Heavenly Bodies

Heavenly Bodies: Cult Treasures and Spectacular Saints from the Catacombs is a visual history of the veneration of bejeweled and decorated skeletons in European churches and monasteries. The book features specially photographed relics, including the fully articulated skeleton of a female saint, dressed in an intricate costume of silk brocade and gold lace, with glittering rubies, emeralds, and pearls. In the 16th century, thousands of early Christian martyrs were believed to be buried in a labyrinth of underground tombs in Rome. Their skeletons were subsequently sent to Catholic churches and religious houses in German-speaking Europe, where they were carefully reassembled and displayed in elaborate displays. These "catacomb saints" were richly dressed in fantastic costumes, wigs, crowns, jewels, and armor, and were used as reminders of the heavenly treasures that awaited the faithful after death. Paul Koudounaris gained unprecedented access to religious institutions to reveal these fascinating historical artifacts, which have been hidden for over a century. Some of these ornamented skeletons appear in publication here for the first time, offering a unique glimpse into a fascinating and little-known aspect of European history.