From Deseret News archives:
Old religious works have a redeeming value, owner says
Quoting that passage from the famous artist, Anthony Christensen's soul gets to live "dust-free," surrounded daily by pre-20th century paintings, sculpture and woodwork inspired by the force that many believe still stirs men's souls the most: faith.
As owner of Anthony's Antiques & Fine Art, he and his manager, Brett Levitre, regularly visit European art dealers, whose stock in trade is composed largely of Christian-inspired pieces from old cathedrals and churches, many of which have fallen victim to age and obsolescence in a post-modern world.
Christianity has faded dramatically as a social force in much of western Europe, where churches are often converted into government buildings or offices, or simply left to house the memories including full pews and fiery sermons of centuries past.
While historic preservation still has its place there, "not all of them can be renovated," Christensen said, noting many were originally constructed of sandstone and have begun to crumble as the centuries wear on. Consequently, many of their treasures are sold or auctioned off.
Most who venture in are amazed at the selection and the sheer size of some of the works it holds.
A life-size, white marble angel, holding a half-shell that once served as a baptismal font, greets visitors just inside the doorway. Locals familiar with the "Christus" statue at the Visitors Center on Temple Square may be interested to know that the angel came from the Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, where sculptor Albert Bertel Thorvaldsen's original Christus resides.
Carved in Italy, it would have been in the cathedral as the baptismal font for patrons. "The shell represents rebirth" that Christians believe takes place at baptism, Christensen said.
Just steps away, a massive oak cherub sits perched atop an altar that came from a Carmelite Monastery in Belgium. The 16th century cherub once resided atop a column inside the Nieuwe Kerk in Delft, The Netherlands. Its enlarged features were carved for observers and congregants who gathered dozens of feet beneath the column it capped near the cathedral ceiling.
Comments
- Developer looking to buy RSL share 6:36 p.m.
- FLDS man sentenced to 10 years 6:20 p.m.
- Charter helps kids discover talents 6:17 p.m.
- Herbert talks land issues in D.C. 6:15 p.m.
- Good Samaritans help make arrest 6:05 p.m.
- Get a little culture: Probiotics 5:45 p.m.
- What exactly are probiotics? 5:45 p.m.
- Emeril's success? 'Great people' 5:45 p.m.
- Limeade Pie is a quick, easy dessert 5:42 p.m.
- Gluten-free desserts not great 5:42 p.m.
- Utah group finds homes for orphans
- Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
- Jazz blow big lead, hang on
- Y. tight ends talented tandem
- Utes get extra motivation
- Senators want food tax restored
- BYU soccer incident still popular
- Lobo land like home for BYU lineman
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- U. hopes to keep clicking
- House passes health care bill
259 - TCU showdown has big implications
187 - Lobo suspended
184 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Senators want food tax restored
146 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - No 'backlash' for pioneers, gays analogy
104 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
95
A comprehensive listing of missionary reunions being held this week.
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
That's not true - and if you'd called them you'd know that. The health...
Point 1 - wrong - there are anti-discrimination laws that prevent people from...
Here's a name for you... Kevin Durant. By seasons end he'll definitly be a...
Why are these mormons more important than other people since they are...
HA HA Thats a joke right? Sorry to say but i dont even know how he made it to...
Let's first get a new coach, but since Mr. Miller loves him so much Jerry...
oh yay we have another JD Books...
Must be an uneducated Ute fan!
There were no FLDS people on the jury.
wow all of these comments sound like the south sevier team before they played...



You can be the first to comment on this story.