Heavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures and Spectacular Saints from the Catacombs

From the publisher, Thames & Hudson:"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.The book includes arresting images of more than seventy spectacular jeweled skeletons and the fascinating stories of dozens more, accompanied by rare archive material. 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."More than a photography book, Heavenly Bodies is a beautifully haunting history of the catacomb saints taken from Rome by the Catholic Church centuries ago. Koudoumaris does a fantastic job of weaving the tale of the discovery of the skeletons, their issue to the towns that revered them, and the eventual, horrific downfall of their esteem. I found the narrative extremely easy to digest, and fascinating on so many levels.Decidedly Gothic in style and feeling, the catacomb saints have been seen as holy relics, and as disgusting displays of hypocrisy. Wisely refusing to engage in a theological debate, Koudoumaris outlines in sympathy the "life" and fate of these exquisitely decorated skeletons.Originally numbering in the hundreds of thousands, these days only a handful of the catacomb saints remain, having been put away in storage or caskets, destroyed, or vandalised. Many have passed out of history all together.Though macabre, the photography was absolutely gorgeous, and the high-quality paper and print of the book made it an absolute pleasure to look through and observe. Something deeply unsettling reaches out through the pictures, as if they are alive in their intimate, reticulated poses, with Koudoumaris's camera portraying the melancholy and sadness in the silence of their altars. Truly one of the best photography books I have seen in a long while, about a subject exceedingly interesting and unique.Though I wish I could show you every photo, I instead insist you go out and get a copy, because it deserves a slot on your bookshelf. While you're waiting for it to be delivered, you can check out this small Pinterest board:http://www.pinterest.com/rollen1000/heavenly-bodies-the-catacomb-saints/

This is a gorgeous book and so interesting! I am planning a trip in August and September to travel to Europe and see as much as I can from this book. After reading this, I felt like all of a sudden, I had a purpose and a dream and if I remember, I’ll post pics here after I return. Thanks to the author for this, and his art in general.

Originally this was going to be a gift but now that I have it, I can't bear to give it up. I'll have to order another copy.I thought I was pretty well-read on Church History but this forgotten footnote managed to pass me on by and I can only apologize to history by watching for it.The content of this book is thoughtful, well-researched and as beautiful and poignant as one of those rare operas where the characters end tragically and happily at the same time. I see many, many reviewers did an excellent job with the contents so I will try to add something new: This book is meant to last as long as these bones. I have rarely seen so much effort put into making the book itself as beautiful and long-lasting as the subject material. When I was caught in a rainstorm the cover was wet for some minutes before I could wipe it off, but my horror was replaced by astonishment to see the paper still perfect. The high level of clays in the color printing will help preserve the images, of which there 105 (90 in color). The pages are sewn tightly and the cover beneath the dust jacket is tight as a brick. Koudounaris created lovely angles to show the humanity of these bones, and demonstrated by closeups how the living cared for them. At worst they were robbed from their rightful resting place to stand as comforting saints; at best they represented the spiritual lifeblood of the people who saw them, and the nuns who decorated them left marks that have long outlived the commands of those who sought to destroy them out of embarrassment. I'm gushing, I know. But books like this simply do not happen every day. Read the beauty and the heartbreak of the past that is still rippling into our present. I will never look at the Protestant/Catholic dynamic the same way ever again.

Years ago, I was lucky enough to visit Vienna, and saw a museum display of saint's finger bones covered in sumptuous fabrics, tiny gold crowns, and gems, set in fascinating vignettes. Try as I might, I couldn't find a book for sale to tell me about these displays. They've never left my mind...then a friend sent me a link to this incredible book. Wow. To finally understand the history of this work, why it was done and by whom, is just wonderful! As an artist with silversmith's training, I can only imagine the hours, weeks, months, and years it took to adorn these skeletons. For the nuns who performed this work, it was the ultimate devotion to their faith. While I've never had that kind of faith, I can imagine and deeply respect the way people truly lived their God every day, in all the tasks of their days. God wasn't something they practiced on a Sunday; instead, they lived in the present, with their faith beside them. And I know that for millions of poor, suffering people, this was the only love, warmth, and safety in their lives. So while I am not a church person--hey I've never even been baptized!--I so respect the church in all of its failings, for giving that to those folks. This book provides a glimpse into the devotion of people who served their God every day of their lives. Some may find the subject bizarre...to dress and adorn skeletons. I think it's lovely and moving. The only criticism I can make of this book is that a larger size would have been awesome. However, that would have pushed the price out of many folks' range, and that would really be a shame. This book is worth the money!