The Arts

Since its inception, the Society of Jesus and its members have been the subject of artistic depiction, the inspiration of artistic styles, and the authors of various forms of art. This page includes material about Jesuits in music and the theater as well. Here are a variety of images and sounds of and by Jesuits.

  • Collection of the Western Jesuit Missions is on view on the third floor of the St. Louis University Museum of Art. The exhibit contains priceless liturgical items brought to America by Father De Smet as well as items from pioneer life in St. Louis.
  • Jesuits in the Visual Arts — Visit this link at Company Magazine for information on contemporary Jesuits engaged in artistic endeavors.
  • Jesuits in the Performing Arts — Visit this link at Company Magazine for information on contemporary Jesuits engaged in artistic endeavors.
  • An early portrait of St. Ignatius Loyola.
  • An Icon of St. Aloysius Gonzaga painted by Rev. William McNichols. He has created icons of numerous other Jesuit subjects listed on his index page.
  • On the Trail of Jesuit Mission Art by Gauvin Alexander Bailey, assistant professor of Renaissance and Baroque art at Clark University.
  • Ignatian Spirituality in Music — See, hear and print songs inspired by the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. The music is organized by Ignatian retreat theme and use for daily liturgy. Choral and simple versions are available.
  • Music and Devotion in the Churches of the French Jesuits — This collection of “Fugitive Pieces” comes from the handwritten Nouvelles écclesiastiques circulated by the circle of Basil Fouquet (at the BNF). The pieces are in French.
  • Jesuits Do Not Sing, But Their Companions Do — Chapter Three of Fr. Joseph MacDonnell’s book “Companions of Jesuits: A Tradition of Collaboration.” The chapter concerns the tradition of music in Jesuit experience and education.
  • The story of composer Vincenzo Albrici and his years in Prague. Albrici was educated in the Jesuit German College in Rome. This site includes a page identifying Jesuit churches that existed in Prague in the 17th century.
  • National Theatre Workshop of the Handicapped — The website of NTWH, founded by Fr. Rick Curry SJ to provide members of the disabled community with the communication skills needed to pursue a life in the professional theatre and to enhance their opportunities in the workplace.