Heavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures & Spectacular Saints from the Catacombs by Paul Koudounaris (Hardcover, 2013)

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Heavenly Bodies Cult Treasures Spectacular SaintsAuthor: Paul Koudounaris.

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In 1578 a labyrinth of underground burials was discovered in Rome that contained the remains of thousands of individuals assumed to be early Christian martyrs. The bones were disinterred and sent to many Catholic churches and religious houses in German-speaking Europe to replace holy relics that had been destroyed during the Protestant Reformation. Reassembled by skilled artisans, encrusted with gold and jewels and richly dressed in fantastic costumes, the skeletons were displayed in elaborate public shrines as reminders of the spiritual treasures that awaited the faithful after death. For nearly three centuries these 'Heavenly Bodies' were venerated as miracle-workers and protectors of their communities until doubts about their authenticity surfaced in the modern era. They then became a source of embarrassment for the Church and most were destroyed or hidden away. Critically acclaimed author and photographer Paul Koudounaris brings the catacomb saints out of the darkness with this astonishing volume including arresting images of more than seventy spectacular jeweled skeletons and the fascinating stories of dozens more. This is the first time that some of these incredible relics - both intriguing historical artifacts and masterpieces of artistic craftsmanship in their own right - have appeared in a publication, with Koudounaris gaining unprecedented access to photograph in some of the most secretive religious establishments in Europe. Meticulously researched and beautifully written, this is a tour de force of original cultural history with deepest resonances for a modern audience fascinated by visual representations of death.

Product Identifiers

PublisherThames & Hudson LTD
ISBN-139780500251959
eBay Product ID (ePID)176326240

Product Key Features

Book TitleHeavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures & Spectacular Saints from the Catacombs
AuthorPaul Koudounaris
FormatHardcover
LanguageEnglish
Publication Year2013
Number of Pages192 Pages

Dimensions

Item Height240mm
Item Width170mm
Item Weight860g

Additional Product Features

Title_AuthorPaul Koudounaris
Country/Region of ManufactureUnited Kingdom

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  • Oh my word

    This is amazing. Absolutely brilliant. Excellent research and incredible photos. Totally bonkers!!

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned

  • weird and wonderful bit of quirky history

    Great book, very intriguing and well explained in good detail.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: New

  • Worth every penny

    An amazing photographs an amazing content full of interesting stories.

    Verified purchase: YesCondition: New