Good Book: Bible Stories from the Collection 

November 14, 2026–February 14, 2027, Gallery 119

For hundreds of years, the Bible has been the most-printed and best-selling book in the world. At the same time, it has served as a continual inspiration for visual art, from stories of creation and the ancient history of Israel to the life of Jesus and his teachings.

The function of biblical art can vary, from being meant for public display to support communal worship to serving as illustration for the written text; other times, artists may create independent artworks, using the stories to express their own personal devotion or broader concerns. Yet always, the resulting artwork is an interpretation of the text, using the language of art—colors, shapes, lines—to create a visual commentary that can open up new insights. Drawing on artworks from across cultures and in a range of mediums—including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs and sculptures—this exhibition considers how images drawn from the Bible invite us to see “the old, old story” anew.

Plan your visit to see these and other incredible works!

Featured Image: Artist unknown (Flemish), Old Testament Scene, possibly The Last Days of the World according to the Prophet Joel (detail), late 16th century, oil on wood. Museum purchase with funds provided by an anonymous donor by exchange and by the Junior League of Dayton, Ohio, Inc., 1961.91

Adriaen van Nieulandt the Younger (Flemish, 1587–1658), Moses and the Brazen Serpent, 1640, oil on oak panel. Gift of Mr. Robert Badenhop, 1957.135

Watanabe Sadao (Japanese, 1913–1996), The Good Samaritan, 1965, stencil print with brushed pigments on paper. Gift of David P. Eller, 2021.40

Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn (Dutch, 1606–1669), Christ Preaching, about 1652, etching, engraving and drypoint on paper. Museum purchase with funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. Walter C. Allen, Mrs. George W. Shaw and Mrs. Ralf Kircher, 1967.57