The Importance of the Arts in the Reformation

The Jesuits founded a European and global network of schools and seminaries. They weren't founded to counter-reformed ideas as such, but they became highly influential at the 16th century Council of Trent. The use of sacred images for liturgical and devotional practices was already under sustained attack from the Protestant Reformation. Fears of idolatry brought about waves of religious iconoclasm which swept Europe during the 16th Century.