Heavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures and Spectacular Saints from the Catacombs

Name: Heavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures and Spectacular Saints from the Catacombs
Price: 16.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (522 reviews)

4.9 of 5 Stars: Religious - Heavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures and Spectacular Saints from the Catacombs

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Book Synopsis: An intriguing visual history of the veneration in European churches and monasteries of bejeweled and decorated skeletons. Death has never looked so beautiful. The fully articulated skeleton of a female saint, dressed in an intricate costume of silk brocade and gold lace, withered fingers glittering with colorful rubies, emeralds, and pearls – this is only one of the specially photographed relics featured in Heavenly Bodies. In 1578 news came of the discovery in Rome of a labyrinth of underground tombs, which were thought to hold the remains of thousands of early Christian martyrs. Skeletons of these supposed saints were subsequently sent to Catholic churches and religious houses in German-speaking Europe to replace holy relics that had been destroyed in the wake of the Protestant Reformation. The skeletons, known as “the catacomb saints,” were carefully reassembled, richly dressed in fantastic costumes, wigs, crowns, jewels, and armor, and posed in elaborate displays inside churches and shrines as reminders to the faithful of the heavenly treasures that awaited them after death. Paul Koudounaris gained unprecedented access to religious institutions to reveal these fascinating historical artifacts. Hidden for over a century as Western attitudes toward both the worship of holy relics and death itself changed, some of these ornamented skeletons appear in publication here for the first time. 105 illustrations, 90 in color. Read more

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Discover the captivating world of Heavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures and Spectacular Saints from the Catacombs. Immerse yourself in an intriguing visual history that explores the veneration of bejeweled and decorated skeletons in European churches and monasteries. Uncover the beauty in death as you witness the fully articulated skeleton of a female saint, adorned in an intricate costume of silk brocade and gold lace. Picture her withered fingers adorned with colorful rubies, emeralds, and pearls. This book, filled with specially photographed relics, will transport you to a world unseen.

With the discovery of a labyrinth of underground tombs in Rome in 1578, thousands of early Christian martyrs' remains were unearthed. These skeletons, known as "the catacomb saints," were meticulously reassembled, dressed in incredible costumes, and adorned with wigs, crowns, jewels, and armor. They were positioned in elaborate displays within churches and shrines, serving as reminders of the heavenly treasures awaiting the faithful in the afterlife.

Renowned author Paul Koudounaris has gained unprecedented access to religious institutions to bring you these awe-inspiring historical artifacts. For over a century, these ornamented skeletons lay hidden as Western attitudes toward the worship of holy relics and death evolved. Now, you have the chance to witness them for the first time in stunning detail.

Immerse yourself in the vivid imagery of Heavenly Bodies. Delve into the extraordinary world of the catacomb saints with 105 illustrations, 90 of them in vibrant color. Let their beauty and historical significance captivate you. Order your copy of Heavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures and Spectacular Saints from the Catacombs today and embark on a journey like no other.

Order now and experience the fascinating allure of these extraordinary relics.

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