to attend Mass, either by walking to a neighborhood church or traveling by bus to visit one of the larger, more majestic churches in Washington. He enjoyed these journeys immensely and many of his paintings show elements from the mosaics, statues, and architectural details of these ornate buildings. This painting shows two saints, with images of the stations of the cross in the background. The stations represent the main scenes of Christ’s suffering and death, and form a significant part of Catholic worship.