After three days working at RAC as an intern, I'm already starting to experience the perks--for one, I was able to attend the Vatican Splendors: A Journey through Faith and Art exhibit at the Missouri History Museum. Experiencing works of Giotto, Bernini, Michelangelo, Ghirlandaio, and other masters reminded me of my freshman year Art History course-especially my energetic Dutch professor and the late nights spent memorizing dates and the artists that matched them. But naturally, I also remember the hundreds of brilliant images that I memorized, masterful representations of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints, popes, or religious scenes from the Bible. Such representations-and some reproductions-along with other Vatican artifacts were what made up this exhibit.

Vatican Splendors offers reproductions of works of art, works of art never before on display outside of the Vatican, and even art that has never even been on display. A more detailed list of artworks is included on the Vatican Splendors website, but a couple highlights of the exhibit for me were the reliquary of Saints Peter, Paul, and other saints, and Giotto's "Bust of an Angel." I also enjoyed the cast of the Pieta and the timeline of Saint Peter's basilica. Echoes from the music of the introductory film, the Swiss Guard costumes, and the dim lighting all gave the exhibit an air of authenticity. Although it is not as extensive as I had hoped, the part of the exhibit dealing with the Basilica of St. Louis was an excellent local tie to the St. Louis community. In general, the exhibit was user-friendly; not only were the historical plaques easy to read and understand, but they all had a translation into Spanish to the right.

Vatican Splendors allows the viewer to see works of art and artifacts up close-regardless of whether they are reproductions or the original. I have had the great fortune to see the Vatican, and it was amazing but very overwhelming-in this much smaller scale exhibit, I was able to focus on a couple very interesting pieces without getting that overwhelmed feeling. For those who have not or will not be able to see the Vatican, this exhibit is a wonderful survey of Vatican art in the past 2,000 years. Regardless of your faith, this exhibit is a potent reminder of the catalyst status of the Church in the arts and the remarkable works of art that status produces.

Vatican Splendors: A Journey through Faith and Art will be featured at the Missouri History Museum until September 12^th, 2010. Information about purchasing tickets may be seen on the History Museum website.