The Lives of the Saints ClipArt gallery includes 47 illustrations of those Christians whose exemplary lives have been recognized by either ecclesiastical authority or popular acclaim. Most forms of Christianity recognize all believers as saints. Illustrations of the lives of those believers who have not been recognized as Saints in a formal sense can be found in the Christian Practices gallery.

Illustration of Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, during one of several times that he was banished from Alexandria. Roman soldiers on horseback, with spears and shields, chase the bishop away from the city. Christians, including men, women, children, and a crippled man, follow around and in front of the bishop. A man follows just behind Athanasius, carrying the bishop's staff.

Athanasius is Banished from Alexandria

Illustration of Athanasius, bishop of Alexandria, during one of several times that he was banished from…

Augustine of Canterbury, (born c. first third of the 6th century - died 26 May 604) was a Benedictine monk who became the first Archbishop of Canterbury in the year 598. He is considered the "Apostle to the English", a founder of the English Church and a patron of England.

Augustine before Ethelbert and Bertha

Augustine of Canterbury, (born c. first third of the 6th century - died 26 May 604) was a Benedictine…

"And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in the Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens rent asunder, and the Spirit as a dove descending upon him: And a voice came out of the heavens, Thou art my beloved Son, in thee I am well pleased." Mark 1:9-11 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Jesus stands, shin-deep in the river water, arms crossed on his chest and head bowed. John stands on the river bank with a staff in his left hand. With his right hand, he pours a bowl of water on Jesus head. A dove emerges from the parted clouds overhead.

The Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River

"And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John…

Illustration of Saint Boniface, Apostle of Germany, blesses and converts several people in Germania.Men and women kneel in front of the saint. Several of the men are wearing horned helmets. Two clergy follow behind Saint Boniface, carrying the crucifix.

Saint Boniface Converts Many in Germania

Illustration of Saint Boniface, Apostle of Germany, blesses and converts several people in Germania.Men…

(672-754) Saint Boniface was the Apostle of the Germans, born Winfrid or Wynfrith, was a missionary who propogated Christianity in the Frankish Empire during the 8th century. He was murdered in Frisia.

Saint Boniface

(672-754) Saint Boniface was the Apostle of the Germans, born Winfrid or Wynfrith, was a missionary…

Illustration of King Clovis kneeling before Saint Remigius. Clovis' wife, Clotilde, kneels next to him. Remigius, dressed in robes, is baptizing Clovis. Several members of Clovis' court stand behind him. Monks and other clergy as well as two altar boys with incense stand around and behind Remigius.

Clovis, King of the Franks, is Baptized by Saint Remigius

Illustration of King Clovis kneeling before Saint Remigius. Clovis' wife, Clotilde, kneels next to him.…

An illustration of a coin depicting Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Saint Ignatius of Loyola (Spanish: Ignacio López de Loyola) (October 23, 1491 – July 31, 1556) was the principal founder and first Superior General of the Society of Jesus. The compiler of the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius was described by Pope Benedict XVI as being above all a man of God, who gave the first place of his life to God, and a man of profound prayer.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola Coin

An illustration of a coin depicting Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Saint Ignatius of Loyola (Spanish: Ignacio…

This painting, by Titian, perished in a fire. A copy of it is hanging in the Church of SS. Giovanni e Paolo in Venice, Italy.

Death of Saint Peter Martyr

This painting, by Titian, perished in a fire. A copy of it is hanging in the Church of SS. Giovanni…

John Cardinal Fisher (c.1469 – 22 June 1535), from 1935 Saint John Fisher, was an English Catholic bishop, cardinal and martyr. He shares his feast day with Saint Thomas More on June 22 in the Roman Catholic calendar of saints and 6 July on the Anglican calendar of saints. Fisher and More were executed by King Henry VIII during the English Reformation for refusing to accept him as Head of the Church of England. He is the only member of the College of Cardinals to have suffered martyrdom.

John Cardinal Fisher

John Cardinal Fisher (c.1469 – 22 June 1535), from 1935 Saint John Fisher, was an English Catholic…

Illustration of Saint Francis being carried on a pallet by five other clergy members. He is emerging from a wooded area. His right arm is upraised and his arm is around one of his companions. The facade of the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi can be seen up on a hill in the background.

The Death of Saint Francis of Assisi with the Basilica of Saint Francis in the Background

Illustration of Saint Francis being carried on a pallet by five other clergy members. He is emerging…

Illustration of Saint Francis of Xavier preaching to the Portuguese at Goa. Several men and women are gathered around Xavier. A child examines his robe. Xavier is showing one man the crucifix. There is a ship approaching in the background.

Saint Francis Xavier on the Coast at the Portuguese Settlement of Goa

Illustration of Saint Francis of Xavier preaching to the Portuguese at Goa. Several men and women are…

Illustration of Ignatius of Antioch, also called Ignatius Theophorus, tied to a post by his neck and wearing his bishop's robe. There are bones and scraps on the ground. One lion is sitting on the ground and looking up at Ignatius. The other lion is pouncing from behind. The arches and crowds of the Colosseum are visible in the background.

Ignatius of Antioch is Martyred by Being Fed to Lions

Illustration of Ignatius of Antioch, also called Ignatius Theophorus, tied to a post by his neck and…

(1491-1556) Spanish founder of the Society of Jesus.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola

(1491-1556) Spanish founder of the Society of Jesus.

Albertus Magnus was also known as Albert of Cologne and Saint Albert the Great. Magnus was a great German philosopher and theologian of the Middle Ages.

Albertus Magnus

Albertus Magnus was also known as Albert of Cologne and Saint Albert the Great. Magnus was a great German…

Death of St. Peter is a painting that was created by Titian, who was an Italian painter during the 16th century. St. Peter was one of the twelve disciples. This painting shows how he was captured.

Death of St. Peter Martyr

Death of St. Peter is a painting that was created by Titian, who was an Italian painter during the 16th…

And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster cruse of ointment, and standing behind at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment." Luke 7:37-38 ASV
<p>Illustration of Mary Magdalene drying Jesus' feet with the hair on her head, after she washed them with her tears and before she anointed them. The Pharisee named Simon is sitting next to Jesus. Several other guests sitting around a banquet table, discussing the scene. An open window in the background reveals palm trees and some buildings.

Mary Magdalene Washes Jesus' Feet with Her Tears, Wipes Them with Her Hair, and Anoints Them with Perfume

And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in…

Sir Thomas More (7 February 1478 – 6 July 1535), from 1935 Saint Thomas More, was an English lawyer, author, and statesman who in his lifetime gained a reputation as a leading humanist scholar, and occupied many public offices, including Lord Chancellor (1529–1532), in which he had numerous Protestant Christians burned at the stake. More coined the word "utopia", a name he gave to an ideal, imaginary island nation whose political system he described in the eponymous book published in 1516. He was beheaded in 1535 when he refused to sign the Act of Supremacy that declared Henry VIII Supreme Head of the Church in England.

Sir Thomas More

Sir Thomas More (7 February 1478 – 6 July 1535), from 1935 Saint Thomas More, was an English lawyer,…

This is a print by German artist Johann Otmar in 1502 . It depicts St. Francis reading a bible outside between trees. In each corner of the print are symbols of the four Evangelists: top left, St. John represented by the eagle; top right, St. Mark represented by the lion; bottom left, St. Matthew represented by the winged man; and bottom right, St. Luke represented by the ox.

Johann Otmar

This is a print by German artist Johann Otmar in 1502 . It depicts St. Francis reading a bible outside…

Illustration of Saint Patrick on the shores of Ireland, with bishop's miter and crosier, and other clergy behind him. He is holding his hand in blessing over several men, women, and children. Women kneel on the ground, one with a basket of fish. A little boy and girl watch the saint. A boat can be seen on the water and mountains rise in the background. Snakes slither on the ground in front of Saint Patrick.

Saint Patrick Blesses the Irish and Banishes Snakes

Illustration of Saint Patrick on the shores of Ireland, with bishop's miter and crosier, and other clergy…

"And the jailor, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. And he called for lights and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:27-30 ASV
<p>Illustration of the jailer kneeling on one knee at Paul's feet in the jail. Paul stands above him with arms open and Silas is sitting on a bench leaning toward and reaching out for the jailer. A lamp is burning on the ground next to the jailer's sword. The door to the jail is in the corner.

Paul and Silas in Jail - the Jailer Kneels Before Paul

"And the jailor, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was…

Illustration of Paul, kneeling on one knee in the city streets, head bowed, awaiting execution. A man in a short tunic and head wrap is raising his sword above Paul's head. A man in a robe stands nearby with his hand over his mouth. Another man stands in the background, holding a scroll and a staff. Two soldiers are standing in the background.

Paul is Beheaded at Rome by the Order of Emperor Nero

Illustration of Paul, kneeling on one knee in the city streets, head bowed, awaiting execution. A man…

"And after the uproar ceased, Paul having sent for the disciples and exhorted them, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia." Acts 20:1 ASV
<p>Illustration of Paul being embraced by the disciples on the docks at Ephesus. One kneels at his feet and the others cling to him. His head is surrounded in a glowing light. In the background, sailors can be seen carrying packages on to a boat, filling pails with water, raising the sails, and getting ready for the voyage. The city of Ephesus is visible in the distance.

Paul Leaves Ephesus and Says Goodbye to the Ephesian Elders

"And after the uproar ceased, Paul having sent for the disciples and exhorted them, took leave of them,…

"Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit: for as yet it was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:14-17 ASV
<p>Illustration of the apostles, Peter and John, laying their hands on the heads of three converts who are receiving the Holy Spirit. Peter has a full beard and John is bare-faced and young. A glowing dove descends from the air in between the two disciples' heads. A wine goblet sits on a table in the background. There is an arched doorway (right).

Peter and John Lay Their Hands on Baptized Converts

"Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they…

"And when there had been much questioning, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Brethren, ye know that a good while ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us; and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Now therefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in like manner as they." Acts 15:7-11 ASV
<p>Illustration of Peter, standing before the rest of the apostles, explaining to them that Jesus made no distinction between Jew and Gentile and that all should be saved by their belief and not by their adherence to the old law. The apostles and the ancients at the council decided that circumcision would no longer be required.

Peter and the Apostles Decide Not to Impose Circumcision on Christians

"And when there had been much questioning, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Brethren, ye know that…

Illustration of Peter being bound to an upside down cross. One man holds his upper body, while another man ties his ankles to the cross. A third man prepares to pierce Peter's feet with a large nail. Peter asked to be crucified upside down because he did not believe he was worthy of being crucified in the same manner as Jesus.

Peter Crucified on an Upside Down Cross

Illustration of Peter being bound to an upside down cross. One man holds his upper body, while another…

"And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision. And when they were past the first and the second guard, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and straightway the angel departed from him." Acts 12:9-10 ASV
<p>Illustration of Peter being led out of the door to the prison by a glowing angel with wings. Inside the door, soldiers and guards are asleep on the floor inside an arched, domed prison. The city street opens into the distance.

Peter Emerges from Prison after Being Saved by an Angel

"And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought…

"But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. And he took him by the right hand, and raised him up: and immediately his feet and his ankle-bones received strength." Acts 3:6-7 ASV
<p>Illustration of Peter and John walking up the temple steps and approaching a lame beggar. Peter has a halo over his head and reaches his right arm out over the beggar's head. The beggar looks up and reaches for Peter. He is holding his hat in his hand and his crutch has fallen on the steps. A woman holding a baby and walking with a small child ascends the stairs (left).

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar at the Temple

"But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus…

Peter preaches to a group of people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds. There are men, children, and women, There are soldiers, common men, Jews, and Gentiles. Peter is informing them that all can become Christians through baptism and the Holy Spirit.

Peter Preaches to Jews and Gentiles

Peter preaches to a group of people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds. There are men, children,…

"And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 16:16-17 ASV
<p>Illustration of Peter kneeling before Jesus. Jesus is telling Peter that he will build his church upon Peter and Peter will have the keys to heaven. Jesus is handing Peter a key with a cross on it. Six other disciples are standing to the side, watching. The dome of St. Peter's Basilica glows in the distant background. This scene is commonly referred to as the Confession of Peter.

Peter Publicly Professes that Jesus is Christ, the Son of God

"And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered…

"And he arose and went: and behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship; and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah." Acts 8:27-28 ASV
<p>Illustration of the apostle Philip, sitting in a chariot with an Ethiopian treasurer, teaching him about the gospel. Philip's head has a halo behind it. The Ethiopian holds a book in his lap. The chariot is being drawn by two horses and led by a young man, standing in a river.

Philip Speaks with an Ethiopian Eunuch in His Chariot

"And he arose and went: and behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen…

Pope Saint Gregory VII (c. 1020/1025 – May 25, 1085), born Hildebrand of Soana (Italian: Ildebrando di Soana), was pope from April 22, 1073, until his death. One of the great reforming popes, he is perhaps best known for the part he played in the Investiture Controversy, his dispute with Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor affirming the primacy of the papal authority and the new canon law governing the election of the pope by the college of cardinals.

Pope Gregory VII

Pope Saint Gregory VII (c. 1020/1025 – May 25, 1085), born Hildebrand of Soana (Italian: Ildebrando…

Illustration of Pope Leo, dressed in full papal costume and holding the primatial cross, approaches Attila the Hun. Several clergy follow behind Leo, one carrying the cross of Christ. Attila bows slightly. He is wearing a crown and carrying a sword. His army follows behind. The face of a horse is visible. God, carrying a sword, floats in a cloud over the scene.

Pope Leo the Great Approaches Attila, King of the Huns, on the Battlefield

Illustration of Pope Leo, dressed in full papal costume and holding the primatial cross, approaches…

"...and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against; yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed." Luke 2:34-35 ASV
<p>Illustration of Simeon prophesying as he holds the baby Jesus in his arms in the temple. Mary reaches out to cradle Jesus in her arms as Joseph stands by, holding a basket. A woman kneels behind Simeon. A priest stands in the background. The scene takes place during the presentation of Jesus at the temple.

The Prophecy of Simeon at the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple

"...and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling…

Saint Augustine, bishop of Hippo in Africa, sits among various other clergy and teaches from his writings. He is dressed in a bishop's cassock. His head is surrounded by a halo. Some of the men surrounding him are holding books.

Saint Augustine of Hippo Teaches from His Writings

Saint Augustine, bishop of Hippo in Africa, sits among various other clergy and teaches from his writings.…

This piece, by Donatello, is a Bas-relief or sculpture of Saint Cecilia. It is now in he posession of Lord Elcho.

Saint Cecilia

This piece, by Donatello, is a Bas-relief or sculpture of Saint Cecilia. It is now in he posession of…

From a Painting by Raphael, in the Pinacoteca of Bologna.

Saint Cecilia Listening to the Singing of Angels

From a Painting by Raphael, in the Pinacoteca of Bologna.

This sculpture by the great artist, Donatello, is of a man dressed in armor holding a shield in front of him. The statue is made of marble and is now located in S. Michele, Florence.

Saint George

This sculpture by the great artist, Donatello, is of a man dressed in armor holding a shield in front…

This illustration of the painting by Raphael has been inverted. The painting is a cartoon created for a set of tapestries hanging in the Sistine Chapel. In the painting, Paul has been taken to the Areopagus, the high court of Athens, A basilica, buildings, and structures, and a statue of a soldier can be seen in the background. Several people are listening to the sermon. One man leans on a staff and others kneel on the steps.

Saint Paul Preaching at Athens - the Areopagus Sermon

This illustration of the painting by Raphael has been inverted. The painting is a cartoon created for…

This painting, by Titian, is a great example of his oil on canvas techniques. The painting can now be found in the Vatican in Rome, Italy.

Saint Sebastian

This painting, by Titian, is a great example of his oil on canvas techniques. The painting can now be…

This is an engraving of St. Anthony by German artist Albrecht Dürer in 1519. It shows a view of a view of a fortified town that is similar to the "Burg" at Nuremburg, Germany. In the foreground is St. Anthony the Hermit absorbed in devotion with a double cross beside him that he planted.

St. Anthony

This is an engraving of St. Anthony by German artist Albrecht Dürer in 1519. It shows a view of a view…

Saint Columba was an outstanding figure among the Gaelic missionary monks who, some of his advocates claim, introduced Christianity to the Kingdom of the Picts during the Early Medieval Period. He was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland.

St. Columba at Oronsay

Saint Columba was an outstanding figure among the Gaelic missionary monks who, some of his advocates…

(1215-1270) French King who married Blanche of Castille. He is known for protecting the French clergy and strictly enforcing laws against blasphemy. He was canonized in 1297.

St. Louis

(1215-1270) French King who married Blanche of Castille. He is known for protecting the French clergy…

"St. Patrick appears to have been a native of Boulogne, in France, and to have been born about the year 387, A.D. In his sixteenth year, he was made captive in a marauding expedition, conducted by Nial of the Nine Hostages." — Goodrich, 1844

St. Patrick

"St. Patrick appears to have been a native of Boulogne, in France, and to have been born about the year…

Saint Stephen I was Grand Prince of the Magyars (997-1001) and the first King of Hungary (1001-1038). He greatly expanded Hungarian control over the Carpathian Basin during his lifetime, broadly established Christianity in the region, and he is generally considered to be the founder of Hungary. Stephen I was canonized, together with his son and Bishop Gerard of Csanád, on August 20, 1083, becoming one of the most popular saints in Hungary.

Stephen I of Hungary

Saint Stephen I was Grand Prince of the Magyars (997-1001) and the first King of Hungary (1001-1038).…

"and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Acts 7:58-59 ASV
<p>Illustration of Stephen being stoned to death. He is pictured wearing a deacon's vestments, lying on the ground and looking up to the sky. An angel, carrying a palm frond and the crown of martyrdom, is flying above him. Several men hold stones over their heads. A group of men in robes, including Saul of Tarsus, watch the stoning. A city can be seen in the background.

Stephen Stoned to Death as He Looks up to Heaven

"and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the…

"And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven: and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" Acts 9:3-4 ASV
<p>Illustration of Saul fallen to the ground. A soldier is kneeling next to him, attempting to help him. Jesus' upper body emerges from a cloud, his arms raised and hands aimed at Saul. Rays of light descend from the cloud. A horse rears next to Saul and one of his companions attempts to control it. Several Christians are bound and being led by soldiers in the shadows of the background.

The Conversion of Paul - Saul Falls to the Ground

"And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round…

"This wood-engraving represents St. Christopher carrying the infant saviour across the sea, and is dated 1423. The inscription at the bottom has been thus translated: 'In whichever day thou seest the likeness of St. Christopher, in that same day thou wilt, at least, from death no evil blow incur." — Chambers, 1881

Wood Engraving

"This wood-engraving represents St. Christopher carrying the infant saviour across the sea, and is dated…