Seeing With Faith: How Art Inspired Belief in the Counter-Reformation

During the Counter-Reformation, the Catholic Church used art to inspire people and strengthen their faith. At a time when many Christians were questioning Church authority, religious images became a powerful way to teach, persuade, and move the heart. Seeing with faith looks at how artist created emotional and dramatic works meant to bring viewers closer to God.

At the center of all of this is El Greco’s Christ Healing the Blind. This painting shows Jesus restoring a man’s sight, reminding viewers that miracles are real and that believing in Christ brings spiritual vision. By watching this scene, people were encouraged to trust in Jesus’ power and feel more devoted to their faith. 

The other artworks by Caravaggio, Bernini, and El Greco also use strong emotion, dramatic lightning, and intense scenes to create moments that feel real and personal. These artists wanted viewers to feel as if they were standing inside the story. Whether it’s dramatic conversion, a moment of suffering, or an experience of heavenly joy, each artwork invites the viewer to reflect on their relationship with God.

Together, these pieces show how the Church used art as a visual argument to encourage belief. They made faith something people could see, feel, and experience. Seeing with faith invites today’s viewers to understand how powerful and emotional these images were when they were first made and how they continue to inspire devotion today.

1. The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa 

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, 1647-1652

Marble; Cornaro Chapel, Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome 

Bernini shows Saint Teresa at the moment she feels God’s Love in a powerful and emotional way. The angel beside her represents God reaching out to her directly. The sculpture looks so alive that viewers feel like they are witnessing the event themselves. In the Counter-Reformation, the Church wanted people to understand that spiritual experiences could be real and life changing. Teresa’s expression and the dramatic setting encourage viewers to think about their own connection to God and the possibility of feeling His presence. The scene teaches that deep, personal devotion is something to desire and admire.

2. The Calling of Saint Matthew 

Caravaggio, 1599-1600

Oil on canvas; Contarelli Chapel, San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome

In this painting, Jesus calls Matthew to leave his old life and follow Him. Caravaggio uses a strong beam of light to show the moment God’s grace reaches Matthew. The scene looks ordinary and realistic, showing regular people in a small room. This helped viewers feel like the story could happen to anyone, including themselves. The church wanted art like this to remind people that God can call them at any moment. Matthew’s surprised reaction invites viewers to think about how they respond to God in their own lives. 

3. The Crucifixion of Saint Peter 

Caravaggio, 1600-1601

Oil on canvas; Cerasi Chapel, Santa Maria del Popolo, Rome 

Caravaggio shows Saint Peter being lifted onto the cross upside down, as he requested because he felt unworthy to die like Jesus. The scene is rough, dark, and realistic. Peter’s face shows courage and strong belief even while he suffers. The painting teaches viewers that faith sometimes requires sacrifice and courage. During the Counter-Reformation, the Church used images like this to encourage believers to stay loyal and strong, even when life was difficult. Peter’s devotion is meant to inspire viewers to hold onto their beliefs no matter what.

4. Christ Carrying the cross

El Greco, c. 1580

Oil on canvas; Metropolitan Museum of Art 

El Greco paints Jesus calmly carrying the cross, looking upward with trust in God. His long, graceful body and peaceful expression make the scene feel spiritual instead of violent. The Church used images like this to help people meditate on Christ’s sacrifice and grow in faith. The painting shows that Jesus accepted his suffering out of love, and viewers are encouraged to reflect on His devotion. El Greco’s style helps the viewer feel close to Jesus, almost as if sharing the moment with Him.

5. Madonna of the Rosary 

Caravaggio, c. 1607

Oil on canvas; Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna

This painting shows Mary and the baby Jesus giving rosaries to a group of people. Saint Dominic stands beside them, guiding believers in prayer. During the Counter-Reformation, the Church encouraged the use of the rosary as a way to strengthen personal devotion. Caravaggio’s realistic faces and crowded scene make viewers feel like they are part of the group receiving the rosary. The painting teaches that prayer, especially through Mary, brings comfort and connection to God. It encouraged everyday Catholics to stay devoted and united through prayer.