Finding the First Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed in Art

Abstract

This article is based on my keynote address for Princeton Theological Seminary’s celebration of 1700 Years of Nicene Faith held on November 6, 2025. It seeks to explore how and when images of the First Ecumenical Council (held at Nicaea, Iznik, Türkiye), and the Nicene Creed with its definition of the Trinity produced by the Council, appeared in art and as far as possible why. The emphasis is on selected works from the East Christian world where the Council of Nicaea was held. It argues that all Christian art made for religious institutions that recognize the Creed represent aspects of the Creed with some works being more specific in their reference to the authority of the Council and to the definition of the Trinity as stated by the Creed.