In Medieval and Renaissance Europe, where life expectancy was under
40 and the Catholic Church taught that, after dying, the soul faced
a terrifying and uncertain onward journey, death was a major
cultural preoccupation. This fascinating book sets out the beliefs
surrounding death and the afterlife in a mainly Catholic Europe,
and explores how these shaped attitudes to the visual arts.
Explaining Medieval and Renaissance concepts of the afterlife,
indulgences, purgatory, and salvation, this volume reveals how
people of every background commissioned devotional works and wore
protective amulets, built tombs, and went on pilgrimages - all to
improve their soul's chances after death. Fully illustrated
with images from a wide range of media including sculpture,
jewelry, and painting, this is a unique look at the art of death.
