The Symbols of the Sculptures in the Sanctuary Section of the Sacred Heart Church, Ratchaburi Province

Abstract

This article is part of a thesis titled “Christian Art in the Sacred Heart Church, Ratchaburi Province”. The aim of this study was to analyze the concepts, content, and symbols of the sculptures in the sanctuary of the Sacred Heart Church, Ratchaburi province. This was a qualitative academic study involving document analysis and the analysis of sculptural works. The results of the study revealed that the sculptures featured various symbols used to denote identity, characteristics, status, importance, and content. Some symbols had specific meanings regardless of context, while others might change their meaning when combined with different symbols. Additionally, the sculptures played a significant role in expressing the concepts of the sanctuary and the church through their placement. The placement of the sculptures also created relationships among individual pieces, leading to interpretations that extended to other conceptual ideas.