Anti-clerical art

Anti-clerical art is a genre of art portraying clergy, especially Roman Catholic clergy, in unflattering contexts. It was especially popular in France during the second half of the 19th century, at a time that the anti-clerical message suited the prevailing political mood. Typical paintings show cardinals in their bright red robes engaging in unseemly activities within their lavish private quarters.

Nineteenth and early twentieth century artists known for their anti-clerical art include Francesco Brunery, Georges Croegaert, Charles Édouard Delort, Jehan Georges Vibert, Jules Benoit-Levy and Eduardo Zamacois y Zabala. Masami Teraoka is among the contemporary painters producing anti-clerical art.

Monk and Nun, Dutch master, ca.1700

Non Abiate Paura by Francesco Brunery

Friday by Charles Édouard Delort, private collection

The Amateur Artist by Georges Croegaert, private collection

Returning to the Monastery by Eduardo Zamacois y Zabala, 1868, Carmen Thyssen Museum

...
Wikipedia