The Thomistic Institute

The Incarnation and the Machine: The Visions of Fra Angelico and Le Corbusier – Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy O.P.

Oct 20, 2025
Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy O.P. is a Dominican priest and architectural expert, known for blending theology with art. In a captivating discussion, he contrasts Fra Angelico's divine beauty with Le Corbusier's machine-like aesthetics. He explores how the Incarnation reshapes our understanding of art and critiques modern movements for losing spiritual depth. Further, he examines the historical ties between church and art, emphasizing how Fra Angelico's work reveals the presence of Christ, while La Tourette neglects traditional symbolism.
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INSIGHT

Incarnation Transforms Artistic Vision

  • The incarnation reshapes beauty, truth, and goodness, making visible what was once hidden.
  • St. John Paul II and Fr. Irenaeus argue Christian art must reflect this new, incarnational vision.
INSIGHT

Maritain’s Three Conditions For Religious Art

  • Jacques Maritain insists religious art must be intelligible, subordinated to theology, and integrated with artistic virtue.
  • He argues beauty in religious art requires theological wisdom alongside technical skill.
ANECDOTE

Couturier’s Collaborations With Modern Artists

  • Fr. Marie-Alain Couturier collaborated with modern geniuses like Matisse and Le Corbusier in L'Art Sacré.
  • He believed talent could serve the church even when the artist lacked faith.
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