See ‘Good Book: Bible Stories from the Collection’ at the Dayton Art Institute

The man in the blue robes sits slumped along the roadside with his arm broken and his eyes downcast. The figure with green hair and beard standing next to him looks upon his fellow man with care rather than disdain, illustrating a well-known Biblical parable. The 1965 stencil print “The Good Samaritan” by Japanese artist Watanabe Sadao is one of around 40 works featured in the Dayton Art Institute’s “Good Book: Bible Stories from the Collection.”

On display Nov. 14 through Feb. 14, the exhibition highlights pieces from the museum’s collection inspired by the world’s most published book. 

“The Bible has really been entwined with the history of art, especially in Europe, and many times, when people come into the museum, they may see paintings that depict Biblical stories, but it can be very foreign to them,” says Peter Doebler, Kettering curator of Asian art at the Dayton Art Institute.

Watanabe Sadao’s “The Good Samaritan” at the Dayton Art Institute (photo gift of David P. Eller)

The exhibition is arranged chronologically from a Biblical perspective, starting with works inspired by stories from the Old Testament. Those include a recent acquisition in which contemporary photographer Abelardo Morell depicts Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden appearing to form into one person, as well as “Noah and the Animals Entering the Ark” by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione. 

As the exhibition progresses into the New Testament, visitors encounter a work by renowned Dutch painter and printer-maker Rembrandt van Rijn. His etching, titled “Christ Preaching,” uses extremely detailed linework to depict Jesus talking in front of a small crowd. 

Doebler says “Good Book: Bible Stories from the Collection” aims to encourage curiosity about how these pieces depict sacred stories, from works on canvas to woodblock prints. 

“While the exhibit is not trying to preach or persuade anybody of particular viewpoints, at the same time, many of these artworks were created by people that were religious,” Doebler says, “and I think it can also be an inspiration for people of faith today.”

456 Belmonte Park N., Dayton 45405, 937/223-4278, daytonartinstitute.org

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