Maurice Schmidt’s new book ‘The Tabernacle of Exodus As a Work of Art: An Aesthetic of Monotheism Art Professor Emeritus Maurice Schmidt knew he wanted to be an artist since he was a teenager. What he wasn’t sure of was if the profession of artist was a proper profession within his religious faith of Judaism.

When he consulted The Bible, Schmidt found in the Book of Exodus a description of the artisans of the Tabernacle—the portable sanctuary in which the Ark of the Covenant was carried. The Tabernacle structure was made by persons of deep faith and aesthetic sensibility.

That description of the Tabernacle and its artisans was the start of a long exploration of art and religion for Schmidt. The culmination of that study can be found in Schmidt’s newly released book The Tabernacle of Exodus As a Work of Art: An Aesthetic of Monotheism.

Schmidt will discuss the book Friday, Feb. 5, at noon in the Alumni Room of Honor, in the Memorial Student Union Building on the A&M-Kingsville campus, as part of the International Affairs Group lecture series. Following the lecture, Schmidt will take part in a book signing at 1 p.m. in the University Bookstore.

The book examines the ancient Israelite Tabernacle. Its symbolism and geometry separated art from idolatry, yet promoted reverence, awe and God’s glory. The tabernacle’s geometric proportions, the book argues, can be seen in the buildings and art of the other monotheistic religions Christianity and Islam. Schmidt points out that much biblical narrative and poetry originate out of the forms and rituals of the tabernacle. Perhaps the most important concept is the metaphor of Israel as God’s betrothed.

“The book does not make comparisons between religions,” said Schmidt. “But it examines how symbols are used to teach certain ideas and avoid others. It’s very much an artist’s book, told from an artist’s point of view, but will also prove valuable to those with an interest in art history and architecture, and the origins and continuity of symbols through time, and The Bible as a living influence on Western art.

“In addition to broader ideas of the link between religion and art, the book shows the influence South Texas has had on me as an artist and as a writer. The weather and the environment of South Texas are very similar to that of Israel. My art reflects these similarities, which brings my faith into my artwork as well.”

The book The Tabernacle of Exodus As a Work of Art: An Aesthetic of Monotheism, published by The Edwin Mellen Press, will be available for purchase at the University Bookstore the day of the signing. It also is available through the publisher’s website at www.mellenpress.com, and through online bookseller Amazon (www.amazon. com).