By all accounts, Stratford Caldecott is an unassuming man. Reserved in public, he dresses the part of an English intellectual–an actual English intellectual, not the over-tweedy stereotype. He thinks far more than he talks, the mark of a true philosopher. A cursory review of his work or a judgemental observation of his person might even lead one to assume he’s a conservative, a traditionalist, a reactionary of quietly strong pedigree. In a phrase, one who is “stuck in the past,” yearning in the present to return to something better. If one didn’t know better, one might accuse him of intellectual and artistic nostalgia.
But one would be utterly wrong.
There’s nothing glittery or avant garde about Caldecott or his new book, Beauty for Truth's Sake: On the Re-enchantment of Education, but this pivotal piece in contemporary thought simply shines.
This luminous and restrained quote by Jean Leclercq (quoted in Caldecott), illustrates the difference between those who know beauty an those who merely quote it, the difference between a universal philosopher of beauty, and one who feigns it by cultural curiosity rooted in the contemporary,
They loved the authors of the past, not simply because they belonged to the past but because they were beautiful, with a beauty which defies time.
I urge you to read this book. It quietly stands for the renewal in art, culture, education and faith that is the mission and vision of Ruah. I’m grateful for Caldecott’s vision, intelligence and quotidian grace, because it’s through the ordinary lived with great inspiration that beauty will save the world.
But don’t take my word for it. Friend, art historian and fellow blogger Matthew Milliner summarizes his thoughts on the book here:
…there is Stratford Caldecott’s Beauty for Truth’s Sake, which places these more vaulting projects in immediate reach. In addition, it’s far more wide-ranging. Caldecott aims to not only redeem theology with beauty, but quite literally everything with beauty – hence his book will appeal to those outside professional theological circles in ways that the aforementioned books probably (and most unfortunately) won’t. My review of Caldecott’s book was put up at Public Discourse yesterday. I urge you to read it simply because I think it’s a very important book. Better yet, skip my review and just buy the thing[my emphasis].
More reviews here:
Fr. Dwight Longnecker (Standing on My Head blog)
Matthew Milliner (Millinderd blog)
For those who live in the DC or Chicago areas….
The Foundation for Sacred Arts is pleased to announce two upcoming events:
“The Beauty that Saves: Art in the Life of the Church” is our newest 5-part speaker series. With enlightening talks given by prominent Catholic artists and art historians, this series will demonstrate the manner in which beautiful Christian art is indispensable for catechizing the faithful, facilitating prayer, and inspiring conversion. Talks will be held at 7pm every other Wednesday from April through May at the Catholic Information Center, 1501 K Street NW, Washington, DC 2005. $10 suggested donation at the door.
Lecture schedule:
4/1 — Father Giles Dimock, OP: “Art and the Liturgy”
4/15 — H. Reed Armstrong: “Is Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder?”
4/29 — Dr. Jem Sullivan: “St. Paul in Art: The Beauty of Holiness”
5/13 — Art Lohsen, AIA RIBA: “Transcendent Beauty: The Importance of Catholic Architecture”
5/27 — David Clayton: “Hope in Suffering: How Baroque Art made God Present on Earth”
“A New Way of Seeing: Understanding Christian Art”, offers a day of exploring art and the Christian faith. Learn about meaning and content in Christian art through lectures by David Clayton and Reed Armstrong, two recognized Catholic artists/art theorists. See the beauty and permanence of the Christian faith in works of art with a guided tour of the Art Institute of Chicago. April 25th, 2009 from 9:30am- 3:30pm. Program begins with a Mass and two lectures held at St. John Cantius Catholic Church, 825 North Carpenter Street, Chicago, Illinois 60642. Transportation to and from the Art Institute will be provided. $35 registration includes museum admission, and transportation to and from the museum.
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