Painting Mary: Abp. Cordileone, Elizabeth Lev, James Langley

Painting Mary: James Langley and Elizabeth Lev join Archbishop Cordileone for the Feast of the Assumption via Zoom

Artists have been inspired by the Blessed Virgin to create some of the greatest paintings in the history of the world, inspiring souls for centuries. On August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, join Archbishop Cordileone (whose San Francisco Cathedral is properly known as The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption) for a discussion of the importance of this Feast. Rome's famed art historian Elizabeth Lev will share images of the Assumption. Painter James Langley will show and tell how a painter rises to the challenge of "Painting Mary."What are the challenges we face when we paint the mother of Christ? What techniques do artists deploy to capture her essence, her holiness, her humility?

We will conclude with Rebekah Wu helping to lead us in chanting the Litany to Our Lady of Loreto

There is no charge for this event. Your donations, should you be able, help with costs for this and future events, and are deeply appreciated.

About James Langley:

James Langley is an American figurative artist who paints commissions for work both sacred and secular over the past thirty years. He is currently working on a large mural to embellish Homer's Epic Poem: The Odyssey. This painting in oil on Belgian linen canvas is custom made to furnish a new school library designed by the American Classical Architect, Duncan Stroik. Langley's work includes architectural painting for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in galleries designed by Thomas Gordon Smith Architects for the American Wing as featured in The Magazine ANTIQUES February 2007 edition. Langley is also a Roman Catholic artist distinguished for making theological paintings and portraits. In 2025 he is represented in the international group exhibition: Faces of Christ - Spiritual Journeys in the galleries of Queen Isabella the Catholic at the Cathedral in Toledo Spain.

Experience his work at: https://www.jameslangley.com/

About Elizabeth Lev

Elizabeth Lev is a transplanted US art historian with degrees from University of Chicago and University of Bologna. She teaches at Duquesne University’s Italian campus as well as the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. She has served as a commissioner of the Tourism board of Rome and a consultant for the Vatican Museums. Liz has commented on art and the papacy for several television networks. She has taught and lectured in numerous venues in Europe, the US, Singapore, and Australia, including an address at the United Nations in New York. Her recent projects include a series of columns for the Epoch Times on the light of art throughout dark times in history. She is also a certified sommelier, so cheers!

She is also a fabulous Roman tour guide if you are lucky enough to visit the Eternal City. Learn more at Dr. Lev's website (https://www.elizabeth-lev.com/)

Books by Dr. Elizabeth Lev include:

A Body for Glory: Theology of the Body in the Papal Collections

How Catholic Art Saved the Faith: The Triumph of Beauty and Truth in Counter-Reformation Art

The Tigress of Forli: Renaissance Italy's Most Courageous and Notorious Countess

The Silent Knight: A History of St. Joseph as Depicted in Art